Menstrual Pain, Meet Your Match: These Heating Pads Offer Quick Relief

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For that time of the month when menstrual pains feel out of control, heating pads provide almost instant relief, so long as you use one that offers the basic features needed to make you feel comfortable. Luckily, lots of heating pads today offer auto-shut off timers for safety, various heat level settings, portability and long cords for convenience. Enter: the best heating pads for cramps.

What causes period pain to hurt so bad? “During menstruation, a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin initiates the uterus to contract,” explains Aimee Anagnostos, D.P.T., pelvic health physical therapist. She explains that prostaglandins are associated with inflammation in the body, which can be associated with having painful periods.

Meet the experts: Aimee Anagnostos, D.P.T., pelvic health physical therapist at Myodetox; Cielo Gnecco, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Children; Leah Rispoli, M.D., double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist at DISC Sports & Spine Center; Sarah Yamaguchi, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., board-certified gynecologist at DTLA Gynecology.

And when you apply heat to the lower abdomen or pelvic area, it can lead to relaxation of uterus muscles that contract and cause pain, according Cielo Gnecco, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist.

With our expert-focused tips in mind, we rounded up the best heating pads for cramps below. It’s worth noting that most period products are FSA/HSA eligible, which means you can shop with pre-tax dollars to save some cash.

Classic Heat Pack

While corded heating pads can sometimes feel restricting, this one from Thermophore includes a handy, 10-foot cord that lets you move around with ease.

Besides being weighted and covering a larger surface area, users like that you can control the heat with the included switch—anywhere from 150 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What reviewers say: “My stepmom has one of these and before back surgery I was using it and I like how you can control the heat. It was recommended to me so I’m also recommending!”

Heating Pad for Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

We’ve recommended this heating pad before, and we’re recommending it again. It has all the basic features needed to make it a great heating pad: a long, 9-foot cord, three heat settings, and even a washable cover.

This heating pad is simple to operate and even comes with a controller with large, easy-to-use buttons.

What reviewers say: “It gets super hot and has a long enough cord that reaches over the bed with no problems. It helps with period cramps and keeps me warm during the winter.”

Heat Vibes Menstrual Pain Relief Heat Patches

When we’re out and about and can’t walk around with corded heating pads, Anagnostos shares that heat patches serve as a great on-the-go alternative. She says her clients tend to gravitate towards Midol Heat Vibes patches.

These patches are easy to apply (they come with an adhesive backing), last up to eight hours, and feel lightweight and seamless under your clothing. One box comes with a pack of six.

What Anagnostos says: “The key note is to not apply the patch directly to the skin, but it is great over underwear.”

Heating Pad Microwavable

Leah Rispoli, M.D., board-certified interventional pain management specialist, says she prefers microwavable heating pads over electric plug-in heaters because with microwavable pads, there’s less risk of fire. This pad heats up as quickly as 90 seconds and will stay warm for up to 20 minutes. It even has a linen side that offers cold therapy. We like that this pad also comes at a low price point.

What Dr. Rispoli says: “Microwavable heating pads mold really well to peoples backs, can be easily carried, and cool off with time.”

Cordless Heating Pad

The best area to place a heating pad for period pain is over the uterus area, which is over the lower abdomen, according to Sarah Yamagucchi, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., board-certified gynecologist. “However, some women experience also back pain as their cramps are setting off muscle spasms in their back,” she explains.

This cordless pick from Sunbeam features a flexible design that can be placed on the shoulder, abdomen, or back. It has an adjustable strap that keeps the pad in place wherever you go.

What reviewers say: “Wearing this heat pad all day has been keeping the pain away efficiently and in a very convenient way that allows me to go on about my day instead of being stuck laying around for hours.”

Venom 2 Back Wrap

According to Anagnostos, cordless heating pads a great for consistent application of heat. While pricey, the Venom 2 has high marks from users for its speedy heat-up time, large surface area, and three heat settings. It even offers a vibration setting that mimics a light massage.

Note that the device shuts off every 15 minutes. But that’s a good thing, because both Anagnostos and Dr. Gnecco recommend against heating pad usage of over 20 minutes.

What Anagnostos says: “Since it’s a chargeable device, a cordless option delivers a steady power of warmth.”

Full Weighted Heating Pad

This pick from Comfytemp is weighted with 2.2-lb glass beads, offering comfort similar to that of a weighted blanket. It also comes with three adjustable heat levels, plus the option of moist heat therapy when you spray water onto the pad’s surface.

Users like the large coverage surface area and its aromatherapy qualities (it smells like lavender and eucalyptus). The weighted pad is HSA/FSA eligible.

Just know that with the lower price tag, you may sacrifice quality in the fabric.

What reviewers say: “It’s a nice size that covers a lot of area. I find the settings to be good enough for my back pain level.”

Portable Cordless Heating Pad

Unlike your typical corded heating pad, this one uses USB charging. Reviewers say a full charge will last you about two hours on average.

The heating pad is quite small and slim and comes with an adjustable waist strap. It also comes with three massage and three heating modes. Some reviewers note that the vibration setting is a little loud.

What reviewers say: “It’s super thin and lightweight, but doesn’t feel cheap. It heats up really fast. It’s comfortable and I can even wear it under my work clothes.”

