By Manika Gamble, Ultra Runner & Adventurer
Two and a half years ago, I thought I knew what pain was. I was wrong. After undergoing surgery for fibroids, I discovered a level of menstrual pain that brought me to my knees—literally. What started as manageable monthly discomfort became debilitating agony that required heavy narcotics just to function.
I'm Manika Gamble, and while you might know me as the first African-American woman to complete the 755-mile Namib Race, today I want to share a different kind of endurance story. This is about how TENS technology, specifically the Chirp Halo Menstrual Relief Pad, helped me reclaim my body and my monthly cycle without relying on medication.
If you're one of the millions of women suffering through period pain every month, thinking it's just something you have to endure, I'm here to tell you there's a better way.
My Journey from Mild Discomfort to Medical Crisis
Before my fibroid diagnosis, my periods were what most women would consider normal. I experienced regular menstrual cramping that could be managed with simple solutions like walking, a heating pad, or occasional ibuprofen. Nothing that interfered significantly with my training or daily life.
But surgery changed everything. The post-surgery complications created intense menstrual pain that was unlike anything I'd experienced. For five months, I was dependent on heavy narcotics just to get through my cycle. As an athlete who values natural approaches to health and recovery, this felt like a betrayal of everything I believed in.
The pain wasn't just physical—it was emotionally devastating. I was watching my body, which had carried me across desert races and ultramarathons, become something I couldn't control or trust. That's when I started desperately searching for alternatives.
Discovering TENS for Menstrual Relief: A Revelation
About eight years ago, while researching drug-free pain management for mild menstrual discomfort, I discovered a brand called Livia. It was a TENS device specifically designed for period pain—two small electrode pads that you place on your stomach to block pain signals.
I used Livia for years with good results for regular menstrual pain. So when my post-surgery pain became unmanageable, I reached out to Chirp to ask if their Halo TENS system could be used similarly. At the time, they didn't have a specific menstrual product, but they were encouraging about experimenting with their existing technology.
When Chirp released the Menstrual Relief Pad designed specifically for the Halo system, I knew I had to try it. The difference was immediately obvious—and life-changing.
Understanding TENS Technology for Menstrual Pain
Let me explain how TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) works for period pain, because understanding the science helps you trust the process.
Menstrual cramps occur when your uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions can compress blood vessels, reducing oxygen to the muscle and causing intense pain signals to travel through your nervous system to your brain.
TENS technology works by sending gentle electrical pulses through your skin that block these pain signals from reaching your brain. Think of it like closing a gate—the electrical stimulation essentially "crowds out" the pain messages, providing immediate relief without any medication.
The Chirp Halo system takes this concept further by offering 50 intensity levels and multiple treatment modes, allowing you to customize your pain relief exactly to your needs and comfort level.
The Chirp Halo Menstrual Relief Pad: Game-Changing Design
What makes the Chirp Halo Menstrual Relief Pad special isn't just the technology—it's the ergonomic designspecifically created for the female body. Unlike the small circular pads I used before, this pad is shaped to fit your lower belly and provides wider coverage across your entire abdomen where period pain radiates.
The pad connects wirelessly to your Halo device and uses gentle electronic pulses that overwrite pain signals and help your body relax. But here's the critical part: you must use the TENS-only settings like "Massage" and "Stretch" for menstrual relief. Applying EMS stimulation during your period can actually increase cramping, so this distinction is crucial.
The wider pad design means I feel relief across my whole abdomen where the pain radiates, rather than just at two small points. This comprehensive coverage has been a game-changer for managing my symptoms.
My Menstrual Relief Routine: Real-World Application
My cycle typically brings pain around the second day, and that's when I implement my TENS protocol. Because the Chirp Halo system is so slim and sleek, I can literally put it on over or under my shirt and go about my day normally.
My Typical Usage Pattern: I use the 20-minute treatment cycles that the device offers, then take a break before deciding if I need another session. On my worst days, I might use it in the morning a couple of times, maybe in the evening, and then whenever cramping flares up throughout the day.
What I love about this approach is that it's not continuous pain—my cramping tends to come in waves. When it flares up, I put on the Halo device and get immediate relief. Sometimes the pain just goes away on its own after treatment, giving me hours of comfort before I need it again.
The immediate relief was shocking the first time I used it. Unlike oral pain medications that take 30-45 minutes to kick in, the TENS relief happens the moment you turn on the device.
Comparing Technologies: Why the Halo System Is Superior
Having used Livia for eight years before switching to the Chirp Halo system, I can speak from experience about the differences. The Livia device uses two small circular electrode pads, which provide targeted relief but limited coverage.
The Chirp Halo Menstrual Relief Pad covers a wider distance across your abdomen, providing more comprehensive relief. Where Livia felt like two small points of relief, the Halo system addresses the entire area where pain radiates, which for me includes my whole lower abdomen and even into my back.
The wireless design and magnetic attachment also make the Halo much more user-friendly. There are no wires to get tangled, no complicated positioning, and the adhesive quality remains excellent through multiple uses when you're careful with storage.
