Hot tub therapy for relieving menstrual cramps

10 Minute Read

If you’ve ever had to push through your day while battling menstrual cramps or endometriosis pain, you know how challenging it can be. Between work, family, errands, and a never-ending to-do list, it often feels like there’s no time to slow down—let alone care for yourself.

If you are searching for holistic remedies to relieve menstrual cramps or endometriosis, this article aims to help by suggesting hot tub therapy, or hydrotherapy, for menstrual cramps. It will also suggest other remedies that can help alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps and endometriosis, and explain why hot water therapy is such a soothing and beneficial method. Finally, this article will explain why Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs, in particular, are uniquely equipped to help soothe your mind, body, and soul—during your cycle or any day of the week.

Why your body hurts during your cycle

To understand how a hot tub can help address your pain, it helps to know why you’re experiencing this pain in the first place. Menstrual cramps occur when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions, triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, can cause pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, and thighs. Some women may experience headaches or hip pain, as well. If your body produces more prostaglandins, your cramps are likely to be more intense.

If you have endometriosis, you may deal with chronic pain—not just during your period but throughout your cycle. As many as 1 in 10 women of reproductive age are estimated to have endometriosis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women with endometriosis can experience even deeper pain. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This misplaced tissue still responds to the menstrual cycle—swelling, breaking down, and bleeding each month—causing inflammation and significant pain.

Beyond having pelvic pain, cramping, and painful periods in general, women with endometriosis may also experience excessive bleeding, painful urination, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hot tub therapy for relieving menstrual cramps and endometriosis pain

In addition to being touted for many wellness benefits, hydrotherapy is also an excellent way to achieve daily calm and temporarily ease the pain caused by menstrual cramps and endometriosis. Soaking in a hot tub can help temporarily ease your physical pain while also allowing you to achieve mindful tranquility.

If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps and other period pain, hot tub therapy can help provide temporary relief. The gentle warmth helps soothe inflamed areas, ease pelvic pain and muscle tension, relax muscles, and improve circulation. It’s a form of therapy that doesn’t come with the side effects of medication—just a feeling of relief and calm that you can actually enjoy.

Some research shows that sitting in hot water may even be as effective as medication. A separate article on the Mayo Clinic website states that heat is one of the best at-home remedies to try. “Soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad, hot water bottle, or heat patch on your lower abdomen may ease menstrual cramps.” The article goes on to state that heat “may be just as effective as over-the-counter pain medication for relieving menstrual cramps.”

What does hot water therapy do for menstrual cramps?

Immersing yourself in warm water helps your body in multiple ways. Hydrotherapy, the therapeutic use of water, uses heat, buoyancy, and massage to provide more natural relief. In a hot tub, warm water increases blood flow to your pelvic region, which can relax the muscles that are contracting and help reduce cramping.

Could a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub uniquely help relieve symptoms of endometriosis and menstrual cramps?

A soothing soak in a hot tub during your cycle or when you are experiencing endometriosis pain can be heightened in a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. These luxurious, premium hot tubs boast exclusive features—such as exclusive targeted jets and innovative Infrared and Red Light therapy—that take hydrotherapy to the next level, potentially serving as an even better way to address your pain.

Specialized Jacuzzi® PowerPro® Jets are uniquely designed to make your hydromassage soothing and comfortable from head to toe. They are recessed for your complete comfort, thoughtfully positioned to effectively target key muscles, and customizable—providing a unique high-volume, low-pressure massage. So, they gently deliver a deeper, more intense massage experience that is unmatched.

In addition to specialty jets, some premium Jacuzzi® Hot Tub models feature Infrared and Red Light therapy, delivered via the exclusive FX-IR seat. This innovation combines the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy with the rejuvenating power of Infrared and the regenerative qualities of Red Light. These all work together beneath your skin’s surface to temporarily relieve pain and help you reach a state of mindfulness. The FX-IR seat is uniquely designed to target the lower back area, which can help temporarily ease back pain you may experience during your period, or at other times.

The mind-body connection

Speaking of mindfulness—it’s a key factor, especially during women’s menstrual cycle. Pain affects more than just your body. It can wear down your spirit, cloud your mind, and make even small tasks feel overwhelming. That’s why hydrotherapy is so powerful. The moment you step into your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub, you feel lighter—physically and emotionally. The water supports your weight, which can take pressure off your joints and give your back and abdominal muscles a chance to fully relax.

This release can also calm your nervous system. As your muscles unwind, your mind begins to follow. This can reduce cortisol—your body’s stress hormone—and increase serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps you feel balanced and happy.

A hot tub as self-care (not a luxury)

It’s easy to put your own needs last—especially during that time of the month. But hot tub therapy isn’t a splurge; it’s a form of meaningful self-care. It’s a chance to slow down and make yourself a priority.

Imagine coming home after a long day, sinking into warm, bubbling water, and feeling the tension melt away. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to explain. You just get to be. That’s a gift you can give yourself any day of the week—whether you’re in pain or simply need a moment of peace.

Daily relief and ritual

You might start using your hot tub for menstrual pain, but you’ll likely find it becomes part of your wellness routine. The best part is that you only need about 15 to 20 minutes a day can help ease muscle soreness, improve circulation, and provide a mental reset.

Hip Pain, Wellness, Daily Calm, Holistic Remedies

Some women find it helpful to pair hot tub time with other calming rituals: dimming the lights, playing soft music, adding aromatherapy, or practicing deep breathing. These small touches enhance the therapeutic benefits and turn your soak into a cherished ritual. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other ways to reduce menstrual cramps include:

Using a heating pad
Getting extra rest (It’s worth noting that hydrotherapy is also great for promoting a good night’s rest.)
Avoiding foods that contain caffeine
Massaging your lower back and abdomen
Exercising regularly, as people who do so tend to have less menstrual pain
Enjoying warm beverages, such as caffeine-free tea or hot water with honey

When to soak and when to skip

While hydrotherapy can offer relief, it’s essential to listen to your body. If you have a fever, an active infection, or severe pelvic pain that hasn’t been diagnosed, hold off and consult with a doctor first. If you’re pregnant and considering hydrotherapy, make sure to speak with your OB-GYN before using a hot tub. While hot tubs are generally safe during menstruation, it’s best to use a tampon or menstrual cup for comfort and hygiene if you’re soaking during your period.

Wellness that fits your life

Women are often told to tough it out. Push through. Keep smiling. But taking care of yourself isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Whether you’re managing monthly cramps, battling the chronic discomfort of endometriosis, or simply looking for a few moments of calm in an otherwise hectic day, hot tub therapy is a gentle, effective tool that honors your needs and can help you live well with the pain you’re experiencing, if only temporarily.

You don’t need to justify your pain. You don’t need to prove how strong you are. You just need to give yourself permission to feel better—and that starts with finding tools that truly support you.

It’s not just about the relief. It’s about the reminder that your body, your comfort, and your peace matter. When you carve out time to care for yourself—even just 20 quiet minutes in the warm, bubbly embrace of your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub—you’re not just easing pain. You’re reclaiming something more powerful: your right to rest, recover, and restore.

Hot tub therapy—particularly in a luxurious Jacuzzi® Hot Tub, can help you handle whatever life throws your way—with a little less pain and a lot more bliss.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

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