That “time of the month” is literally the worst. The nausea during a period, bloating, mood swings, and other random symptoms (anus cramps, anyone?) can rudely interrupt your day. Not to mention the total chaos in your lower abdomen, which makes you want nothing more than to pop a Midol and snuggle up with a heating pad for cramps.

And really, thank goodness for small miracles—heating pads are a game-changer when it comes to period pain management.

“Heating pads provide warmth and comfort to the abdominal area, helping to relax the muscles and alleviate menstrual cramps,” says Karen Toubi, MD, an OB/GYN at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center. Heat also increases blood flow to your pelvic area, which can relax your ab and back muscles, reducing pain.

The severity of cramps vary by person, but even the mildest cramps can negatively affect your daily activities. To keep that from happening, a heating pad is a great option for menstrual discomfort relief.

Ahead, we’ve curated the top-rated heating pads for period cramps to add to your self-care routine when “Aunt Flo” is in town.

How we chose

We spoke with an OB/GYN to better understand how heating pads help menstrual cramps. We also scoured the internet for the best ratings and reviews on heating pads. Based on expert recommendations and user experience, we narrowed down our top picks based on the following criteria:

• Customer ratings
• Size
• Price
• Quality of materials
• Features

Best heating pads for cramps

Best Electric: Bedsure Weighted Heating Pad — $60.00

For another weighted heating pad option, consider this pad by Bedsure. Not only does it heat up and keep your stomach feeling insulated, but the pad also doubles as a massager. The fabric is made with soft microfiber polyester and is filled with glass beads to give it its heaviness. It features six heating levels and three time-settings for personalized coziness.

One satisfied Amazon customer says, “I have to say, I didn’t expect much from this heating pad, and figured the massage feature was going to be hokey. But it was better than expected. It puts out a nice amount of heat and the massage/vibration feature is great!”

Pros

• Six heating levels
• Assortment of color options
• Automatic shut off after two hours
• Versatile use and can wrap around neck and shoulders

Cons

• Requires a cord
• More expensive

Best Infared: UTK Far Infrared Natural Jade and Tourmaline Heating Pad — $139.00

What makes this heating pad so unique is how it provides heat to the body. Featuring infrared technology, infrared heating pads like this one use infrared light to help distribute heat deep within the layers of your skin and beyond the immediate surface of the skin. As a bonus, this heating pad also includes jade and tourmaline stones, both of which are believed to help boost your body’s energy by emitting negative ions.

This heating pad is 23.5 inches X 16 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds, so it’s pretty sturdy. It has a high price point, but don’t let that scare you off. According to more than 2,000 Amazon reviews, the cost is worth it. Once customer saying, “This pad is a perfect pain reliever. I returned a less expensive one because the stones were too domed and painful. These stones are smooth and low, comfortable, and they heat quickly.”

Pros

• Infrared technology
• Three-year warranty
• Made with natural jade and tourmaline stones

Cons

• Pricey
• Heavy (weighs 4.5 pounds)
• Takes at least 30 minutes to heat up

Best Budget: Attmu Rubber Hot Water Bottle — $10.00

And last but not least, for those who don’t like any electric tools, you are in luck with these Attu Rubber Hot Water Bottles. All you have to do is fill the bottle with water—which you can turn into an effective ice pack or a hot compress for your stomach. Not to mention, it comes with a small carrying case that’s a knit version of the bottle (it’s basically a little sweater, and what can be cuter?).

While this isn’t exactly a heating pad recommendation, don’t knock it ’til you try it. One customer wrote, “Portable warmth, my new obsession. This product is amazing and well-made. Pick your favorite color and enjoy.”

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Many color options
• Can be used for hot and cold therapy
• Portable
• No cord or batteries needed

Cons

• Must be held in place
• Not suitable for microwave use
• Requires water

Best XL: Pure Enrichment® PureRelief XL Heating Pad — $35.00

With over 50,000 five-star reviews, this Pure Enrichment heating pad is a match made in heaven for those with painful cramps and muscle tension. Made with microplush and polyester, it heats up within seconds and puts out a steady amount of high heat (up to 140 degrees) for up to two hours at a time before automatically shutting off. It also features a long, nine-foot cord so you can reach place it wherever you want to relax. The dimensions are a whopping 12” x 24”, so you can achieve full body pain relief anywhere at anytime.

One happy customer wrote, “I’ve had this XL heating pad for over five years and it’s been a reliable source of heat for pain relief… It’s big enough to go across my hips or lower back without having to move it from side to side. This is a great feature because if you’re in pain and want to relax with the heat, moving around isn’t a lot of fun.”

Pros

• Extra large pad with 12” x 24” dimensions
• Six heat settings
• Nine foot cord
• Automatic shut off
• Five-year warranty

Cons

• No infrared technology
• Does not vibrate or massage
• Limited color options

Best Variety: Comfytemp Heating Pad — $14.99

If you’re looking for a heating pad with versatility, this is it. The Comfytemp heating pad is a cordless and electric product that can also be worn as a neck warmer. It includes three different settings for you to find just the right temperature to help relax your body and ease your muscles. It’s dimensions are 5.7 x 3.7 x 8.6 inches—small enough to take on-the-go, but big enough to cover the areas where you’re seeking relief.