Heating Pad for Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain Relief

This Amazon favorite boasting nearly 21,000 five-star ratings is popular for a reason. It features a cozy plush cover and offers king-sized coverage (12” x 14” ). Users also like that it actually heats up within 30 seconds, as promised in marketing claims.

What reviewers say: “The pliability of the pad makes it very easy to form to your body. On top of that, the outer material is very soft to the touch. This pad delivers heat very fast as well which is another added bonus.”

Portable Heating Pad, Menstrual Pain Relief Patches

Similar to the Midol patches, these patches from Thermacare offer an easier, more convenient alternative to a traditional heating pad when you’re on the go.

The pads claim to offer eight hours of menstrual pain relief and stick easily to your underwear. Users like that you can apply these on your pelvic area and back.

What reviewers say: “While I would love the heat to be more constant, I found with occasional re-adjustments I was able to use this for about five hours and receive heat. It was a great way to help my cramping.”

Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief

With a 17” x 33” surface coverage area, this heating pad is large enough to cover an entire back. You can also wrap it around your shoulders or lay it on your lap.

Just note that a couple of users expressed that they didn’t think the heating pad gets hot enough.

What reviewers say: “The pliability of the pad makes it very easy to form to your body. On top of that, the outer material is very soft to the touch. This pad delivers heat very fast as well which is another added bonus.”

Hot Heated Pad

Currently the best-selling heating pad on Amazon, this pick from Deepsoon stands out with its six temperature settings and four auto shut-off timer options.

Users like that the actual pad is soft and plush, and that you can place it comfortably on the abdomen, across your waist, over your shoulders, or across your back. You can spray water on one side of the heating pad to access moist heat therapy for deeper heat penetration.

What reviewers say: “With multiple heat settings, I can tailor the warmth to suit my needs, whether I’m targeting my abdomen, neck, shoulders, or knees. The auto shut-off function provides peace of mind.”

How to choose a heating pad for cramps

There is no one size fits all when finding the best heating pad. “The best heating pad is ultimately the one that works most effectively and consistently for the user,” says Anagnostos. There are a few different types that suit various individual needs:

✔️ Heat patches: Anagnostos describes these as pimple patches, but for period cramps. While it might be tempting to apply the patch onto the skin, she advises to apply the patch over your underwear instead.

✔️ Microwaveable heating pads: “These are typically filled with clay beads and users tend to like the weight of these across their abdomen and back for gentle soothing pressure,” explains Anagnostos. Dr. Rispoli likes this option as they cool off with time, mold to your body, and are much less of a fire hazard.

✔️ Cordless heating pads: If you want a steady power of warmth, Anagnostos recommends a cordless heating pad. She says they’re great for consistent application of heat.

✔️ Corded heating pads: While not as convenient, corded heating pads typically cover a larger surface area. However, Dr. Rispoli favors corded pads the least due to them being the highest risk of injury to the patient. “I see countless patients saying they enjoy using corded heating pads, but they can cause skin injury, due to improper use or patients using them when falling asleep,” she says.

How long should you leave a heating pad on for period cramps?

According to all our experts, you shouldn’t leave a heating pad on for any more than 20 minutes max.

Otherwise, this can cause skin irritation or even injury, according to Dr. Gnecco. “You can try and take breaks between use of heating pad to allow skin to cool down,” she says.

To be extra safe, Anagnostos advises to start low and go slow. She recommends to start with five to 10 minutes at a time on a lower setting, then gradually build up to 20 minutes at a time, with frequency of up to three times a day. “Be mindful of if the heat starts to cause any itching or irritation. It is normal to see a flush of color at first, but if it lingers, that may be an indication that the heat was too intense,” Anagnostos says.

Where is the best place to put a heating pad for period cramps?

Don’t overthink it. According to Dr. Rispoli, you‘ll want to place the heating pad directly where it hurts.

“So when you’re on your period, you’ll want to place the pad right on the pelvic region,” she explains. She adds that people sometimes don’t realize that menstruation can also cause back pain, so some users might want to place the pad on the lower back for relief too.

Important note: While it may feel nice to have direct contact between the pad and the skin, Anagnostos reminds us that the skin is delicate. “Keep a barrier—like a towel or thin cloth—between the pad and the skin for protection,” she advises.

Is it okay to sleep with a heating pad for cramps?

Absolutely not. “The dial can go up to the hottest point, which can cause a fire hazard,” says Dr. Rispoli. She says if you think you require this much prolonged heat, speak to your provider about using other techniques and tools besides heat therapy.

Anyways, using a heating pad for too long can defeat its purpose, Anagnostos explains. “After a certain time, prolonged and localized heat loses its therapeutic efficacy and can cause skin irritation,” she says.

How we chose heating pads for cramps

We consulted Aimee Anagnostos, D.P.T., pelvic health therapist at Myodetox; Cielo Gnecco, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Children; Leah Rispoli, M.D., double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist at DISC Sports & Spine Center; and Sarah Yamaguchi, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., board-certified gynecologist at DTLA Gynecology. While our experts didn’t want to recommend specific brands or products as each individual user has different needs, they referred to products their own patients use and provided shopping insights to help inform our recommendations.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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