For many women, their monthly menstrual cycle can be painful, difficult, and messy. But there are a number of great products aimed at helping with pain, bloating, mood swings, menstrual flow and other related difficulties. If your monthly period time means discomfort and trouble, check my list of best menstrual products to find some handy helps.
25 Best Menstrual Products Every Woman Should Have
1. Nature’s Way PMS Capsules
This formula of vitamins and minerals is designed to help with pain, inflammation, and mood swings. While no product is a magic cure for every ailment, many users say these capsules made a huge difference for them: relieving cramps, tender breasts, and moodiness. But it is recommended you take it with food to avoid stomach discomfort. Available from Amazon for $6.59.
Buy Now: Nature’s Way PMS Capsules
2. Pamprin Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Menstrual Relief Caplets
These maximum strength pills work to relieve pain from cramps, headaches, and backaches. They also contain a diuretic to get rid of excess water which causes bloating. This is an effective pill for relieving multiple symptoms. Available from Amazon for $6.99.
Buy Now: Pamprin Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Menstrual Relief Caplets
3. Herb Pharm Cramp Bark Extract Supplement
This liquid herbal extract helps relieve cramps by helping relieve pain and promoting muscle relaxation. Many users found it very effective but several suggest having it with food or drink to mask the strong flavor. Available from Amazon for $9.60.
Buy Now: Herb Pharm Cramp Bark Extract Supplement
4. Optivite Pmt Tablets
Doctor recommended and safety tested tablets contain vitamins and minerals that help with PMS symptoms and promote female health. This supplement contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, Thiamin, Niacin, Folic Acid and other helpful minerals. Users report feeling less cramping, bloating, and mood swings. It can even help with menopause. Available from Amazon for $18.11.
Buy Now: Optivite Pmt Tablets
5. Thermacare Heat Wraps Menstrual Cramp Relief
Thermacare is known for making great self heating pads for back pain. These pads work in the same way, self heating for several hours to relieves the pain of cramps or endometriosis. They are self adhesive as well. Users note they can be difficult to position correctly but once in place provide comfort. You can go about your day without having to stay in bed with a plug in heating pad. Available from Amazon for $10.32.
Buy Now: Thermacare Heat Wraps Menstrual Cramp Relief
6. Infratonic 9 Therapeutic Massager for Relieving Menstrual Cramps and Abdominal Pain
This small device sends sound waves into the tissue of your body to relax muscles and promote circulation. This helps with the pain and bloating associated with your period. It is pricey but very effective for severe pain. It even comes with a 90-day money back guarantee. Available from Amazon for $725.
Buy Now: Infratonic 9 Therapeutic Massager for Relieving Menstrual Cramps and Abdominal Pain
7. Diva Cup 1
This unusual product is a small, silicone cup which you insert like a tampon to catch the menstrual blood, then remove and empty. It is reusable and eco friendly. The edges of the cup suction to the vaginal tissue to prevent leaks. It is recommended that you carefully wash it after emptying it. Users say it is tricky to place correctly at first but with a little practice it is easy and comfortable to wear. Available from Amazon for $24.98.
Buy Now: Diva Cup 1 Prechildbirth
8. Diva Cup 2 Post Childbirth
This larger size cup is best for women who have given birth or have a larger vaginal opening. The cup does not hold more fluid, it is just sized to create a tight suction for women who need a larger size. It has all the great attributes of the Diva Cup 1: reusable and eco friendly. Some users report the Diva Cup holds more than most tampons or pads and doesn’t smell because the fluid isn’t exposed to air. Available from Amazon for $25.99.
Buy Now: Diva cup 2 Post Childbirth
9. (GladRags) Menstrual Color Cotton Pads
These reusable cotton pads are soft, washable, and eco friendly. This set comes with 3 holders and 6 inserts. The inserts slip into the holders which then snap around your panties for a secure fit. The appealing side of using a reusable product is they are soft, natural cloth which are less likely to irritate or cause an allergic reaction. It is a good idea to get a colorful fabric to hide any stains that are not completely removed with repeated washing. Available from Amazon for $22.63.
Buy Now: Menstrual Color Cotton Pads
10. Bamboo Mama Cloth Menstrual Pads
These reusable pads are a one piece design. The backing is waterproof and the front side an absorbent terry cotton. They simply snap onto panties and are comfortable to wear. Available from Amazon for $10.99 for a set of 4.
Buy Now: Bamboo Mama Cloth Menstrual Pads
11. Planet Wise Wipe Pouch
This zippered, waterproof pouch is marketed to hold diaper wipes but is perfect for holding soiled reusable menstrual pads when you are not at home. The bag is washable and can be wiped clean as well. It doesn’t hold odors over time and comes in a variety of high quality fabrics. Available from Amazon for $11.28.
Buy Now: Whirlpool ARP45130L
12. Always Wipes
These flushable wipes are handy for cleaning your feminine area to help you feel fresh and clean if you cannot bath. They have a mild pleasant scent and clean better than toilet paper because they are nicely sized and premoistened. Available from Amazon in a handy tub for $20.95 (pack of 4).