Breaking Free from Medication Dependence
After five months of relying on heavy narcotics for post-surgery menstrual pain, transitioning to the Halo system was literally life-changing. I went from being dependent on medication that made me foggy and exhausted to having clear, immediate, drug-free relief.
The psychological impact cannot be overstated. When you're in severe pain every month and the only relief comes from medication that affects your mental clarity and energy, you start to feel like you're not in control of your own body. The TENS technology gave me back that control.
My current protocol involves no secondary medication at all. It's solely the Halo device providing total pain relief for my cycles. This natural approach aligns with my values as an athlete and my preference for drug-free solutions whenever possible.
Practical Considerations: Living with TENS Technology
One of the biggest advantages of the Chirp Halo system is how it integrates into real life. The device is completely discreet—I've worn it under oversized shirts in public without anyone noticing. I can sit and let it work, or I can be up cooking, working, or doing chores while getting treatment.
I tested this during a 30-hour drive to Colorado, wearing the device while driving with no issues. The adhesive holds securely, there's no risk of slipping, and it doesn't interfere with normal movement or activities.
Usage Frequency: During my typical two-day cycle, I probably use the device about five times per day. That's roughly ten sessions total spread across the two days when I experience cramping. Some women might need more or less depending on their individual pain patterns.
Pad Longevity: I've used my Menstrual Relief Pad close to 20 times over two months, and it's still functioning perfectly. Being mindful about replacing it on the original paper backing helps maintain the adhesive quality and extends its usable life.
Who Should Consider TENS for Menstrual Pain
Based on my experience and research, TENS therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing various levels of menstrual discomfort:
Ideal Candidates: Women who want to reduce or eliminate pain medication use, those experiencing moderate to severe menstrual cramping, athletes or active women who need to maintain performance during their cycle, and anyone seeking immediate, drug-free relief from period pain.
Particularly Effective For:
- Uterine cramping and contractions
- Lower abdominal pain that radiates across the pelvis
- Back pain associated with menstrual cycles
- General pelvic discomfort during menstruation
The technology works regardless of the underlying cause of your pain, whether it's primary dysmenorrhea (normal period pain) or secondary dysmenorrhea from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Safety and Best Practices
While TENS technology is generally very safe, there are important guidelines to follow for menstrual use. Always use TENS-only programs like "Massage" and "Stretch"—never use EMS settings during your period as they can increase cramping.
Start with lower intensity levels and gradually increase as needed. Most women find relief at moderate settings, but everyone's pain tolerance and response is different. If you're currently taking prescription pain medication for severe menstrual pain, consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your pain management routine.
Important Considerations: The device should not be used if you have certain medical conditions like pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices. Always read the full safety guidelines and consult with healthcare providers if you have questions about whether TENS therapy is appropriate for your situation.
Setting Realistic Expectations
TENS therapy provides immediate relief when the device is active, but the effects typically don't last long after you turn it off. This means you might need to use it multiple times throughout your difficult days, which is completely normal and safe.
What to Expect: • Immediate pain reduction when the device is turned on • Relief duration that varies from person to person • Possible need for multiple sessions during heavy cramping days • Gradual reduction in overall pain intensity with consistent use
Some women find that regular TENS use helps reduce their overall menstrual pain over time, though more research is needed to understand these long-term effects fully.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits
Beyond the physical pain relief, having control over your menstrual pain provides tremendous psychological benefits. Instead of dreading your period and planning your life around pain, you can approach your cycle with confidence and preparedness.
For athletes like myself, this is particularly important. Menstrual pain doesn't have to sideline your training or competition schedule. With reliable, immediate relief available, you can maintain your performance standards and training consistency throughout your cycle.
The drug-free approach also means you maintain mental clarity and energy levels that might be compromised by pain medications. This is crucial for anyone who needs to stay sharp and focused during their period.
My Recommendation: A Natural Alternative Worth Trying
If you're someone who's willing to put medicine in your body to relieve period pain, I believe you should definitely consider putting natural electronic stimulation to work for you instead. It's a better alternative that provides effective relief without the side effects of medication.
The Chirp Halo Menstrual Relief Pad represents a significant advancement in drug-free pain management for women. The ergonomic design, wireless convenience, and immediate effectiveness make it a practical solution for real-world use.
Whether you experience mild monthly discomfort or severe menstrual pain, TENS technology offers a way to take control of your symptoms naturally. Don't let period pain dictate your life—there are better options available.
My advice: Start conservatively, be consistent with your usage, and give the technology time to work. Most importantly, don't suffer in silence thinking that severe period pain is just something you have to endure. You deserve better, and better solutions exist.
Ready to revolutionize your period? The Chirp Halo Wireless Muscle Stimulator and Menstrual Relief Pad are available at gochirp.com. Remember to use only the "Massage" and "Stretch" TENS settings for menstrual relief, and start with conservative intensity levels.
Follow my ultra running journey at @namibpulse where I document the real challenges and victories of pushing human limits.
References
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