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The best period pain relief devices, tested by 40 women
From TENS machines to heat wraps, here are our top picks for easing menstrual cramps
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
From stomach cramps to aches in your lower back, periods can be pretty unpleasant. Up to 91% of women and girls experience dysmenorrhea (the medical term for period pain) at some point in their lives, and almost 30% struggle with severe, debilitating symptoms. That’s not to mention the millions of women dealing with crippling conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibroids.
For years, women have been encouraged to pop a painkiller, ignore their symptoms and suffer in silence, but thankfully, the tide is turning. Women’s health is finally receiving more attention and medical research, and a number of tools that claim to ease menstrual symptoms – including TENS machines and heat pads – have hit the market. But what exactly are they, and do they actually work? That's where we come in.
Which are the best period pain relief devices?
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Our Good Housekeeping Institute experts enlisted a 40-strong panel of women, all of whom suffer from painful menstrual cramps or endometriosis, to help us find the best period pain relief devices out there. They tested them for a minimum of four weeks before giving us detailed feedback. You'll find a breakdown of how we test below our full reviews.
What are period pain relief products?
There's a wide range of period pain-relieving products on the market, but the most popular is the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. “These devices work by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin along the nerve strands,” says Dr Osama Naji, consultant gynaecologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital and the Rylon Clinic on Harley Street. “These electrical impulses can help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.”
“TENS machines also encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain-killing chemicals called endorphins and enkephalins,” he adds.
According to Dr Tiffany Pham, obstetrician-gynaecologist and medical advisor at Flo Health, studies have shown TENS machines have the potential to provide relief from period pain and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recognised them as a treatment for period cramps.
She offers an important reminder that they aren’t suitable for everyone, including those who are pregnant or have a pacemaker. If in doubt, it’s best to seek guidance from a medical professional, who can advise on whether it’s appropriate for you.
Aside from TENS machines, heat pads (essentially a high-tech version of a hot water bottle) are also popular. These devices can be applied to the lower back and abdomen to help relax the uterine muscles and minimise the pain (they feel lovely against your skin, too). These are the ones our panel rated during testing.
Pros
- Combines heat and vibration massage
- "Extremely comforting" according to testers
- Portable
Cons
- Expensive
Score: 89/100
Hyperice's Venom Back 2 was described as a “total lifesaver” by our panel for those crampy, achy days. If you’re partial to a hot water bottle during your time of the month, you’ll love this high-tech vibrating heat wrap.
Made with innovative ‘HyperHeat’ technology, the brand claims it warms up six times faster than a standard heat pad to provide instant relief. In addition to three heat settings, it boasts three distinct vibration patterns to further alleviate discomfort – you can play around with these to find the perfect combination for you.
Our testers confirmed the device took mere moments to warm up and said it felt “extremely comforting and soothing”. Everyone agreed that it helped ease their symptoms and they would happily continue to use it after the trial period. “It’s way better than any other heat pad I’ve tried before,” one tester told us.
The neoprene wrap – which felt smooth and comfy against the skin– is a bit bulky, but the large surface area means it’s incredibly effective. It has an adjustable compression strap for a customised fit and you can easily turn it 180 degrees to target your tummy or pelvic area.
It scored top marks for ease of use, with clear instructions that made it simple to use from the start, as well as responsive control buttons. The three-hour battery life is impressive and cleaning the device is a doddle – just wipe it down with a damp cloth. Granted, it isn’t small, and the vibrations are a little noisy, but those are our only niggles. It also comes with a one-year warranty for peace of mind when investing.
Therabody PowerDot Duo
Pros
- FDA-approved grade II medical device
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Also suitable for muscle recovery and joint pain
Cons
- Pricey
Score: 88/100
Therabody is best known for its top quality massage guns, but the brand has taken its first foray into the world of period pain with the PowerDot Duo. The FDA-approved, grade II medical device combines neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and TENS, which help soothe menstrual pain by stimulating nerves to release endorphins and increasing circulation to sore areas.
The portable, lightweight device has a dedicated period pain programme on its accompanying app – simply place the sticky pads where it hurts, select the duration of your session (between 30 and 90 minutes), connect the leads and you’re good to go. You’ll feel a tingling sensation in said area (according to our testers, it’s unusual but not painful) as you get on with your day. The sticky pads stayed in place, didn’t feel uncomfortable and were a cinch to peel off after use.
