Using Signal Relief Patches to Alleviate Menstrual Cramps

Using Signal Relief Patches for Period Cramp Relief

Menstrual cramps can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely painful for many women. Finding convenient and effective solutions to relieve that monthly agony brings welcome respite. Signal relief patches have emerged as an easy-to-use treatment specifically targeting period cramps.

How Do Signal Relief Patches Work?

Signal relief patches contain the active ingredients menthol and camphor to deliver temporary pain relief right where you need it - your lower abdomen. These ingredients provide a cooling, tingling sensation that distracts your nerves from sensing cramping and muscle spasms.

The patch adheres directly to skin right below your belly button. The ingredients slowly diffuse out of the pad right to the source of discomfort. This site-specific application prevents taking oral painkillers that distribute medication throughout your whole system.

Benefits of Signal Relief Patches

Signal relief patches offer convenient and customizable features that make them a top choice for managing period cramps:

• Site-specific application right on the skin for direct, targeted relief
• Hands-free and mess-free compared to ointments or creams
• Small and discreet for wearing under clothing
• Provides cooling sensations to "trick" nerves and distract from cramping
• Calming aromas from essential oils induce relaxation
• Can be worn during work, school, exercise, or sleep
• Easy to adjust patch location or reapply as needed
• Non-habit forming and low risk of side effects

Types of Signal Relief Patches

Several product varieties exist when searching for the best signal relief patches to alleviate your period cramps:

Menthol-Camphor Relief Patches

The most common formulation contains the simple but effective combination of natural menthol and camphor oils in an adhesive patch. The cooling ingredients provide temporary distraction from cramping.

Medicated Menthol Patches

Some brands add an extra therapeutic boost with ingredients like methyl salicylate, capsaicin, and lidocaine layered into the menthol-camphor formula. These give an anti-inflammatory effect alongside the cooling sensations.

Essential Oil Blend Patches

For women seeking an all-natural approach, patches infused with various blends of cramp-relieving essential oils can provide relief without medicinal ingredients. Common oils include clary sage, lavender, rosemary and sweet marjoram.

Using Signal Relief Patches Safely and Effectively

To properly use signal relief patches for the best pain relief outcomes:

• Always carefully read product instructions before applying
• Only use on clean, dry skin without irritation, cuts, or rashes
• Typical placement is just below the navel where cramps localize
• Apply up to 2 patches at a time for 12 hours on, 12 hours off
• Gently massage the patch to activate ingredients after applying
• Reapply a fresh patch if cooling sensation fades before 12 hours
• Avoid using on the same exact skin spot twice in a row
• Stop use if skin redness, burning, or reactions develop
• Don't apply heat like a heating pad directly over patches

Other Ways to Find Menstrual Cramp Relief at Home

In addition to signal relief patches, expanding your toolkit with various non-medical cramp relief tricks can help provide all-encompassing period comfort:

Heat Therapy

One of the simplest go-to solutions for soothing menstrual cramping is applying heat. Heating pads, hot water bottles, microwavable bean bags, or even warm baths relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to ease spasms and contractions.

Massage

Massaging the lower abdomen and back not only physically releases tight muscles contributing to cramps but also enhances relaxation. Try slow circular rubbing right below the navel where cramps localize. Having a partner gently massage the lower back also releases tension.

DIY Essential Oil Blends

Creating your own custom essential oil blend to massage into the skin provides natural cramp relief without needing patches or pads. Oils like clary sage, sweet marjoram, cinnamon, and ginger when diluted properly in a carrier oil work to soothe and unwind knotted muscles.

Orgasm

Having an orgasm releases feel-good endorphins while simultaneously inducing waves of muscle contractions powerful enough to expel uterine lining and cramp-inducing compounds. While it may be the last thing you feel like doing while in pain, climaxing Really can provide true cramp relief.

Stay Hydrated

Making a conscious effort to drink extra fluids during your period minimizes bloating and inflammation contributing to cramps. Opt for lots of water and herbal tea versus sugary or caffeinated beverages that can worsen discomfort. Keep your water bottle on hand to remember frequent sipping.

Take a Magnesium Supplement

Many women become deficient in magnesium levels right before menstruation when estrogen levels decline sharply. Missing magnesium allows muscles to seize up into tight bundles causing severe cramping. Taking an oral supplement for a few days leading up to and during your period helps ward off deficiency.

Stretching

Incorporating light stretches that gently lengthen and open up clenched abdominal muscles helps provide relief when cramps flare up. The cow cat pose, child’s pose, and knee to chest postures in yoga are especially beneficial for relaxing pelvic tension.

Get Moving with Light Exercise

While high intensity workouts seem out of the question when severe cramping hits, gentle and slow mobility helps relax the body. Try going for a leisurely walk outdoors, doing restorative yoga flows, riding a stationary bike at an easy pace, or foam rolling parts of the body carrying tension related to cramps.

Manage Stress Levels with Relaxation Practices

Unmanaged everyday stress often manifests in the physical symptoms of pelvic pain and cramping during your period. Actively focusing on lowering stress through meditation, deep breathing, listening to soothing music, distraction techniques, or laughing decreases tension that further aggravates cramps.

When to See Your Doctor for Menstrual Cramp Relief

Most women experience occasional strong cramping during their periods responding well to at-home remedies or over-the-counter NSAID use. But in some cases, severe or unremitting pain warrants further evaluation by your healthcare provider:

• Cramps worsen or become intolerable over time instead of improving
• Pain persists throughout the entire menstrual cycle, not just during flow
• Bleeding becomes abnormally heavy or lasts over 7 days
• Fevers, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea accompany menstrual cramps
• Cramps disable normal daily activity functioning
• OTC medications, home treatments, diet, and lifestyle changes provide little relief

If your period cramps are unmanageable despite your best efforts, speak to your gynecologist. They can check for underlying problems like fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic infection, or hormonal imbalances contributing to severe cramping and pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.