Heat relief: The heating pads we swear by to get through our periods

A comforting, warming companion to get you through those first days of the cycle

This discreet and wireless heating pad topped our list as the best overall heating pad for period cramps. Critically, it was designed by a woman who, after years of suffering from endometriosis, really knew what people wanted in a period heating pad. She clearly had a few non-negotiables in mind, resulting in a discreet, comfortable and dedicated heating pad.

We loved this one for its super-soft silicone outer and gentle curved shape, designed to fit the contours of your body. With a nice steady hum of gentle, comforting heat, it can sit snugly inside leggings or jeans. Or, you can utilise the specially designed period-pocket underwear, where it slips neatly into place, meaning you can walk around freely.

Read our commercial editor and wellness fanatic’s full review of the Scarlet rae heat pad here.

Max temp: 50°C
Heat settings: Low, medium, high
Rechargeable: Yes
Power time: Up to five hours (dependent on setting)

Nice to know:

• Splash-proof (for wine or tears)
• PFAS-free, no harmful chemicals
• Hypoallergenic silicone
• Recyclable packaging
  

A heating pad that can come on the move with you

As we know, periods never arrive when it’s convenient — aka perfect bed-rot days. Instead, they often strike when we’re trying to work, parent or clean the house. At those times, you want a heating pad that can travel with you. This soft, flexible heating belt can be worn snugly around the waist when you’re on the move, delivering much-needed warmth to the abdomen or lower back, depending on which way around you wear it. You stay free to bend, walk or stretch without restriction or bulkiness.

Heat settings: Six 
Max temperature: 65°C
Rechargeable: Yes
Power time: 2–6 hours

Nice to know:

• Wireless and portable
• Soft, flexible woven fabric (cotton and polyester)
• Robust 5000mAh battery
• 16cm-wide abdominal heating zone

Best for covering a larger surface area

For times when the limit does not exist on the sheer amount of heat you crave, opt for this large, extra-plush fleece heating pad. Perfect for the colder months, it not only provides pain-relieving targeted warmth but also acts as a snug source of heat to ward off winter shivers. It’s set to become a couch staple during your period.

Crucially, it heats up in minutes and can be hand-washed. Winning.

Heat settings: Low, medium, high
Max temperature: 60°C
Rechargeable: No (must be plugged in)
Power time: 45 minutes before automatic shut-off (restart by pressing the power button)

Nice to know:

• Auto shut-off adds an extra layer of safety
• Extra-large size covers the abdomen, back or thighs
• Soft fleece exterior feels cosy against the skin
• USB-powered — works with power banks, laptops or wall adapters
• Lightweight enough to move from couch to bed

Create a relaxing, soothing environment, while relieving pain and cramping

If you’re the type of person who errs towards stress and anxiety during your period, opt for a heating pad designed for maximum relaxation. This microwavable wheat bag is made with jasmine rice, along with calming flowers and herbs such as lavender, chamomile and rose — helping relax the senses as the heat targets pain.

You can fold it into a neck roll, drape it over a sore abdomen, or tuck it against your belly while lying on your side. As it’s microwavable, the heat does fade over time, but reviewers say it retains warmth surprisingly well for a non-electrical product.

Choose your fabric and scent at checkout, and type FREEWARM in the “message to seller” section to receive a free hand and pocket warmer. Now that’s a full-sensory way of getting through a slightly shitty time.

Rechargeable: No
Power time: 1–2 minutes in the microwave, then about an hour of warmth (according to reviews)

Nice to know:

• No electricity or cords required
• Natural filling (jasmine rice, herbs and flowers)
• Doubles as a calming aromatherapy aid
• Can also be used cold (store in freezer) for inflammation
• Handmade and customisable fabrics and scents

A disposable, stick-on option to ease pain when you’re out of the house

Looking for fast-acting, temporary relief when you’re out and about? A disposable pack of stick-on heating pads is the way to go. This option from Chemist Warehouse offers particularly impressive cost-per-use — around $2.50 per pad (and as all cramp sufferers know, pain relief is priceless).

Air-activated and self-heating, these pads are designed to stick over clothing (don’t put them directly onto your skin, as tempting as that may be) and provide up to 14 hours of heat.

Our favourite benefit? They’re eco-friendly. The specially formulated heat granules can be tipped out into your garden and used as a soil conditioner. Just be careful not to stick these directly onto your skin; they’re for use over clothing only.

Heat settings: One setting
Max temperature: 53°C
Rechargeable: No
Power time: Up to 14 hours of heat

Nice to know

• Slim and discreet under clothing
• No cords, charging or batteries required
• Odourless once activated
• Individually sealed for freshness and portability