11 Period Heating Pads: The Best Microwable, Electric & Single Use Pain Relievers

By Lucy Smith

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.

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:

By Meg Walters

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Whether you get back pain or cramps in your lower abdomen, a wrap-around menstrual heating pad is sure to take the edge off. For me, being able to push the heat as close to my back/stomach helps a bunch and, while that might just be me, I love the fact that the styling on this belt means that you can tighten or loosen it depending on your body shape and preference.

Save money on heated and wearable menstruation pain relief belts by using these Amazon retailer discounts when you checkout

Why buy a rubber hot water bottle when you can buy this - it's around 30% bigger than most traditional hot water bottles, won't go cold after thirty minutes and has rapid heat up for those critical moments when the muscle pain around your uterine wall feels unbearable. The age-old days of waiting for the kettle to warm up is over - cya!

Save money on electric period pain relief devices with these Boots discount codes

Perhaps a pick that's better if you're likely to experience menstrual cramps around your lower back or your stomach - not both at the same time - largely because it's likely not big enough at 40cm to wrap around both affected areas. Nonetheless, the device is affordable to run if you need longer lasting cramp relief and can be reused for sore muscles after exercise and the like.

More of a chemical heat pad, if you will, with iron, activated carbon and water as the only ingredients within the pads themselves, these Cura-Heat period pain relief patches help to increase blood flow and circulation, thus boosting the amount of oxygen reaching the uterus to help minimise the cramping of the uterine muscle.

If you've tried everything from a hi-tech FAR infrared heating pad to CBD tampons and still had no joy, this two in one TENS nerve stimulation and heat wrap is the next natural step up so why not give it a whirl. It has 15 intensity settings on the TENS function and the adhesive pads will remain sticky for up to six applications.

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Save money on at-home healthcare remedies to boost your menstrual wellness with these Argos discounts

This pink cordless heating pad has had oodles of TikTok users giving it a whirl on social and, with over 2.5k five-star reviews on Amazon, our interests have certainly piqued. It has an automatic shut-off function to prevent overheated, as well as featuring a velvety soft surface on the part closest to your abdomen. That said, the brand does recommend perhaps using a piece of fabric or cloth between the device and your skin, especially if you have a skin condition or are prone to sensitivity.

Save money on hot and cold therapy pads and electric temperature devices with these Amazon discounts

Ideal for when you're at work and don't feel you can whip out your large electric heating pad in the middle of your communal desk set up, these Popmask heat patches can be quickly applied in the bathroom for pain-relieving warmth in as little as 60 seconds. Plus, compared to similar adhesive self-warming heat packs, these ones are actually biodegradable so you can feel a tad less guilty when it comes to your eco-conscience.

Similar to a heat pillow, this microwavable heat bag has a moveable wheat grain and dried lavender filling which is both comfortable to lean on, and gives off a lovely fragrance free from synthetic scents (just the natural lavender). It's not machine washable, but compared to the cordless model above, for instance, you'll be grateful not to have a rechargeable model when Aunt Flo ups the pain a notch and you're not caught unawares with a device that's all out of juice.

Another electric model, but this time one that's been designed specifically for stomach, back and neck pain. The product attaches together for wraparound warmth and is made of OEKO-TEX 100 certified velour to ensure no risks to your all-around skincare health. With its flexible heating elements it can also be rolled as you require and, if you're accident prone, it's machine washable, too.

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Nordic style electric blankets are some of the top trending ones in our GLAMOUR round up, so we had to include this similarly designed heat pad from Beurer as soon as we spotted it. It's complete with auto shut-off to prevent overheating and any redness/blisters from extended heat exposure, and it comes in a larger size to provide relaxing warmth across a broader area of your body. Let's get those prostaglandins (what causes the uterine muscles to contract) chilling out, ladies (and transgender men).

If you're putting together a wellness gift set then you need to add this to your haul, stat. Together with a calming aromatherapy spray and some lotions with essential oils to really get their relax on - their period honestly won't know what hit it. Plus, at just £19, it comes in cheaper than lots of its competitor heat pads and it's the only one with a cold function. Go, Urban Outfitters.

Save money on heating pads for period pain and buyers with discomfort from other ailments and muscle/bone impairments by using these Urban Outfitters discounts.

For more from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Lucy Smith, follow her on Instagram @luceeeeesmith.