Mother Nature. The cursed time of the month for us strong, self-sufficient women. We’re known as superheroes in our ways, but it’s definitely our kryptonite.
It can be a very tricky (PMS) time to feel normal, to eat properly, get exercise, gather energy, you name it! It’s got a tedious badge of honor in the form of inconvenience.
So how can we make this time in need more bearable for our everyday activities?
Behold, heating pads for cramps, my friend. In this article, we will discover options for the best heating pads for menstrual cramps. I will share my new found information on the best ones on the market today.
It’s the 21st century, after all, technology has advanced so far, it would be rude to not take this helping hand.
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Contents
- A Brief Overview on Heating Pads
- Top 7 Best Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps
- FAQs
- Q: Why Do Menstrual Cramps Hurt So Much?
- Q: Is Heat or Cold Better for Period Cramps?
- Q: Does a Heating Pad Help Abdominal Pain? Are Heating Pads Good for Menstrual Cramps?
- Q: Can’t I Just Use a Hot Water Bottle?
- Q: Are Heating Pads Safe?
- Q: How Long is it Safe to Use a Heating Pad? Can I Leave a Heating Pad on All Night?
- Q: Can I Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant on My Stomach? What About on the Back?
- Putting It All Together
A Brief Overview on Heating Pads
First of all, ‘How are they used? What are they? What do they look like?’ and a further trail of curiosities.
They can vary from looking like bum bags you strap around yourself or that you simply lay on your stomach. Each one is different.
Some have one heat, some have functions of different levels of heat. Some have timers, others don’t. Some are more expensive.
So, what’s the difference between them?
They can be very different, but they each provide the heat we need for those moments of pain. If your cramps become unbearable, be sure to seek medical attention as a heating pad can only soothe aches and pains.
Also, you may find it a good idea looking into a device called Livia (presumably, a device that alleviates menstrual cramps).
You can find the best electric heating pad for menstrual cramps in many shapes and sizes.
On to the reviews then…
Top 7 Best Heating Pads for Menstrual Cramps
Cara Mini Heating Pad
A 9×9 inch cloth you can wrap around your stomach. It’s got two temperature settings, a 1-hour automatic off feature for safety reasons and is machine washable. Can be plugged into the wall.
Pros
- It takes 30 seconds to get warm.
- The smaller size means it is incredibly portable.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a strap to hold it in place.
- It’s smaller than others on the market so less body coverage.
Sunbeam Electric Heating Pad with UltraHeat Technology
It’s has a 12×15 inch machine washable cover which has three heat settings. No auto-off feature in case you wanted it on for longer than a suggested time frame. Can be plugged into the wall.
Pros
- Can be used for neck, shoulders, back, and spine.
- It includes a sponge insert in case you wanted to use moist heat for soothing of soreness and aches.
Cons
- No auto-off feature can be dangerous if accidentally left unattended.
- It’s made of vinyl which can create a crease at the corners and not stay flat for practical use.
Lawei Small Heating Pad, Electric Heating Pad
A 12×15 inch grey machine washable pad with an 8-foot cord to plug in. A super soft fabric with fast warming including a setting to turn it down if needed.
Pros
- Three different heat settings provided or manual control. No auto-off function.
Cons
- No auto-off feature can be dangerous if accidentally left unattended.
Geniani XL Heating Pad
A 12×24 inch heating pad with 3 adjustable heat settings.
Pros
- It’s a 10-inch extra long cord.
- 2 hours auto-off feature.
- Machine washable.
- You can apply a mist to the pad safely.
Cons
- Not portable.
Heyeasy Electric Heating Pad Waist Belt
A velvet belt with USB charging capabilities. Adjustable strap and multi-use for back and rear use.
Pros
- USB charging means it’s incredibly portable.
- Incredibly soft velvet.
- Being a belt, you can adjust it easily and find the best place to put your heating pad for cramps.
Cons
- Only 2 modes of temperature control.
- A short 1.2M line, so USB charging means you have to wait for it to charge, or sit incredibly close to a power source.
MOQY Moor Best Heating Pad
Velcro straps to keep it in place no matter how you move. Machine washable cotton. One of the best reusable heat pads for period pain due to being microwavable.
Pros
- Put it in the microwave whenever you want to use it.
- It can be used cold also.
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons
- It can cool down as there’s no way to keep a set temperature.
- The BPA foil may smell when first purchased.
Flexwarm Therapy Menstrual Cramp Warming Belt
An infrared, ultra-thin, lightweight pad with an adjustable belt. USB charging to use on the go with three heat settings.
Pros
- It keeps warm for hours with no auto-off feature.
- Wear under your clothes with no obvious sign of the pad being there.
- 8 hours of use with a power bank included.
Cons
- Tricky to plug in and use at the same time.
- The power bank would have to be charged to use it in public otherwise plugging it in at the wall would need a long USB wire.
Perhaps you’ll find the best-infrared heating pad for menstrual cramps to be your thing, maybe the ones with the Velcro straps for ease of use, that’s not a problem. Every woman is different.
Let’s take a look at a few commonly asked questions about heating pads in general.
FAQs
Now that we’ve looked at the options available, I’ll answer some generic questions that may have gathered through your research of heating pads for cramps;
Q: Why Do Menstrual Cramps Hurt So Much?
Menstrual cramps are basically contractions in your uterus which, depending on the strength of the contractions, can press against any nearby blood vessels.
This is the pain caused by the lack of oxygen getting to your uterus, like a headache, it can have a pounding effect on us which is why it hurts so much! Ouch!
Q: Is Heat or Cold Better for Period Cramps?
Heat relaxes the uterus, so you’ll feel more relief with heat than cold.
Q: Does a Heating Pad Help Abdominal Pain? Are Heating Pads Good for Menstrual Cramps?
Heat! Heat is our best friend here, the more heat applied to the area, the more blood flow. This means if more oxygen is flowing to the area of pain it’s easing those sore aches!
Q: Can’t I Just Use a Hot Water Bottle?
Yes, but it isn’t a regulated temperature with a hot water bottle. It gets cooler and won’t be as effective.
If you’re going to stick around or be active, heating pads can stay at a regulated temperature to control your aches.
Q: Are Heating Pads Safe?
Yes, Yes and Yes – in moderation, of course!
Just don’t overheat, check your body temperature is healthy and enjoy the relief of fewer cramps and off it goes until you’re ready for another blast!
Q: How Long is it Safe to Use a Heating Pad? Can I Leave a Heating Pad on All Night?
It is advised generally to use for 10-20 minutes depending on how you feel, so it’s not the best practice to leave them on at night.
For yourself, and for the safety of your quilt and surroundings. Some of them have auto turn off features to support this. It all depends on the heat it can get to!
Be sure to read the instructions before you use it!
Q: Can I Use a Heating Pad While Pregnant on My Stomach? What About on the Back?
First of all, congrats! And second of all, yes you can!
Just be sure to keep an eye on your body temperature, nothing above your normal warmth for you and the baby!
Most heating pads can be used on other limbs so if it fits, be warm and relieved!
Putting It All Together
So there you go – a few helpful suggestions of how to find the best heating pad for cramps!
You’ve read about how helpful they may be to simmer the ache of Mother Nature down there.
Be sure to comment and let me know which one you go for if you purchase any off this list.
Let your fellow women know how effective it is and which one would be worth a purchase and tell us what you think the best rated heating pads for menstrual cramps are!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
