Heat patches for cramps: do they really work?

Before we talk about the wonders heat therapy can work on your cramps, let's start right at the beginning: the first question is, of course, why you get period pain in the first place. 

Why do abdominal cramps happen? Causes and risk factors 

Well, menstrual cramps are caused by the contractions of your womb – and since it contracts during your period to expel blood and secretions (yes, your womb is a muscle and it has to contract!), it can cause you more discomfort than during the rest of the month. According to studies, these painful contractions are triggered by chemical substances called prostaglandins, which are produced in the lining of the womb – and released as the endometrium breaks down during menstruation. 

Do you get stronger cramps in the first few days of your period? Or even throughout your entire monthly bleed? They may also be linked to certain risk factors or conditions: heavy bleeding, adenomyosis or endometriosis. We've written about endometriosis in detail in a dedicated article – have a read to understand more. Unfortunately, period pain can sometimes be so intense that it affects a day at work or at school. By the way: how do you talk about it at work?

How heat patches work during your period

Fortunately, there are natural remedies for cramps – medication-free, if that's something you'd rather avoid. We're talking about ENROUSH heat patches, the newest product in the BIO range for intimate care, made from 100% natural ingredients.

Did you know?
Heat therapy is nothing new! In fact, it has been used for centuries! 

In the past, people used heat to ease pain and relax tense muscles. And for good reason: by improving blood circulation, heat relieves menstrual cramps and helps you unwind.

So when blood circulation is naturally stimulated in the painful area, your muscles relax too, and the cramps ease off or disappear altogether. Although research into exactly how heat works is ongoing, one of the theories is that a heat patch warms the middle layer of the womb wall – the myometrium – where the smooth muscles that contract and cause pain during your period are located.

 Where can I apply an Enroush heat patch?

Only you can answer that one precisely! For most people, applying a heat patch to the lower abdomen is the quickest and safest way to get rid of menstrual cramps. But you can also place it on your lower back if that's where the pain is. You decide where the heat patch goes – depending on where the pain is strongest and where you find the warmth most comfortable. 

How do heat patches work against period pain? They warm up quickly thanks to activated charcoal and 100% natural ingredients, which together can generate therapeutic heat for up to 8 hours. And if you'd rather skip the painkillers and other time-honoured home remedies, the patches are one of the simplest solutions for monthly cramps.
 

There are various heat sources used as remedies for menstrual cramps, such as hot water bottles, electric heat pads or cushions warmed in the microwave. We prefer the patches, though: they heat up quickly, are ultra-thin, mould to your body and can be worn under any outfit because they're practically invisible.
 

 How long can I use a heat patch for?

You can wear a heat patch for up to 8 hours, but we recommend starting with a shorter wear time and taking breaks as soon as the pain eases.


Using ENROUSH patches couldn't be simpler: 

• Only open the patch's individual wrapper when you're ready to use it: it heats up quickly on contact with air.
• Stick the patch to the inside of your clothing over the affected area using the adhesive strip: you can attach it to your underwear, your T-shirt or anywhere near the cramps. Just make sure not to stick it directly onto your skin – direct contact can cause burns!
• After use, peel the patch off and dispose of it with your household waste. If you have plants or a compost heap, you can empty the contents of the patch straight into the soil!

Even though most women experience cramps during their period, that doesn't mean they simply have to put up with them! The heat patch is the simple, speedy remedy that helps you get on with your day – whatever day of your cycle you're on. What's more, it doesn't harm the environment, as it's made entirely from 100% natural ingredients. 

Do you know what else is 100% natural? Pads, tampons and panty liners made from organic cotton! Have you tried them yet? Find out more about the benefits of an ECO period!