Heating pad quick picks
Heating pad for full-body relief: Ruqiji Weighted Heating Pad
Heating pad for extended heating sessions: Boncare Small Heating Pad
Belt-style heating pad: Yeamon Portable Cordless Heating Pad
On-the-go heating pad: Rael Heating Pad Herbal Heating Patches
Your menstrual cycle can shed significant insight into your overall health, but if there’s one thing we can all agree on when it comes to periods, it’s that heating pads for cramps can turn your period from debilitating to manageable.
Menstrual cramps, also referred to as dysmenorrhea, occur right before or during your period. The sharp twinges or dull aches you feel involve the contracting of your uterus as it works to shed its lining. Uterine walls thicken over the course of your cycle in the event of a possible pregnancy, but if that doesn’t happen, your period begins.
While some period-havers don’t feel a thing, the contractions send others into the fetal position. That’s why many of us, including Courtney Virden, a pelvic floor expert and founder of iCORE Method, choose to invest in a solid heating pad for menstrual cramps to ensure the week goes off without a hitch — distraction and pain-free. “Heating pads can be great for temporary relief of menstrual cramps [by] relaxing tense muscles and improving blood flow,” she says.
What to look for in a heating pad for cramps
Not all heating pads for menstrual cramps are created equal, so keep the following in mind when opting for the appropriate one. “Look for adjustable heat settings and a soft, comfortable material,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, internal medicine associate program director at Huntington Health Hospital in Pasadena, California, and chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis and Sleep Advisor.
Because you’ll be placing the pad directly on your skin, which tends to perspire under all that heat, Dasgupta recommends ensuring it’s easy to clean and wipe down. Heating pads come in different sizes too, so take quick stock of where you tend to feel pain most (is it in an isolated corner of your pelvis or throughout the entire width of your midsection or back?) and choose your size accordingly. “Some even prioritize quick heating and customizable temperature control to meet your individual preferences,” Dasgupta says.
Virden recommends prioritizing a heating pad for cramps with an auto shutoff feature, which can be safer to use for extended periods of time. A long cord will serve you well too since it’ll offer more flexibility to use it around your home. She’s also partial to a larger heating pad that covers the entire stomach, which you can also repurpose for relief around other parts of your body from your shoulders to your knees.
The best heating pads for cramps
Corded menstrual heating pads
For full-body relief during a particularly crampy week, opt for this expert-approved heating pad that hits all the criteria. “This heating pad is my go-to because it is extra large, 6 pounds and has 10 temperature settings with an auto shutoff,” Virden says. “The cover is machine-washable and has overheating protection.”
Complete with a user-friendly controller, this oversized heating pad provides three heat levels, a two-hour shutoff and comes in a plush, machine-washable fabric. Plus, it’s available in multiple fun colors, making it super giftable for anyone in your life who can benefit from a little extra TLC.
Not only will this adorable heating pad enliven a dull space or serve as a cozy sofa throw but it’ll quell those cramps in minutes. It’s got 12 heat settings, eight different timer settings, a thick machine-washable sherpa material and a long 11-foot power cord for flexibility.
This heating pad features everything you could ever want in a period pain relief product: six heating settings, an intuitive LCD controller, a 9-foot cord and the option of moist-heat technology that’s said to penetrate the cramping muscles quicker and with greater depth.
Not looking for a massive heating pad that takes up space in your linen closet? This compact model soothes targeted areas with its two high and low heat settings. While you should be careful around this one — it operates continuously and does not contain an auto-shutoff feature — it’s suitable for folks looking for extended heating sessions who don’t plan on falling asleep while using it. Its outer cover is made of a comfortable vinyl material that’s a breeze to clean, making it a hygienic option.
Portable menstrual heating pads
Virden recommends this heating pad for someone who wants the flexibility to wear it around the house. “It wraps around like a belt, has three heat settings and has three massage modes,” she says, adding that she appreciates how it automatically shuts off when it detects you haven't moved in 30 minutes. It’s also perfect for taking on your travels should your vacation week align with your period.
Looking for something a little off the beaten path? Virden considers these cramp-soothing patches filled with botanicals like rose and jasmine the gold star for on-the-go period pain management. “While the pads don't cover a lot, you can always use more than one, and they offer up to eight hours of heat relief and are free from harsh chemicals,” she says. “These are perfect for days you need to be outside of the house needing relief.”
Don’t let period pain get in the way of your plans. Simply align this pad to your targeted pain region and place the adhesive side against your clothing or underwear. It’s designed to soothe contractions in seconds while allowing you to go about your day.
Like the aforementioned Yeamon model, this portable electric heating pad allows you to go hands-free in your pursuit of pain relief. This one’s got four massage modes to quell painful contractions, four heat settings and a soft, velvety surface that’ll feel like heaven on your sore spots.
While this lovable lobster might seem like a gag gift, it actually serves as an effective mode of pain relief. Pop the pad into the microwave for 40 seconds, then give it a quick shake to evenly disperse heat across the pad. Its claws can hold on to tampons, making it the perfect all-in-one solution to your period. It’s also lavender-scented for a full sensory experience that should lull you right into a state of bliss.