Oh no, it is that time of the month again! When your period comes to knock at your door, it sure makes your mood change! We are sure there are tonnes of women who have bad times with periods. Periods may affect your day, mood, and daily routines. YA! Today’s topic will discuss the Top 10 Best Period Products Malaysia that you will never expect make your cycle better.
What are periods?
Most women have periods. The period is also known as menstruation. The period is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s menstruation cycle. A normal cycle consists of 28 days. However, this is different between people.
When do periods start?
Periods usually begins when a girl enters puberty. That is when the body starts sending hormones to the ovaries to mature. This maturation also means that a woman is ready and able to bear children. Without pregnancy, the uterus lining breaks down and is removed from the body through the period.
You may have seen women close to you having difficult periods every month. What makes having a period so hard?
- Painful cramps
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Body aches and soreness
- Tender breasts
- Acne
- Bloating
- Mood swings
- Disturbed sleep
- Hunger
These are some symptoms during a period, but some women experience slight symptoms a week before their period starts. This is called the premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Many experts do not know why some women have painful periods. Listed are some possible reasons that may cause more pain during periods:
- Heavy blood flow
- Too much of and too sensitive to prostaglandins (hormones that cause cramps)
- Just starting your period
- Growth in the womb (example: cyst)
- Endometriosis, an abnormal uterine tissue growth
What are the 10 best period products Malaysia?
We are here to help! Attached below are top 10 best period products Malaysia that can help with a better period. It also includes some very important tips, okay? So be sure to read on!
The easiest and most direct method to reduce period pains is to take some medications. Some examples of painkillers are paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work by reducing the prostaglandin hormones in the body and will help reduce cramping and pain. Of course, if your period pains are being caused by something more than just common cramps, you may want to seek medical advice for further treatment. Extra painful cramps may be due to certain medical issues.
Taking painkillers does not mean you are weak. Nor does it show that you are dependent on medications. If painkillers help to reduce pain, why not? Painkillers also do not harm the body. You can put your mind at ease.
Get your over-the-counter painkillers product here: Panadol Menstrual Tablets, Uphamol Menstrual Tablets.
*Note: stronger pain killers such as NSAIDs should be obtained over a pharmacy counter.
Did you know that applying heat over the stomach area can help to relieve pain?
A study has shown that women who applied a heat patch of 40°C on the abdomen and lower back had pain relief as effective as taking NSAIDs. Some heating patches are so easy to use too! Just stick it to your tummy and it will release heat. You can buy your heating pad or make one yourself!
Well, well, well! Who knew that we needed the heat? Need a heating pad? Take a look at these: Hot Water Bag with Cute Plush Cover, Hot Water Bag with Cute Plush Cover, Menstruation Electronic Warmer Belt, Reusable Hot or Cold Pack, Go Go Pain Menstrual Heat Patch.
DIY your heating pad:
i. Use some cloth and sew them into a pouch. Leave a hole at the top of the pouch.
ii. Fill the pouch with uncooked rice and sew up the hole.
iii. Microwave the pouch for a few minutes. Make sure not to overheat it!
iv. Cool it if it is too hot. You can wrap it with another towel to reduce the amount of heat transferred to your skin.
v. Reuse as many times as you want!
Fish oil is the fat or oil from oily fish tissue. The main ingredient of fish oil is omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids – EPA and DHA are very good for health, especially for the heart. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil are also able to help with periods.
It is suggested by research that omega-3 fatty acids may be useful in reducing period pain. This is because omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects. When inflammation is reduced, pain is reduced too. It can also help to reduce the use of painkillers during periods.
Tip: To choose high-grade fish oil, do turn to the labels and look at the EPA and DHA content! The amount on the name of the fish oil does not mean the true amount of EPA and DHA.
These brands of fish oils are some of our Malaysian favourites. Check them out: VitaHealth VitaEPA Fish Oil, Pristin Gold Omega 3 Fish Oil, Blackmores Omega 3 Fish Oil.
Evening primrose oil is made from the seeds of a flower that is unique to North America. It is a supplement for women’s general health and breastfeeding mothers. It is thought that EPO is effective in PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast pain and bloating. Some researchers believe that certain women have more PMS symptoms as their body is more sensitive to prolactin, a hormone usually produced before periods. EPO is found to be able to decrease these prolactin levels. Taking EPO added with vitamin E is even better in reducing PMS symptoms.
Fun fact: Did you know that EPO can help to reduce acne?
If you are thinking of giving EPO a try: Bio Life Evening Primrose Oil with Vitamin E, Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil.
Yup, you did not get it wrong. Most people always think that calcium and vitamin D are only good for bones. Both calcium and vitamin D are very useful for women’s health too! These nutrients are what we need in our daily lives, but most women do not get enough of them from foods.
Calcium and vitamin D work together to produce the best effects. A few studies have shown that women who took calcium daily starting from the 15th day of a menstrual cycle till bleeding ends have lesser pain. Low vitamin D levels in the women’s body are also linked with period pains. You should get your daily doses of vitamin D from early morning sunlight. You can also obtain calcium from dairy products, sardines, and salmon too.
