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Menstrual cramps and pain can interfere with people’s regular activities. Heating pads may help soothe menstrual pain by increasing blood flow to the affected areas.
This article explains how heat therapy helps soothe menstrual pain and lists some of the best heating pads for cramps available online.
People who menstruate may experience cramping in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. A person may experience these pains due to uterine muscle contractions that help shed the uterus lining.
Additionally,
Heating pads come in a range of sizes and features. People may wish to consider factors, such as where they need to apply the pad and whether they require portable products, before purchasing.
Please note the writer has not tried these products. All information is research-based and correct at the time of publication.
This mains-powered heating pad can help relieve muscle cramps, aches, and inflammation. It reportedly generates targeted heat that penetrates 2.46 inches (in) of the skin within 20 minutes.
This heating pad is also flexible, and people can wrap it around the area of the body that requires heat.
The dimensions of this product are 15.5 x 8 x 6 in. It also comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
At the time of publishing, the Thermotex Platinum Far Infrared Heating Pad costs $259.
This bundle includes a heating pad and a portable massager gun.
Learn more about the best massage guns to buy online.
The electric heating pad is mains-powered and provides three heat level settings and an automatic shut-off timer. The cover is machine washable.
The electric heating pad, which has dimensions of 12 x 24 in, is eligible for payments using Health Saving Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
The portable massager is also cordless and rechargeable. It comes with six heads, three operating modes, and an adjustable speed. After a full charge, the battery will last up to 120 minutes.
At the time of publishing, the Geniani Extra Large Electric Heating Pad and Portable Massager costs around $68.
This electric heating pad comes in two size options: XL and XXL. The XL heating pad has dimensions of 12 x 24 in, while the XXL’s dimensions are 20 x 24 in.
This product has an automatic shut-off feature and three heat options. Additionally, people can use this product on moist or dry skin.
The company also offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.
At the time of publishing, the MIGHTY BLISS Large Electric Heating Pad starts from around $30.
This microwavable heating pad also offers aromatherapy, featuring a blend of lavender, cherry, eucalyptus, and lemon verbena. People can also choose one herbal stuffed pad or choose an unscented product.
The company states that this product heats up in 90 seconds in the microwave. Additionally, people can place the pad in a freezer for cold therapy use.
The dimensions of this product are 13 x 7.5 in.
At the time of publishing, the Sacksy Thyme Herbal Heating Pads costs $39.99.
This mains-powered heating pad uses jade stones, which the company states can reach a higher temperature than other materials.
Additionally, this product comes with a carry bag, and people can roll it up for easier portability. The mat also has an adjustable strap for anchoring with a chair.
The company states the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes this mat as a Class 2 medical device.
The dimensions of this product are 31.5 x 21.65 in. The company also provides a 1-year warranty and a lifetime guarantee for accessories.
At the time of publishing, the UTK Infrared Heat Therapy Healing Jade Mat costs around $159.
This electric heating pad is weighted, which may provide extra comfort similar to weighted blankets.
Learn more about buying weighted blankets online.
This product features three heat settings and three vibration settings. Additionally, it has a 9-foot electric cord and a velveteen cover.
The dimensions of this product are 12 x 24 in.
At the time of publishing, Sharper Image Calming Heat Massaging Weighted Heated Pad costs around $60.
This hot water bottle may benefit those who prefer a portable and more heat-retaining option.
It holds two liters of water, and the company reportedly makes the hot water bottle using recyclable thermoplastic material that may retain heat longer than similar products.
People can choose from several different colored knit covers to prevent the rubber bottle from coming into contact with the skin.
At the time of publishing, the Attmu Classic Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bottle costs around $16.
This mains-powered heating pad can heat up in as little as 30 seconds. The company includes a spray pad that people can use to create moist heat.
The product also features an ergonomic handheld display controller, six heat settings, and a 2-hour automatic shut-off. Additionally, the micro plush cover is machine washable.
The dimensions of this product are 12 x 24 in, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
At the time of publishing, the HoMedics Heating Pad costs around $40.
This rechargeable, wearable heating pad takes 3 seconds to heat up.
This product features three heat settings and three adjustable vibration settings. It also has an automatic shut-off feature after 10 minutes.
At the time of publishing, the Voligo Portable Menstrual Heating Pad costs around $30.
Heating pads are one option to relieve menstrual cramps.
People may use other forms of pain relief with or without heat, such as:
Learn more about home remedies for menstrual pain and cramps.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about menstrual cramps and heating pads.
There is no scientific evidence suggesting heating pads increase menstrual pain.
However, if a person experiences more pain or cramping after using them, they should discontinue use immediately.
The amount of time to use a heating pad for period cramps depends on the individual.
People should use them until their pain decreases or until the heat becomes uncomfortable. If a person’s pain worsens while using a heating pad, they should stop using the product immediately.
Additionally, if an individual experiences burning while using these products, they should also stop using them and seek immediate medical advice.
A person should place the heating pad as close as possible to the area of the body that is cramping.
People with menstrual cramps often experience pain in their lower back, abdomen, and legs.
Menstrual pain and cramps can interfere with daily activities. Using heating pads may help relieve aches and pains by increasing blood flow to the affected areas.
People may choose to use other pain relief methods either with or without heating pads. These alternatives include painkillers, hormonal birth control, and exercise.
Last medically reviewed on January 27, 2021
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