Each month, up to 50% of women of childbearing age experience menstrual cramps. Now, research reveals that a novel medicated skin patch may be able to provide these ladies with 24-hour respite.
A multinational research team reported in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that the patch, which is placed on the lower abdomen and delivers a type of nitroglycerine, effectively reduces the uterine contractions associated with menstruation cramps.
As with all muscles, the uterine muscles contract and relax. While the majority of uterine contractions go unnoticed, strong ones can be rather unpleasant. Women who endure cramps during their periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, migraines, weakness, and/or fainting.
Many women take painkillers every two to four hours, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, to avoid or alleviate cramps. However, the study authors note that the new patch distributes medication for 24 hours, “theoretically providing for sustained pain relief.” Numerous patches comparable to those used in the study are already available for the treatment of heart conditions.
Eighty-eight women from six nations used the patch for two menstrual cycles and a placebo, or inactive, patch for three days during one cycle. According to the researchers, the medicated patch was more effective than the placebo, and subjects needed less painkillers while wearing the active patch. Prior to the study’s start, 83 percent of women reported severe menstruation pain, and 92 percent required pain medication treatment.
While conventional painkillers operate by suppressing prostaglandins, which are molecules produced by the uterine lining and capable of causing intense muscular spasms, the novel patch distributes nitric oxide into the circulation, effectively stopping the contractions. The patch has also been demonstrated to be beneficial in the treatment of preterm labour.
When women take NSAIDS, some report experiencing stomach distress. Another advantage of the patch is that patients would be able to manage their own treatment by simply removing it when it is no longer needed or if side effects occur, the study authors write. And the patch does have some adverse effects: 26% of women reported experiencing headaches while wearing it.
“There is no need for women in the year 2000 to suffer from menstrual pains,” Donnica Moore, MD, president of the Sapphire Women’s Health Group in Neshanic Station, New Jersey, says. Moore was not a participant in the study.
“Typically, women with dysmenorrhea begin with over-the-counter NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, or Nuprin,” she notes. “Patients who have attempted over-the-counter NSAIDs without relief may require a higher dose or a prescription NSAID.
“Another therapy option is birth control tablets, which reduce blood flow and cramping in general,” she notes.
If a woman does not experience relief from NSAIDs, Moore advises her to consult her physician, who will conduct a comprehensive medical history and physical examination to ascertain the origin of the cramps.
For instance, endometriosis, a disorder in which uterine tissue clings to the reproductive organs and pelvis, causes severe cramping just before menstruation in women in their twenties and thirties, Moore explains.
Women over the age of 30 may have fibroid (muscle) cysts in their uterus, she says.
“Another therapy option is birth control tablets, which reduce blood flow and cramping in general,” she notes.
If a woman does not experience relief from NSAIDs, Moore advises her to consult her physician, who will conduct a comprehensive medical history and physical examination to ascertain the origin of the cramps.
For instance, endometriosis, a disorder in which uterine tissue clings to the reproductive organs and pelvis, causes severe cramping just before menstruation in women in their twenties and thirties, Moore explains.
Women over the age of 30 may have fibroid (muscle) cysts in their uterus, she says.
Important Information:
Menstrual cramps can now be treated with a new medicinal patch put on the belly.
The patch administers medication over a 24-hour period, effectively halting uterine contractions, which are frequently the source of discomfort.
Menstrual cramps can also be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin, or with birth control pills. Women who do not have relief from painkillers should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical disorders that could be causing the cramps.
Below are some of the best menstrual patch that can be used to ease your menstrual cramps.
This heat patch actuated by air generate temperatures of up to 40°C. Natural therapeutic heat lasts for eight hours and aids in the relief of menstruation pain.
- A unique curve-shaped heat patch measuring 14 cm x 7 cm in length and width can be worn comfortably and securely across the lower belly.
- Effectively enhance blood circulation and alleviate menstruation discomfort symptoms.
- Assists in fatigue recovery.
- There is no fragrance or medical substance used in the formulation. The slim, odorless, and simple design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or bag and enables users to use it anywhere and at any time.
Directions:
- Please ensure that the skin is fresh and clean around the application area to avoid easy peel-off.
- Tear the sachet open only when you are ready to use it. Tear the sachet open with your fingers (do not cut) and remove the heat patch.
- Gently peel back the protective film off the heat patch and adhere the adhesive side to the skin over the sore area. After use, slowly peel away the heat patch.
- Iron powder, water, activated carbon, vermiculite, salt, and a super absorbent polymer are the ingredients.
Menstrual cramps and muscle tension can be relieved using compostable heating patches. With therapeutic temperature, it provides comfort and relief, increase blood flow and de-tensify muscles. It is also composed of non-toxic ingredients.
We all know someone who suffers from menstrual cramps on a monthly basis, whether mild or severe. Alternatively, it may be you. At times, things can become intolerable.
Menstrual cramps and muscle strain are alleviated by Enya’s Menstrual Heating Patch. It takes around 5-10 minutes to reach an optimal, therapeutic temperature that promotes blood flow and relieves muscle tension, and can be used for up to 5 hours.
Enya’s heating patches are non-toxic and compostable. The patches’ contents can be dumped into soil, making them useful as fertilizers for your plants as well!
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT
- 3 Embroidery Patches | 8 x 10 cm
- Maximum temperature of 60°C
- Usage time of up to 5 hours
- Wrapped individually
- When exposed to air, it heats up.
- Simple to operate, convenient, and portable
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Adhesive that can be worn over clothing for on-the-go use
- Composed of the following ingredients: iron powder, vermiculite, salt, activated charcoal, and water.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE:
- Discard packing. When the patch is exposed to air, it will begin to heat up on its own.
- Peel and apply to underwear or straight to the abdomen area, depending on your preferred level of heat.
- Additionally, you can attach the sticky side to the inside of your underpants. It is recommended to remove the patch after every hour of use to allow your skin to breathe. Contact with mild heat for an extended period of time may result in burns.
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