Tips from real women

We’ve asked real women to share their top tips on how to beat period pains and pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

Abby

Try and do some yoga stretches to ease your period pain. A warm, relaxing bath with lavender oil can work wonders too. I also use a wheat bag that you can put in the microwave – it stays warm for ages and is really soothing.

Monique

I know a lot of women avoid swimming when they’re on their period, but I love it and using a tampon is fine. Swimming really stretches you out (lying down in the steam room afterwards feels great too!).

Emma

You can’t beat a nice hot bath then straight into the PJs (warmed up on the radiator!), then a lovely mug of hot chocolate. If I’m feeling a bit more adventurous a brisk stroll around the park can help me feel better too.

Hannah

A cup of tea, some chocolate biscuits and a good film! Always makes me feel more human.

Kate

I keep a diary and note down the time of the month I expect to start feeling miserable so I can plan things that make me happy. It also helps to let your boyfriend know when you’ll start getting grumpy so he knows it’s nothing personal!

Sarah

Exercise with LOTS of water followed by a relaxing bath with nice bath oils.

Jo

I’ve learnt to never buy clothes just before my period as nothing feels right!

I also avoid any confrontation when I’ve got PMT, and I try and be nice to myself when I’m feeling a little low. A good gossip with the girls, my favourite mag and bar of chocolate does it for me.

Vicki

When you have period cramps the first thing you feel like doing is curling up in a ball either in bed or on the sofa. I try sitting or standing up straight though, as it’s much better for your reproductive organs not to be doubled up! Massaging the sore area can relieve the cramps too.

Natalie

My tip would be running. Even if it’s just a 10-minute jog it gets your muscles going and the endorphins too, which can really help if you’ve got period pains. The hardest bit is motivating myself to put my trainers on and get out the door, but once I’m outside it really helps – both physically and mentally.