Boost your daily calcium and vitamin D intake with Caltrate 600 Plus, VitaHealth Calcium Plus, Subrex Calcium D3. By taking these supplements, you get the benefits of two in one!
Fun fact: Vitamin D is produced in the skin when you are out in the early morning sunshine!
Did you know that magnesium is such an important mineral in the body? It helps to make over 300 enzyme systems work. It is also used to build many different parts of a healthy body. Magnesium is present from the building of cell genetics to the control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
It was found that when women take magnesium with vitamin B6, it is one of the best ways to reduce PMS symptoms! That means less water retention, cramps, and tiredness. Enough magnesium in the body also lowers the risk of having endometriosis. Some sources of magnesium are almonds, cashews, spinach, and peanuts.
Here are some magnesium supplements just in case you do not have enough of them from foods: Blackmores Magnesium, Herbs of Gold Magnesium, GNC Magnesium.
Fun fact: Magnesium helps to boost your daily energy levels!
Massages can help to relieve soreness in the body muscles. It is not a surprise that it is also able to help with period cramps. Research showed that a massage of 20 minutes help to relieve period pains immediately. Move your hands and massage around the stomach, side, and back to relieve cramps.
Adding essential oils into massages may have extra benefits. The results of one study showed that a group of women who used essential oils in their massages have lesser amount and shorter duration of pain compared to those who did not. In this research, a mixture of lavender, clary sage and marjoram oil are used. You can mix your own or buy similar essential oils. However, be sure to mix one drop of essential oil with a carrier oil. Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
It’s time for some ‘me’ time! Essential oils like HIQILI Essential Oil (Assorted) and Doterra Essential Oil (Assorted) for a good massage time. You will feel good and smell good as well.
If you are looking out for a treatment that does not require extra pills, the TENS machine is another good option to relieve period pain. The TENS machine has been quite useful in the treatment and relief of different body aches and pains related to nerves and muscles. The great news is that TENS also works for period pain.
TENS is non-invasive and drug-free. Pads on the TENS unit are placed on the back, close to the areas of pain. Soothing pulses are sent via the pads to the skin and towards the nerve fibres. These pulses help to halt pain signals to the brain. The body is also encouraged in this way to produce natural pain-killing hormones.
There are many different forms of TENS machines in the market. Different machines offer various levels of pulses, screen size, function and being wired or wireless.
Relief your period pains with Beurer Digital TENS Unit or iReliev TENS Unit. You should give it a try too!
You may have heard of chamomile tea! It is quite popular nowadays. People drink it especially for its calming effects. Chamomile is a type of herb that looks like daisy flowers. It has an earthy, sweet taste. Chamomile tea is consumed as a natural remedy for many health conditions for a long time. It is also filled with antioxidants that can give you a healthy body and lowers the risk of diseases.
Some researchers have linked the possible reduction of period cramps with the use of chamomile tea. It is reported that chamomile tea increases a form of nerve relaxant which helps to relieve muscle cramps during periods. Plus, chamomile has a calming effect for a good rest. You should sip two cups of chamomile tea per day a week before your period begins.
Time to sip some chamomile with Twinings Pure Camomile Tea and Dilmah Pure Chamomile Tea. Place tea bag in a glass of hot water to make chamomile tea.
Tip to relax: How bout a cup of chamomile tea with a book to read?
Traditional medicine which included herbs in the natural remedy has been thought to be able to help with period pains. As most of our moms will say, “Try this old recipe from my mom, it will help!” Here are some very common herbs that you can find in your kitchen that can relieve your period pains.
i. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most common herbs you can find in the kitchen. Furthermore, as Asians, it is sure that ginger is present as an important part of our lives. Ginger is among one of the healthiest spices that are on this planet.
Ginger has been long known as a traditional medicine too. It has been commonly used to fight flu and the common cold, aid in digestion and reduce nausea. What makes ginger a great herb? That is because it contains gingerol. Gingerol gives its unique fragrance and flavour. It is also responsible for all the wonderful medicinal properties. Gingerol is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Ginger has also been traditionally used for pain relief during periods. In a study, women were asked to take either ginger or NSAIDs during the first three days of their period for pain relief. It was found that ginger is as good as painkillers in reducing period pains!
Some ways to consume ginger:
- Fresh ginger tea (small piece of ginger into hot water)
- Ginger chicken/ lemon-ginger chicken
ii. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, anti-cramping and anti-clotting properties which can relieve period pain and bleed. It can also reduce nausea and vomiting during periods. Drink two to three cups of cinnamon tea a few days before your period starts to prevent those cramps. Or you can drink it three times on the day of your period.
To make cinnamon tea:
Recipe before your period starts:
Add one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a cup of warm water. Stir well and let it sit for five minutes. Add in some honey and sip slowly.