Our panel praised the clever device, with one tester saying they were “totally blown away”, and another telling us: “I’d recommend it to all my fellow endometriosis sufferers in a heartbeat”. Pain relief aside, its portability earned it extra points, and the fact you can also use the PowerDot for muscle recovery and joint pain is the icing on the cake.
Pros
- Extremely comforting and easy to use
- Up to eight hours of heat
- Good value for money
Cons
- Heat patches could be wider
- Can’t be worn while sleeping
Score: 86/100
Unlike the other techy options in this round-up, these natural heat patches from DeoDoc – developed by a doctor and a gynaecologist – are activated by oxygen. Simply peel off the protective backing and pop the patch onto your clothing (not on bare skin) and it will start to warm up within moments. “It’s like carrying a hot water bottle around with you,” commented one tester, while another said, "There no was no need for me to use any other pain relief at the same time.”
The brand says each patch (you get three in a pack) delivers “comfortable heat for up to eight hours” and they lived up to their claims. “I wore it all day and it stayed hot the entire time,” confirmed one satisfied panellist. The patches were easy to attach to clothing and they didn’t fall off, even after extended use.
Thanks to the thin, discreet design, you don't have to worry about them poking out through your clothing when you’re out and about. Some testers would have liked them to be slightly wider for more warmth around the hips, but that wouldn’t stop them from using them again. In fact, everyone said they would recommend DeoDoc's soothing patches to friends.
Pros
- Effective heat and vibration therapy
- Comfy to wear underneath clothing
Cons
- Vibrations not for everyone
- Battery life a little disappointing
Score: 81/100
If you like the sound of the Hyperice heat wrap above but can’t justify the spend, consider this affordable alternative from Slimpal. Coming in under £25, it’s a fraction of the price, yet still offers three distinct heat and vibration settings.
The slick device is worn like a belt, with the heat pad placed on your stomach or back, depending on where you’re experiencing pain. Our testers said it was easy to attach and didn’t feel heavy or cumbersome when on. It's also subtle enough to wear underneath a jumper without looking strange or bulky.
Panellists couldn’t get enough of the heat modes (the hottest setting was supremely effective), saying it felt warm within seconds and successfully helped soothe menstrual cramps. It was quick to charge using a USB cable and the controls were ultra responsive – although any technophobes among you will be pleased to know it comes with detailed set-up instructions.
You can choose to have both the heat and vibration settings on at the same time for a thorough massage or use them independently. Not everyone was a fan of the vibrations – a few testers found them uncomfortable, and some felt they were too loud, but that may or may not bother you. Still, when you consider the budget price tag, it’s hard to complain.
Pros
- Wireless, easy-to-use design
- Also suitable for muscle and joint pain
Cons
- Adhesive pads not the stickiest
- Stronger settings too intense for some
Score: 78/100
This Med-Fit device is at the affordable end of the TENS machine spectrum. Like Myoovi, it’s wireless – no need to worry about wires poking out of your jumper – and comes with a remote control so you can easily switch between the various settings, even when you’re at the office. There are plenty of pulse settings to choose from, so you can find what works best for you. Our panel said the device was almost silent on the beginner modes, but they found the more powerful settings a touch loud and distracting.
Once up and running, it was a breeze to use and several testers said it provided massive relief, especially when experiencing lighter periods. “It definitely reduced my pain and I’ll continue to keep using it,” said one panellist. When it’s not your time of the month, you can also use it to target other parts of the body, whether you’ve got aching quads after a run or you’re struggling with sore knees.
The device automatically turns off after five minutes if it’s not in use to preserve battery and it’s quick and easy to charge. The fact that the adhesive pads weren’t particularly long-lasting was disappointing, but you can purchase three for under £16 on Amazon. If it’s value for money you’re after, you can’t go far wrong.
Pros
- Great for on the go
- 15 intensity levels to suit all needs
- Less than £50
Cons
- Adhesive pads could have been stickier
- Heat settings not for everyone
Score: 74/100
Another no-fuss wireless TENS design, this time from Boots. It’s one of the smallest models we tested, so it’s an excellent shout if you want to use it when you’re out and about. It’s also comfortable to wear for extended periods, with one tester saying, “At times, I completely forgot I was wearing it!”
