Painful Period Cramps? Try One of These Top-Rated Heating Pads

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Let's be real, cramps suck. People who menstruate have to deal with all kinds of period problems, and it never really gets easier—especially when it comes to painful cramps. Some people take painkillers for cramps, others might try exercise or masturbating to alleviate PMS symptoms, but no matter how you deal with period pain, there's one thing you need in your back pocket: a heating pad. After 20+ years of bad period cramps, I've become an expert in how to relieve the pain—and trust me when I say heating pads have been a game changer for me.

But first, can heating pads actually help relieve your period cramps? You may be skeptical, so I tapped Angela Jones, MD, board-certified OB/GYN, to give us some answers. And TL;DR: yes, heating pads can help to relieve menstrual pain. "Period cramps are contractions of the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus," Dr. Jones explains. These contractions are caused by prostaglandins, a chemical produced in the lining of the uterus, and when levels of this chemical are high (typically on the first day of your period), it leads to cramps. Heating pads can't magically stop prostaglandins, but they can help ease the contractions. "Heating pads work as vasodilators, they cause the blood vessels and uterine muscles to relax, thus increasing blood flow and oxygen to the muscles and blood supply of the uterus," Dr Jones says. Neat, right?

So, to help you find the best heating pads for your cramps and period pain, I researched and tested some of the top-rated ones on the market, read hundreds of buyer reviews, and consulted my fellow Cosmo editors on their sworn-by faves.

Ready to test it out for yourself? Keep scrolling to shop the 11 best heating pads for cramps and get yourself some relief STAT.

XL Heating Pad

Amazon's #1 best-selling heating pad is popular for its plush cover and generous size. But one of the best features of this one is that, unlike most other heating pads, it's machine-washable.

• Power: 120" power cord

• Dimensions: 12" x 24"

• Automatic shut off? Yes, 2 hours

THE REVIEW: "This is THE BEST POSSIBLE product I ever found on Amazon. Easy to use, easy clean, and 3 temperature [settings] makes it very useful," one tester writes. "Be it ealing with cramps or as a personal heater in the cold weather, this works like a charm!"

Cordless Heating Pad

This wearable heating pad is perfect for when you have terrible cramps but can't spend the day in bed. The stretchy strap extends to 55," and the heating pad itself is thin enough to wear under clothes if you need to use it on the go.

• Power: Rechargeable battery pack

• Dimensions: 12" x 9.5" x 2", with a 55" strap
  

• Automatic shut off? No, but battery runs 4 hours max

THE REVIEW: "The heating pad maintains a consistent heat/temperature output for whatever setting you have it on. It also hearts up very quickly so it is very helpful when you are looking for immediate relief," one tester writes. "It is indeed portable and easy to work around the house in."

Heating Pad

This classic heating pad is pretty basic, but it gets the job done. It's thin, easy to position where you want it, and has three heat options, so you can adjust the temperature just how you like it. Plus, it comes with a removable cover that you can throw in the washing machine.

• Power: 108" power cord

• Dimensions: 12" x 15"

• Automatic shut off? No

THE REVIEW: "I never knew how much a heating pad would actually help with cramps. This thing is a lifesaver," one tester writes. "If you don't have one, get one."

Infrared & Red LED Therapy Body Belt

This splurge-worthy heating pad is a full-body belt, but it does need to be plugged in, so you can't wear it on the go. However, what it lacks in mobility, it makes up for in function. The belt uses a combination of infrared heat, PEMF (pulsed magnetic energy), and red light therapy to ease pain.

• Power: 12 feet power cable plug-in

• Dimensions: 47" x 10", comes with a 16" extension piece

• Automatic shut off? No

THE REVIEW: "This is very fancy, but I swear by it," says Cosmopolitan beauty editor Beth Gillette. "I have endometriosis, so I'm just constantly a very inflamed human all around, and the infrared and red LED has helped me a lot over time, on top of it being warm."

WeightedWarmth 3-in-1 Heating Pad

I love a good heating pad, but sometimes you could also use a little massage to go with it. Enter: this heating pad from Pure Enrichment, which has three heat settings and three massage settings to soothe period pain. And the best part? It's also weighted, adding even more comfort and support.

• Power: 108" cord

• Dimensions: 12" x 24"

• Automatic shut off? Yes, after 2 hours

THE REVIEW: "This is so nice for cramps," one tester writes. "I lay this across my abdomen and the pain just slowly melts away. The most wonderful feeling in the world."

Jade Back Far Infrared Therapy Brace

This heating pad combines infrared heating and hot stone therapy thanks to the incorporation of jade stones, which also serve as pressure points.

