A Guide To The Best Heating Pad For Menstrual Cramps
Contents
- Heating Pad For Menstrual Cramps Comparison Chart
- Best Period Heating Pads Reviewed
- 1. ThermaCare Menstrual Cramp Relief Heat Wraps
- 2. Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever
- 3. Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad
- 4. My Heating Pad-Hot Therapy Pack
- 5. Natural Amethyst Thermotherapy Infrared by JIC Gem
- Other Ways to Ease Menstrual Cramps
- Wear Loose Clothing
- Stay Hydrated
- Take It Easy
- Give Into Your Cravings
- See a Doctor
- Conclusion
- Sources
Menstrual cramps are just another factor women have to deal with when it comes to monthly cycles.
We’ve been looking to painkillers to help during this uncomfortable, and sometimes even debilitating period symptom, but we don’t have to keep turning to medications to calm our aches and pains.
Heat is a simple home remedy that health services such as MedlinePlus and the NHS suggest for period pain, alongside exercise and over-the-counter pain relievers.
If you want to try to avoid painkillers, our guide to the best heating pad for menstrual cramps will help you find something comfortable and convenient for you.
Heating Pad For Menstrual Cramps Comparison Chart
| Image | Model | Reusable | Heated | Qty | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Heating Pad-Hot Therapy Pack | My Heating Pad-Hot Therapy Pack | Yes | Microwave | 1 | $$$ | |
| Natural Amethyst Thermotherapy Infrared by JIC Gem | Natural Amethyst Thermotherapy Infrared by JIC Gem | Yes | Microwave | 1 | $$$ | |
| Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever | Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever | Yes | Microwave | 1 | $$$ | |
| Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad | Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad | Yes | Microwave | 1 | $$$ | |
| ThermaCare Menstrual Cramp Relief Heat Wraps | ThermaCare Menstrual Cramp Relief Heat Wraps | No | Air activated | 3 | $$$ |
Best Period Heating Pads Reviewed
1. ThermaCare Menstrual Cramp Relief Heat Wraps
Not one of your traditional electric heating pads, the ThermaCare stick on heating wrap is an easy choice for when you have to move around.
If you absolutely have to be on the move when cramps hit, these are a great choice to go for as you won’t be tied down or have any bulky, noticeable pads on your abdomen.
They’re really thin, enough to wear under clothing, and three come in a pack.
The downside is you can’t control the level of heat, and the maker says they provide heat for up to eight hours. Follow the package directions, since heat wraps can still irritate or burn sensitive skin.
Some have described it as a little pricey, especially since you throw them away after one use, but others have called it a “Gift from the Gods” because of how well they work.
This is the best heating pad for on the go use.
2. Nature Creation Menstrual Cramps Reliever
If you thought using heating pads were a natural approach already, wait until you see this product by Nature Creation.
Filled with 10 herbs and grains that can be heated in the microwave for one minute, 15 seconds or cooled in the freezer for one to two hours, this pack can be used warm or cold.
It’s designed specifically for the abdomen or lower back and can be strapped on with a handy Velcro strap. It comes with a purple flowery design.
It’s reusable, but the herbs and grains don’t last forever, so check the maker’s guidance on when to replace it.
This is the best heating pad choice for those who want to keep things natural!
3. Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad
This heating pad by Sunbeam has UltraHeat technology, which the maker says heats up fast and holds a steady temperature.
It’s controlled easily with a slide control and switch.
There isn’t anything complicated. The light blue cover is machine washable. The whole heating pad measures 12 x 15 inches, which may be bulky for some, but can be folded comfortably onto the lap/abdomen.
Its steady heat and simple controls make it our pick for an electric heating pad.
Use the lowest setting that helps, and choose a pad with auto shut-off if you might doze off. MedlinePlus warns never to fall asleep with a heating pad on.
4. My Heating Pad-Hot Therapy Pack
This small 12 x 6 inches rectangular heating pad by My Heating Pad is ideal for the abdomen area.
It weighs 2.5 lbs., giving the perfect amount of pressure that can be comfortable in those painful moments.
One side is fleece and the other is cotton, giving even more comfort on those cold nights.
This pad is just heated up in the microwave for one and a half to two minutes. It’s filled with rice, and that’s what you’ll smell when you heat it up!
Follow the heating directions and test the temperature before use, since microwaved packs can develop hot spots.
5. Natural Amethyst Thermotherapy Infrared by JIC Gem
Safe and easy to use, JIC Gem have a portable infrared heating pad. The maker says it uses far infrared heat and “oxygen ion therapy” to soothe cramps.
There’s no good evidence that amethyst, ions or “quantum” technology add anything beyond the warmth itself, so think of it as a well-made microwavable heat pack.
There’s a soft cover that you need to remove before putting the inner layer into the microwave and heat (for no longer than 90 seconds).
No electricity needed!
Other Ways to Ease Menstrual Cramps
The comfort and relief that a heating pad for cramps can bring can make all the difference to your periods, but there are other things you can do to minimise the discomfort, too.
Wear Loose Clothing
This one might go without saying, but when you’ve got all that going on inside you, don’t make it worse by constricting yourself by wearing tight clothes, as they can hinder your circulation.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough fluids is good for you any time, and warm drinks can feel soothing during your period.
Take It Easy
Most of us don’t have the luxury of being able to take time off work when our periods strike, but if you can, try and do the bare minimum for a day or two and don’t go in any earlier or leave any later than you have to. You won’t be able to concentrate, so there’s not much point!
Don’t be afraid to cancel plans if you just can’t face getting off the sofa, you almost definitely won’t enjoy yourself if you’ve got cramps, and you won’t be great company, either.
Give Into Your Cravings
If there’s a food your body is telling you it needs, don’t be afraid to give in and indulge a little.
See a Doctor
If your menstrual cramps are really taking their toll month after month, affecting your ability to perform at work and your social life, then consult a medical professional.
Also see a doctor if the pain is severe or getting worse, painkillers don’t help, or you have heavier or irregular periods, bleeding between periods, fever or unusual discharge.
Conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids can cause painful periods and need a proper diagnosis.
Conclusion
Before those next set of cramps start, keep a heating pad handy. Heat can ease cramps on its own or alongside an over-the-counter pain reliever.
The best heating pad is the one that suits your lifestyle best, so consider one of the heating pads on our list to keep handy the next time mother nature hits.
Sources
- Painful menstrual periods, MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Period pain, NHS
