Period heating pads are one of the only ways to dispel menstrual pains or, as I like to describe them, the monthly thwacks mother nature likes to unleash upon my uterus. Indeed, when the shedding of your uterine wall causes your womb to contract roughly every 28 days, us women (and some transgender men) suffer stomach cramps.
Of course, a couple of ibuprofen can help to minimise these aches and, likewise, there are a whole host of natural remedies for period pain. But, while raspberry leaf tea might work for your gal pal Steph, and your mum’s bestie Rachel swears that the anti-inflammatory benefits of eating lots of fruits and veggies are life-changing, there’s one method of menstrual pain relief that, more often than not, does work: period heating pads.
Reader, I must disclaim that, as someone who’s currently sat on top of 1000-degree (read: a safe, not skin-burning temperature) hot water bottle, aspirin on board and feeling very sorry for myself, I’m well aware of the limitations of a period heating pad. Then again, when the period cramps feel so bad that it seems nothing — not a nap, not curling up in a ball on your bed and sobbing for relief — will help, heat therapy is always my next point of call, even if just to take the edge off.
So, we’ve been on the hunt for the best heating pads for cramps and, from patches to wearable belts, there are pads and devices to suit most lifestyles, whether you’re a working woman on-the-go or you’ve got time to assume the aforementioned bed, curl and cry position (no judgement here). There are a couple of factors to consider before you get buying so, fret not, we’ll work through those, but if you’re in a pain-fuelled hurry to get something in the post ASAP, feel free to click here to skip to the product selection.
What is a heating pad?
A heating pad is a warming device that is designed to be placed on an area of discomfort in an effort to relieve pain. For individuals suffering menstrual cramps, this is often their lower abdomen or back and, as such, heating pads for relieving this type of pain are often designed in a belt-type makeup.
In terms of the different types of heating pads (for menstrual pain, specifically), buyers typically have these options:
- Electric heating pads
- Can be rechargeable cordless or mains-operated devices. These range from wrap-around belts to pads that appear merely to be a small section of an electric blanket. You can even buy electric heating pads with a TENS or massage function.
- Microwavable heating pads
- From cute animal-shaped stuffies to flaxseed, wheat or lavender filled bags, microwavable heating bags are reusable and ready-to-go in as little as one minute.
- Single use heating pads
- With a chemical filling (often activated charcoal) and adhesive application, these have more of a deep, artificial heat feeling. That said, lots of buyers of these patches have attested to their effectiveness, so they’re not to be overlooked.
The best period heating pads, at a glance
Keep scrolling for our full selection of the best period heating pads for a pain-free crimson wave month after month
Best period heating pad overall
BRIHIEVY Heating Pad with Auto Shut Off and 6 Heat Level Settings
Specifications:
- Type: Electric
- Number of heat settings: Six, between 40°C-60°C
- Size: 30 x 120cm