One satisfied customer calls it great wearable warmth, saying, “It’s high quality, comes in a nice box for gifting, good easy instruction booklet, and it’s comfy and warm!”.

Pros

• Cordless
• Long-lasting heat (up to 7.5 hours)
• Far infrared technology
• Can be worn as a neck warmer

Cons

• Limited heat settings (three)
• Limited color options
• Takes four hours to fully charge

Best Overall: HOMECH Electric Heating Pad — $23.99

The 12×24 inch Homech Electric Heating Pad comes with a super functional remote that you can use to adjust all six heat levels. The device heats up quickly, and will automatically shut off after two hours or when it’s folded. It’s made with super soft  waterproof microfiber so you can comfortable place it anywhere you have aches and pains.

One buyer says, “This heating pad works like a dream. Turned it on and it went to the desired temperature with no problems. Love the fact that it can go in the washer and not just a cover to be washed.”

Pros

• Six heat settings
• Machine-washable pad
• Easy to store and carry
• Automatic shut off after two hours
• FSA eligible

Cons

• Limited color options (blue only)
• Requires a cord
• Indoor use only

Best Portable: BUEHUO Portable Electric Heating Pad — $30.00

If you rather not deal with a lengthy cord or being glued to an outlet all day, this Buehuo heating pad is worth adding to your self-care routine. Unlike many other heating pads, this one is powered by a battery back that allows you freedom to be at your desk, bed or car without ever having to take off the device. There are three temperature setting to choose from, going up to 149 degrees. It’s lightweight, made with Lycra, and small in size (the dimensions are 10 x 4.92 x 1.81 inches), so it’s designed to fit comfortable on your lower abdomen or back.

One customer notes that one perk is it’s inconspicuous look saying, “I like that it’s discreet, you can wear it under your clothes.”

Pros

• Fast warming
• Portable and washable
• Cordless
• Automatic shut off
• Lightweight

Cons

• Limited versatility (best for abdominal cramps)
• Limited color options
• Only three temperature settings

Best Weighted: WeightedWarmth 2-in-1 Weighted Body Pad — $55.00

This weighted heating pad is the best of both worlds—a weighted blanket and heating pad. Made with 100% polyester, the Pure Enrichment 2-in-1 Weighted Body Pad will keep you cozy and secure while relieving period pain. It weighs in at just over seven pounds, has 32″x21″ dimensions, and comes with three different heat levels that you can adjust based on your needs.

One happy customer said, “I absolutely love this heating pad. It’s the perfect weight so as to be both grounding and comfortable. The large size covers the entire torso of a smaller person, and the weight is evenly distributed and easy to control. It’s unlike any other heating pad I’ve owned- highly recommended!”

Pros

• Weight pressure (six pounds)
• Ultra-soft quilted heating pad cover
• Five-year warranty
• Nine foot cord length

Cons

• Adult use only
• Requires a cord
• Limited to three heat settings
• May feel too heavy

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What to look for in a heating pad for cramps

Temperature range

If you’re looking for a heating pad, the most important feature is most likely the heat settings. Every heating pad is different, so pay attention to how hot a pad can get (and how long it will last). The average heating pad has three heat settings: low, medium, and high. But some heating pads offer more heat options—we listed one above with up to nine settings.

Size

The size of your heating pad will depend on where you want to use it. If you’re looking for a heating pad that can provide full-body relief, opt for a larger one that will comfortably fit anywhere on your body. For a more portable and packable option, choose a smaller size that can be worn inconspicuously or on-the-go.

Safety

Safety is another factor to prioritize. A heating pad can potentially burn you if you use it for too long and have direct skin contact. Consider buying a heating pad that has an automatic shut-off feature, just in case you forget to turn it off (or fall asleep while using it).

Ease of cleaning

A heating pad needs to be washed sometimes, just like our regular clothes. Some heating pads are not machine-washable because of the materials they’re made with, or if they are electric, but you should be able to easily wash the cover. Read the user instruction manual closely to learn how you should properly wash your heating pad without compromising its function.

FAQ

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

While many people find relief from menstrual cramps by sleeping with a heating pad, it’s important to use it safely. “Opt for a low or medium heat setting, and ensure the heating pad has an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating,” Dr. Toubi says. If you want to ease period cramps at night, avoid falling asleep directly on top of the heating pad to reduce the risk of burns.

Is heat or cold better for period cramps?

Heat is generally more effective for relieving menstrual cramps compared to cold, Dr. Toubi explains. “Cold packs can temporarily numb the area and reduce inflammation, but heat relaxes the muscles and increases blood flow, providing longer-lasting relief from cramps.”

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

The best placement for a heating pad is on the lower abdomen, where the uterus is located, per Dr. Toubi. You may also find relief by placing the heating pad on your lower back, as this can help relax the muscles in the pelvic area.

—medically reviewed by Andrea Braden, MD, OB/GYN