Period pain relief ideas for your teen

Cramp relief tips and when to seek help

Quick summary

1️⃣ Period cramps can range from mild discomfort to severe pain – providing the right support can make a big difference

2️⃣ Effective period pain relief methods include using heating pads, gentle movement, getting enough sleep, and pain relief medication

3️⃣ If period pain becomes severe or disrupts your teen’s life, seeking medical advice is important to rule out underlying conditions

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If your teen struggles with period pain, you’re not alone in wanting to help – it can be a really tough time for some.

Menstrual cramps can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

Knowing how to provide period pain relief can make a big difference in your teen’s experience and overall wellbeing.

What does period pain feel like?

Period cramps, or dysmenorrhoea, can range from a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs.

They can start just before or at the beginning of a period and can last a few minutes  to a few days.

While cramps are common, excessive pain that disrupts your teen’s life isn't something they have to put up – we’ll touch on when it’s a good idea in this case to seek medical help later in the article.

Below, we’ll explore effective period cramp relief strategies to help your teen feel better.

What helps period pain immediately?

If your teen needs fast relief from period cramps, try recommending these strategies:

• Use heating pads for cramps: applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the abdomen can help the brain to focus on temperature rather than pain helping us to relax – a warm bath can also help
• Encourage gentle movement: light stretching, walking, or yoga can provide distraction and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers – if you need to get your teen into exercise, luna's got a great guide to help you with that
• Offer pain relief medication: over-the-counter period pain medication, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help alleviate discomfort (remember to always read the instructions for the dosage and how to take these)
• Massage the abdomen: gently massaging the lower stomach in circular motions can help

What is the best pain relief for period pain?

Honestly, different methods work for different people.

But the best cramp relief options often include a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication if necessary.

Part of your teen's period journey will be figure out what works best for them, so try to encourage them to reflect on this.

The most effective period pain relief strategies

👉 Heat

Using heating pads for cramps is one of the most effective ways to ease discomfort.

Heat helps relax uterine muscles and improve blood flow, reducing pain.

If your teen doesn’t have a heating pad, a warm towel or hot water bottle works just as well.

👉 Exercise

While exercising might be the last thing your teen feels like doing, even gentle movement can provide relief.

Activities like:

• Yoga
• Stretching
• A short walk
• Light swimming

can all help release endorphins, which naturally reduce pain.

👉 Sleep

Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, but during their period their body is working extra hard.

Ensuring they get quality sleep will help with recovery and reduce any fatigue-related discomfort.

👉 Massage

Massaging the lower abdomen with gentle pressure can improve circulation and alleviate pain.

Encourage your teen to try:

• Circular motions with the palm
• Applying pressure with fingertips for 60–90 seconds
• Using essential oils, like lavender, to enhance relaxation

👉 Medication

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and paracetamol can be very effective in reducing period pain.

If using medication:

• Follow dosage instructions carefully
• Consider alternating between ibuprofen and paracetamol for better pain management
• Ensure ibuprofen is taken after food to avoid stomach irritation

Why do periods hurt so badly?

The pain from period cramps is caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining.

The hormone-like substances called prostaglandins trigger these contractions.

The higher the prostaglandin levels, the more intense the cramps.

In some cases, severe period pain may be linked to underlying conditions such as:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Uterine fibroids

It's worth saying that if your teen’s pain is unbearable, lasts longer than usual, or causes them to miss school or activities, it’s important to consult a doctor.

When to see a doctor about period pain

While some discomfort is normal, severe period pain isn’t something your teen should just "put up with".

Seek medical advice if:

• Pain is severe enough to disrupt daily life e.g. stop them from attending school
• Pain relief methods aren’t effective – ibuprofen and paracetamol aren't working
• There are other symptoms like heavy bleeding, feeling sick, or dizziness
• Periods have suddenly become much more painful than before

A doctor can check whether an underlying condition is causing the pain and recommend the best treatment options.

How can you support your teen with their period pain?

Supporting your teen through their period isn’t just about cramp relief – it’s about helping them feel understood and cared for.

By encouraging healthy habits, having open conversations, and offering emotional support, you can help them manage their period.

Know that every teen experiences periods differently, and if you yourself are a menstruator they can also be different from what you experience(d).

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Hopefully by trying the methods luna has outlined, you can help them find what works best for their body.

Just know that if period pain becomes unmanageable, you don’t need hesitate to seek medical guidance – doctors are well-trained and happy to support, and treat people with these kinds of struggles all the time.