Like many women in their thirties, I somewhat recently came off the pill. This marked the first time I’d done so since I was 16. After more than a decade of suppressing my ovulatory cycle, my periods are now fully restored to their pre–birth control severity. The solution: The Scarlet rae heating pad, which promises a consistent source of heat to help relieve pain over the course of several hours.
That’s because with uncontrollable cravings for potato chips and the odd, equally uncontrollable bout of rage (attention: any colleague who uses the last of the boiling water in the jug without refilling it), my period also comes with a hefty dose of cramping in my lower abdomen and back.
I’m lucky to have a very understanding, period-friendly workplace where I can wear leggings, help myself to free tampons, and, on particularly severe days, lie across two couches with my laptop balanced on my midsection, hoping the radiant heat from having 1,000 tabs open might translate directly into my uterus. Is this particularly chic or sustainable? Not really.
Check out our guide to the best heating pads for every type of period here, or if you’re already sold, purchase the rae heating pad from Scarlet for $129.
Womans Day’s Scarlet rae heating pad review verdict
- Our rating: 7.5 out of 10
- Why we rated it a (7.5/10):
Pros
- Steady, consistent heat to the lower abdomen or back
- Rechargable and reusable
- Up to five hours continuous heat
- Slimline and easily wearable
- Hypoallergenic, food-grade silicone
Cons
- Stiff power button
- A little on the pricier side
What’s so special about the Scarlet rae heating pad?
In a rare case of tech actually being beneficial to women’s health issues (which are so often overlooked), heating pads offer a way to keep consistent, anti-inflammatory heat on the midsection or lower back — where, for so many of us, the pain tends to settle.
While wheat bags and hot water bottles are great for holding heat on the lower belly or back, they come with two clear drawbacks:
- They’re bulky
- They lose heat quickly
The benefit of a rechargeable heating pad is that it heats up quickly and can last for over five hours, depending on which of the three heat settings you choose.
How to use the Scarlet rae heating pad
Before first use, plug rae into a USB-C charger (like your phone charger, laptop, or powerbank) until the battery is full. Lights will indicate if and when it’s charging.
Press and hold the single button for three seconds to turn rae on. The first light shows the low setting.
Then press the button again to cycle through the three heat levels:
• Low – longest battery life (5 + hours)
• Medium – moderate heat (3 hrs)
• High – hottest (2 hrs)
Then place it where you need the warmth.
Results from my test of the Scarlet rae heating pad
The period specialists at Scarlet sent over some of their products for me to try, in an attempt to ease the scaries I experience every time I see my Flo app counting down through the luteal phase towards my period. In the package was period swimwear (more on that later), a set of period pocket underwear, and the rae heat pad — an ultra-slim, USB-rechargeable, wearable heating aid aimed squarely at treating period woes. I put the heating pad to the test on the dreaded day two of my period — aka, my personal hellscape.
While hot showers, wheat bags and hot water bottles are lovely, they’re not especially practical in the middle of a workday or during a car journey. With the rae heating pad, you’ll have no trouble incorporating it subtly into your day. It’s seriously slimline, offering no more bulk than after a filling pad thai for lunch.
I sat with it nestled on my belly at my desk in the aforementioned period-friendly workplace (see below pic! ), but for even more convenience, Scarlet’s period pocket underwear allows you to slot the heating pad in securely, meaning you can walk around freely.
Then you choose your fighter (heat setting). Low lasts more than five hours, medium lasts around three hours, and high lasts about two. If, like me, you’re a more-is-more kind of gal, it’s recommended to use the period pocket underwear or make sure the heating pad is positioned over your own underwear. If using it directly on the skin, stick to a lower heat setting.
The standout for me was the consistent, low hum of comforting heat. I mainly stuck to medium and was very happy. If you’ve ever scalded yourself on a searing hot water bottle only to have it go completely cold 20 minutes later, you’ll know the pain. This stayed warm and steady for several hours, and (bonus) only took a couple of hours to reach full charge.
Is it safe?
The key question when applying something to the delicate area above our uterus.
The answer is yes. Thanks to its built-in thermometer, it reaches a comfortable maximum of 50°C and includes auto shut-off and overheat protection, so you’re not putting your skin or organs at risk. For sensitive-skinned souls, the food-grade, soft hypoallergenic silicone won’t spark a reaction. There’s no latex, no sharp edges, and it’s curved to hug the contours of the body.
Overall, is the Scarlet rae heating pad worth it?
Definitely. As someone who has burned herself on many a hot water bottle and gone through countless painkillers over the years, this heating pad brought sweet, ongoing relief for hours during those initial days when cramps are at their most intense. I also deeply appreciated the double duty of the period pocket underwear — both for holding the pad in place and for blood absorption.
Don’t just take my word for it — here’s what other users have to say about the rae heat pad.
“Simple. Effective. I use this at work, on walks, on the couch. No cords, no fuss. Just warmth that actually hits the spot.”
“This has replaced disposable heat patches entirely. It’s sleek and genuinely comforting when cramps hit hard. Worth every cent.”
“Stage 4 endo girly — this is amazing! Touch of a button and it heats up. No more boiling the jug for constant hot water bottles! The only thing I’d ask for is a place in the case to put the charger.”
Any cons?
A small number of reviews on the Scarlet website note that the power button can be a little stiff, particularly the first few times you use it. You may need to apply a bit of force.
“My only issue is the power button. With some hand strength problems, I struggled to turn it on at first and thought it was faulty — my husband managed it easily. I can usually get it now, but it still takes a few tries. If you have hand issues, just be aware of that. Hopefully it’s something they improve in future versions.”
Where to buy the Scarlet rae heat pad?
The Scarlet rae heat pad is available on the Scarlet website for $129, or you can bundle it with the period pocket underwear for $145 (saving $14).
Why does heat help with period cramps?
Period cramps — usually a throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen or back — are caused by the uterus contracting to shed its lining, triggered by hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins. Studies have shown that heat therapy is an effective way to lessen menstrual pain. Using a heated patch or wrap on your abdomen can help relax the muscles of your uterus — the very muscles responsible for period cramps. Heat can also boost circulation in the area, which may further reduce pain.n a rare case of tech actually being beneficial to women’s health issues (which are so often overlooked), heating pads offer a way to keep consistent, anti-inflammatory heat on the midsection or lower back — where, for so many of us, the pain tends to settle.
Related articles:
- Is the 28-day menstruation cycle actually a myth?
- Making the switch: All your period undies questions answered
- The rise of sustainable period products
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