• Power: 118" power cord

• Dimensions: 6" x 46"

• Automatic shut off? Yes, after 4 hours

THE REVIEW: "It's GREAT for stomach cramps if you're a lady and get painful periods," writes a reviewer. "If you need to get up from the couch or bed, you can either take it off or unplug and walk around with it still on your body and it stays hot for a while because of the stones."

WeightedWarmth Heated Weighted Blanket

Period pain and cramps can be very specific, or they can manifest as more of a full-body ache. That's when you reach for this heated and weighted blanket. With four heat settings, it'll keep you toasty and relaxed for all-over relief.

• Power: 96" power cord

• Dimensions: 50" x 60"

• Weight: 13 lbs

• Automatic shut off? Yes, after 2 hours

THE REVIEW: "The softness, the warmth, the weight, and the comfort are perfection," one reviewer writes. "Bought it to comfort cramping when Aunt Flo arrives and it has been a HUGE relief."

Cordless Heating Pad and Lower Back Massager

This cordless heating pad doesn't just warm, it massages, so you can get a spa treatment on the go. It features two heat settings and four vibrating massage modes to choose from. Reviewers also love that the design can be worn on various parts of the body, making this a versatile option for cramps and beyond.

• Power: Rechargeable battery

• Dimensions: 8.7" x 58"

• Automatic shut off? Yes, 30 minutes

THE REVIEW: "I have really bad menstrual cramps. I bought this heating pad and messager for my stomach during this time," writes a tester. "It works wonders and is very soothing."

The Simply Soothing Heat Patch

For easy, on-the-go relief when you can't use a heating pad, try single-use heating patches like this one from Cora. It's designed to deliver heat across your abdomen or lower back comfortably and can be worn for up to 8 hours. Just stick it on your underwear and go about your day.

• Power: N/A

• Dimensions: 3.5" x 7.5"

• Automatic shut off? N/A, lasts up to 8 hours

THE REVIEW: "I used to be debilitated by cramps, but with these adhesive heating pads I have on-the-go comfort wherever I am (mostly at work)," writes a reviewer. "Very subtle under jeans."

Microwavable Extra Large Heating Wrap

If you have cramps keeping you up at night but don't feel comfortable sleeping with an electric heating pad, try a microwavable one instead. This extra-large wrap features a large heating pad and straps that can extend up to 54", plus a 15" extender if needed.

• Power: Microwave

• Dimensions: 10" x 54"

• Automatic shut off? N/A

THE REVIEW: "The wide belt-type straps have strong velcro on one side to wrap around your body. This allows the freedom to move around while keeping the large heating pad securely in place," one tester writes. "I have used it for lower back pain and my granddaughter got relief from menstrual cramps. The pad won't cure problems, but it most definitely helps to manage pain."

Elephant

For a nighttime cuddle, try a heated Warmies stuffed animal. Just pop one of these soft and cozy little critters in the microwave, and hold it against where your cramps are bothering you the most.

• Heat source: Microwave

• Dimensions: 6" x 7" x 8"

• Automatic shut off? N/A

THE REVIEW: "I have had this elephant for a few years now. It still warms up perfect and smells like lavender," one reviewer writes. "This has been a life saver for period cramps or any soreness I may have. I warm him up for a minute in the microwave and he lasts a few hours at least before needing to be rewarmed."

Where should you place a heating pad to treat cramps?

No one knows your body like you, so you should place your heating pad wherever you feel pain. However, Dr. Jones recommends placing a heating pad on your lower abdomen or lower back, as this is usually where you'll feel period pain the most. Just make sure to read the instructions on the heating pad, as some electric heating pads caution against putting weight directly on them, so you may have to be careful with placement.

How to find the best heating pad for you:

Heating pads are often a one-size-fits-all product, but there are different types of heating pads that focus heat on specific areas of the body. So, to help you find the best heating pad for your needs, ask yourself these questions first.

Where do you normally get cramp pain?

Though cramp pain normally manifests in the lower abdomen and back, it's important for you to identify where your pain is most acute. Once you do that, you can choose the best heating pad shape, design, and size for the area you need to treat.

What will you be doing on your period?

Most electric heating pads are powered by cords and require outlets, so if you're someone who needs to go to work or is generally on the go even on the crampiest of days, you're going to want a wearable cordless heating pad/wrap or a disposable adhesive heating patch. If you can spend all day on the couch, a power cord won't be as big of an issue. And if you have access to an outlet but won't be sitting, you'll need a heating pad that can wrap around your body so you can have both hands free to go about your day.

Meet the expert:

• Dr. Angela Jones is a board-certified OB/GYN currently practicing in New Jersey. She is also the host of the podcast Ask Dr. Angela, in which she discusses various aspects of women's health, and you can follow her on Instagram for more.

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