There are 15 intensity levels to choose from, so you can start with something gentle to ease yourself in and amp up the power when your cramps are particularly painful. There’s also the option to add heat for extra comfort. Sure enough, it helped “calm down cramps” and “significantly reduce pain”, according to our panellists.
They found it a cinch to use, praising the intuitive buttons and clear instructions available when you scan the QR code. The adhesive pads could have been stickier, but that’s a common issue with wallet-friendly TENS machines. If you’re on the market for something simple and effective, and don’t want to shell out more than £50, you’ve met your perfect match.
How we test period pain tech
The Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of 40 testers to trial a range of popular period pain relief devices over a period of four weeks.
We asked them to judge each product on a range of factors, including design, set-up, ease of use and, most importantly, how effective they were at relieving period pain. Once the testing period was complete, they shared their experiences via a detailed survey.
Back in the lab, our in-house experts conducted further tests, assessing the functionality of each product. Devices that use heat were tested for how effectively they distributed warmth, and decibel tests were carried out on those that use vibrations to judge how loud they are. Feedback was then analysed, and overall scores awarded.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We test thousands of products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews on the latest wellness launches, from the best fitness trackers to expert-recommended blood pressure monitors.
Kim Hawley is the senior sleep and and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees reviews for a range of health and wellness products, including period pain devices. She has over 30 years' experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification and a nutrition qualification. She has also spent time working in leading health clubs across the UK.
Our sleep and wellness editor Priyankaa Joshi looks after all our health and sleep reviews. She has over seven years' industry experience and is currently undertaking her level 2 personal training qualification. She turns all the data from our testing team into easy-to-read reviews to help you make an informed decision and choose the right product for you.
What is dysmenorrhea?
Dr Naji explains that dysmenorrhea (period pain) is a very common gynaecological condition characterised by cramping pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area that originates from the uterus during the menstrual cycle. There are two types.
Primary dysmenorrhea: This relates to common period pain, which often starts a day or two before menstruation and can continue throughout the menstrual period.
Secondary dysmenorrhea: This type of pain is caused by identifiable gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease, and it can be extremely debilitating. It can also start later in life and tends to get worse over time.
According to Dr Naji, it’s advisable to seek medical assistance if you’re concerned about your periods. “If the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, it’s important that secondary dysmenorrhea is ruled out,” he says.
“It’s worth seeing a healthcare professional if there’s been a significant change in the nature or pattern of your periods, if you’re experiencing other symptoms like heavy bleeding, fever or nausea, or if the pain lasts longer than three days and you have to use multiple sanitary pans or tampons within an hour.”
What are the best tips for managing period pain?
These are Dr Pham's tips for dealing with menstrual pain.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Common medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually sufficient for managing period pain, provided you take the correct dose. It’s a good idea to speak to your GP to exclude secondary dysmenorrhea and for advice on the right dosage.
Hormonal birth control: Studies have shown that hormonal birth control like the pill, patch or vaginal ring can help ease symptoms. The most effective options typically include both sex hormones oestrogen and progestin, although they’re not right for everyone. Speak to your GP for advice.
Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make that can have a positive effect. For instance, engaging in regular exercise such as yoga, Pilates, strength training or running can boost mood and help you feel more relaxed around your period.
Menstrual pain has also been associated with stress, so try to take steps to manage this through techniques such as breathwork and meditation, as well as making sure you’re maintaining a good sleep routine and eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, veg and whole grains.
Heat therapy: Evidence shows that heat is great for relaxing the muscles and relieving cramps, so curling up with a hot water bottle can be very comforting when you’re struggling.
Pain relief products: If you prefer not to take medication, or experience side effects from certain medications, the best period pain relief devices can be a great, drug-free alternative. Popular products include TENS machines, heat pads and menthol patches.
The verdict on period pain tech
Though pricey, our winner, the Hyperice Venom 2 Back Wrap combines powerful heat and vibration tech to help ease your symptoms. According to testers, it's a "total lifesaver".
For an effective, budget-friendly alternative, look to the Slimpal Heat Pad, which comes in at under £25.
If you also suffer with muscle aches and painful joints, consider Therabody's PowerDot 2.0 Duo. It scored top marks for versatility during testing.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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