EASE PERIOD PAIN with exercise

Doubled over with cramps and feeling a bit 'bleurgh'? WF discovers how the right type of movement could help to ease painful periods

- Words: Sarah Sellens

How many times have you heard the phrase 'I've got period cramps'? Probably more than you care to remember, and that's because painful or uncomfortable periods are surprisingly common. Indeed, of the numerous studies on period pain out there, the majority report a figure that sits between 80 and 96 per cent of women experiencing period pain at some stage in their lifetime. It's prolific, so is there more we could be doing to ease the discomfort? Sure - exercise could help ease the pain, but doing the right kind of exercise is key.

'When you move, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters,' explains Dr Kerry Krauss, OB-GYN and senior medical advisor at Natural Cycles (naturalcycles.com). 'Plus, exercise boosts blood flow, helping relax tense uterine muscles, and can even reduce overall inflammation and stress, all of which contribute to easing period discomfort.'

The caveat here is to figure out what's causing your period pain in the first place. A painful period refers to any period that occurs with pain in the lower abdomen, which can range from a mild ache to a severe one and radiate to your lower back and thighs. The pain varies from woman to woman, and can occur a day or two before your period starts. This is all normal. But Dr Krauss notes that pain which limits your ability to function requires a trip to the doctor.