Periods. A natural part of life, yet often accompanied by discomfort, cramps, and a general sense of ‘ugh’. But what if you could minimise the pain—and maximise your comfort?
As someone who’s navigated the ups and downs of menstrual cramps, I’ve often found myself searching for that magic solution to make periods a little more bearable. For many women, periods aren’t just a monthly inconvenience – they can disrupt daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being.
I understand this pain. That’s why I asked the women of Marie Claire Nigeria (MCN) to share their top tips and tricks for a more comfortable, pain-free period. So, grab a heating pad (just kidding, you might not need it after reading this!) and let’s dive into our go-to tips and tricks for taming the beast that is menstrual cramps.
From lifestyle tweaks to holistic rituals, here’s what MCN women swear by to help you feel less cramp-y during your time of the month.
“I live soda-free” — Oyindamola
I never expected quitting soda to transform my menstrual experience, but it did. Before January 2022, I battled debilitating cramps, headaches, and intense breast pain. But after taking on a soda-free challenge, I noticed a remarkable shift.
I remember my mum asking if I’d started my period, because she hadn’t heard me complain about cramps. This became my new normal. After the initial year-long soda-free commitment, I chose to ditch soda permanently, and I haven’t looked back since. Now, I only get slight discomfort, nothing like the horrifying pain I used to get.
While there isn’t enough evidence to prove that quitting soda is directly tied to having pain-free periods, research by News Medical reveals that carbonated soft drinks can increase the severity of menstrual pain.
“I haven’t had cramps in almost two years” — Denise
Our Acting Managing Editor, Denise, has lived pain-free, but that wasn’t always the case. Her experience with anti-anxiety and anti-depressive medication had unintended consequences on her menstrual cycle. Between 2020 and 2023, she struggled with cramps, bloating, and other PMS symptoms. Despite relying on ginger tea, hot water bags, and paracetamol, Denise felt like her periods were controlling her life.
Denise explains that after stopping the medication in December 2023, her body began to heal. She recalls, “I quit, and my body returned to normal – blood pressure and periods included.” Today, Denise enjoys pain-free periods that last just 2.5 to 3 days. “As God’s favourite, I don’t have menstrual cramps or stressful periods altogether,” she says, reflecting on her newfound freedom.
While quitting doctor’s orders may not always be advisable, reports show that more women are ditching medicine and taking the alternative approach to dealing with women-related health issues.
Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of flouting expert medical advice or care.
“I’m not one of God’s strongest soldiers” — Tobi
Tobi, our Content Editor, reveals that her experience with menstrual cramps has been dynamic, shifting over time. She recalls that in her younger years, they were “tolerable, since they were very light and did not affect my daily life.” However, as she got older, the intensity of her cramps increased, particularly on the first day of her period.
Now, her cramps vary in severity from month to month. Some months bring physical and mental exhaustion with minimal cramps, while others are marked by debilitating pain. On heavy days, she relies on ibuprofen, using it sparingly but strategically. “I don’t play with ibuprofen,” she admits, “From the moment I feel the first tremors of cramps, I’ve already swallowed the pill.”
“Hot meals for a better flow” — Esther
As a PCOS warrior, our Copy Editor reveals she’s never relied on medication to alleviate her period cramps. Instead, Esther chooses to let her body navigate its natural rhythm. “I usually let the cramps run their course,” she says, acknowledging that the pain is most intense on the first and second days. Rather than reaching for pills, she finds solace in simple, comforting rituals that promote relaxation.
At home, she creates a soothing sanctuary during her period. “I shower three times a day, drink hot pap or custard to help the flow, and try to relax as much as possible,” she shares. Often, this means embracing a day of quiet contemplation, allowing herself to unwind and recharge. She also finds a sense of calm amidst the discomfort by tuning into her body’s needs.
“Hot baths and tummy rubs”— Wumi
For some women, nothing works and our Fashion & Beauty Editor, Wumi, says she’s had to persevere. She approaches her monthly cycle with a mix of anticipation and resilience, knowing that each month brings its own unique challenges. “I just ride it out,” she says, having learned to adapt to the varying intensity of her period cramps.
With ulcers limiting her options for heavy painkillers, and a general aversion to medication, she’s found solace in more gentle remedies. A warm bath followed by a soothing tummy rub can provide enough relief for her to relax, if only briefly.
As she navigates the discomfort, she also finds comfort in warm compresses that occasionally lull her into a light sleep – though the pain inevitably awakens her again. Her strategy becomes one of mental escape, seeking to transcend the physical pain through sheer will. “I just try to escape the pain mentally throughout the period,” she reflects.
As we wrap up this sharing of secrets and strategies, we hope you’ve found inspiration and practical tips to manage your period cramps. To every woman reading this, we see you, we hear you, and we’re rooting for you. We hope you discover new ways to nurture your body and soul during your menstrual cycle.