Buy Now: Always Always Wipes Tub Lightly Scented
13. Vagisil Feminine Wash with Odor Block Protection
This specially designed feminine soap thoroughly cleans your feminine area and blocks future odors. It has a light pleasant scent. It is especially nice if you have heavy menstrual cycles or have recently had vaginal or uterine surgery. Available from Amazon for $9.77.
Buy Now: Vagisil Feminine Wash with Odor Block Protection
14. Always Ultra Thin Unscented Pads with Wings, Overnight
No one likes to clean up messy sheets and clothing. So having a pad that absorbs heavy flow while you sleep is nice. These very absorbent pads stay in place, are larger for overnight protection. Available from Amazon for $13.08 (4 packs of 14).
Buy Now: Always Ultra Thin Unscented Pads with Wings, Overnight
15. Always Ultra Thin Regular Pads with Wings
These nicely designed sanitary pads are not bulky but still absorb well and stay in place. The wings help to catch any leaks. And Always pads comes in light, regular, and heavy to fit your needs. Available from Amazon for $19.58 for the large pack.
Buy Now: Always Ultra Thin Regular Pads with Wings
16. U by Kotex Cleanwear Ultra Thin Regular Pads with Wings
If you do not like the design or absorbency or Always pads these pads have a unique wing shape (a bit more square) and a 3D capture core to keep wetness away from your body. They have fun colorful wraps and have soft edges for more comfort. And Kotex pads come in thin, regular, and super to fit your needs. Available from Amazon for $7.47.
Buy Now: U by Kotex Cleanwear Ultra Thin Regular Pads with Wings
17. Always Ultra Thin Regular without Wings
If you do not like wings on your sanitary pads because they chaff or stick to you, then these pads are a good choice. They are just as absorbent as the above pads but do not have wings. Available from Amazon for $19.47.
Buy Now: Always Ultra Thin Regular without Wings
18. U by Kotex Barely There Thin Liners
If you need coverage for light spotting or occasional light flow, these panty liners are a nice choice. They have sheer sides so that they are not noticeable. They are flexible and scent free but still absorbent. They come individually wrapped to slip into your purse. Available from Amazon for $7.47.
Buy Now: U by Kotex Barely There Thin Liners
19. Tampax Pearl Plastic Triple Pack
This multi pack of tampons contains light, regular, and super so you have a variety for your needs. The applicator has a nice anti-slip grip and a smooth surface for comfort. They expand to form fit. Each tampon is individually wrapped to slip into your purse. Available from Amazon for $17.18.
Buy Now: Tampax Pearl Plastic Triple Pack
20. Playtex Sport Unscented Tampon
These tampons absorb well and expand in all directions to fit more tightly during activity. The applicator has a no slip grip and smooth surface for comfort. Users report it helps to absorb flow while still participating in your favorite sport. Available from Amazon for $6.97.
Buy Now: Playtex Sport Unscented Tampon
21. O.B. Pro Comfort Tampons
These nicely designed tampons have very little waste because they do not have an applicator. Instead, they have a thin plastic cover to fit discreetly in your pocket or purse. They are designed with grooves to absorb fluid and are insertable with your fingers. If you are concerned about waste or don’t want to mess with an applicator, these are a good choice. Available from Amazon for $10.99.
Buy Now: O.B. Pro Comfort Tampons
22. Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen Tablets
If you simply want pain relief during your period, this generic version of Advil is an effective and well priced option. Available from Amazon for $10.11 for 500 tablets.
Buy Now: Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen Tablets
23. Anigan StainFree Seamless Hipster Lace Trim Menstrual Period Panty
Do you have a lot of leaking no matter what absorbent product you use? This nicely designed panty has a waterproof fabric that is still soft and breathable. It will protect your clothes from staining during your period. Available from Amazon for $10.
Buy Now: Anigan StainFree Seamless Hipster Lace Trim Menstrual Period Panty
24. The Dot Girl First Period Kit
If you have a daughter, granddaughter, or friend who is nearing the time to start menstruating, this cute kit is a perfect gift. It comes with the Period Answer Book, a diary to track her period for a year, 5 feminine hygiene pads and 5 disposal bags, a heating pad, and cleaning wipes. This is all inside a cute round case that is reusable. It can make this big transition a bit more fun. Available from Amazon for $16.95.
Buy Now: The Dot Girl First Period Kit
25. Emerita Pro-Gest Cream
This balancing cream contains progesterone to help balance estrogen for perimenopausal and menopausal women. It can also help if you have unusual menstrual cycles. It helps relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, vaginal dryness, water retention and breast tenderness. You simply rub the cream into your skin in a prefered spot twice a day. It is recommended you check with a doctor before beginning use. Available from Amazon for $25.29.
Buy Now: Emerita Pro-Gest Cream
Your menstrual cycle can be a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective. Since it is just a fact of life for most women, hopefully some of the best menstrual products on this list work well for you.
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