Recipe for the first day of your period:
Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with one tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Stir well to drink.
If you do not enjoy cinnamon taste, you can try cinnamon capsules instead. Take cinnamon capsules three times a day during the first three days of the period. It will help with cramps a whole lot. You can get VitaHealth Fenugreek & Cinnamon Capsules here.
iii. Turmeric
Turmeric is closely related to ginger. Curcumin, a natural compound in turmeric may be able to help with PMS. Even though there are no studies that conclude turmeric alone can help with period pains, but research does show that adding turmeric to pain-relievers helps to boost its availability in the body. Hence, adding turmeric to painkillers makes the medication work better.
Turmeric is also able to help relax muscles to prevent those bad cramps. Add turmeric to your ginger drink or foods in your daily life can help with a better period. If you do not enjoy the taste or smell, there are turmeric supplements that can help.
Turmeric supplements can be bought here: VitaHealth Tumercumin, 21st Century Tumeric.
Tips for a better period
My period is irregular (more or less than usual). Why is it so?
Causes of an irregular period vary. It can be a medical or non-medical condition. These are some possible causes:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Changing certain medications/ birth control pills (hormones)
- Too much exercise
- Pregnancy/ breastfeeding
- Stress
- Thyroid problems
- Uterine fibroids
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
It is quite common for women to have irregular periods. But if irregular periods persist for a few months, you should seek professional help from an Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist for further investigation. Having advice helps to solve your problems and reduces worry. Doctors may give you medications to help with your condition too. With regular check-ups and medication, periods pains can be reduced.
I have frequent cramps and it is painful. Any tips to help with this other than using different best period products Malaysia?
You should try to avoid foods that may cause bloating and water retention such as:
- Fatty food
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeinated drinks
- Salty foods
Removing these foods from your diet during periods can help to ease cramps and decrease tension in the abdominal area. Try warm or hot drinks such as ginger tea or hot lemon water.
Choose a diet filled with foods that can help reduce period pain. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals so give them a try!
- Flax seed: high in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce pain during periods.
- Walnuts/ almonds/ pumpkin seeds: rich in manganese which decreases cramps.
- Olive oil: contains vitamin E that can ease PMS symptoms.
- Brown rice: filled with vitamin B6 that reduces bloating.
- Boron-filled foods (avocados, chickpeas, bananas, prunes): boron helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus which are important to reduce cramps.
Drink more water during your period! Water keeps the body from retention and helps you avoid bloating. Warm or hot water should be consumed as heat can increase blood flow and relax cramped muscles in the abdomen. If water is not your favourite, try these foods that are filled with water instead: lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelons, and berries.
Should I exercise during my period? I heard people say that it may cause heavier bleeding.
Well, exercise may not be the best tip for everyone. So why is it still a tip to help reduce period pain? That is because exercise can release happy hormones which helps the body relax and fight pain. Research suggests that exercise is almost as effective as painkillers. You should try out gentle to moderate activities such as yoga and walking. Both are beneficial during periods. Some of the best yoga poses to make you feel better would be the bridge, the staff pose, and the cat pose. These poses stretch your body and helps you feel relaxed.
Exercises like these do not cause heavier periods. You may feel that you are bleeding more than usual because exercise increases blood flow. In fact, you do not bleed more than you usually do.
Are there any ways to help me relax besides exercising?
Yes, there are! Sleep quality is important for a better period. It has been reported that losing or disturbed sleep caused more period pains, and this will affect daily activities. So, this is a great time for you to start practising good sleeping habits. Sleep earlier and go to bed at about the same time every night. Your body will automatically tell you that it is time to sleep. Well, no excuses to sleep late at night! To fall asleep better, try lighting a scented candle. Lavender would be calming!
Another way to relax is to take a warm bath. A warm bath promotes better blood circulation and helps you to sleep better. If you do have a bathtub at home, add some essential oils into the bath and soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes. Warm baths can also remove stress from your daily lives. Less stress, more relax.
Electronics is a no before sleep. You should stop watching videos on your TV, smartphones, tablet, and any other screen an hour before sleep. You may be thinking that this will help you to relax but the truth is – it doesn’t, and it will affect your sleep. Try putting on some calming music or read a book before sleeping. A good sleep, a better period! Who would have thought that a good sleep can help?
Fun Facts about Periods
- A woman has more than 400 periods in her whole life.
- Did you know that orgasms can make your cramps feel better?
- Tampons were first patented by a guy in 1931.
- A woman tends to spend more money during her period.
- You are likely to stain every single underwear.
- Kotex once funded Disney to create a short clip called “The Story of Menstruation” in the 1940s.
Conclusion
Having a period is natural. Period pains cannot be removed totally either. However, periods should be an easier monthly event for every single woman. Women deserve to have a pain-free period that does not affect their daily activities. It is wonderful to know that there are ways to help reduce period pain. Do give these 10 best period products Malaysia a try and practise some of the tips. These will help you to have an easier period! Say NO to a difficult period!