Easy Ways to get rid of Menstrual Cramps
Female Problems, Health News, Menstrual Cramps May 31st, 2007
The word ‘cramp’ itself is scary, so when in comes to menstrual cramps there is no doubt that it is beyond one’s tolerance. Most women have severe menstrual cramps. But it is always considered normal to the menstrual cycle which is not a complete truth.
If the cramps are not because of diseases like endometriosis or a pelvic infection (which a doctor can let you know off), then it is mostly due to your daily routine that worsens the natural contraction that one gets before the flow becomes normal.
Here are a few tips to ease your discomfort during the monthly menstrual cycle:
Walk: Walking will release the muscle tension and reduce menstrual cramps by improving circulation in the pelvic organs.
“If you’re walking, strike a relaxed pose that lets you swing your hips and arms freely and lets you breathe rhythmically. If your normally brisk pace wears you out during this time, do yourself a favor and slow down,” suggests Robert Thayer, Ph.D., professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach.
Take refuge in Heat: Hot substances work as pain relievers, so take a warm water bath. Also use a heating pad on your belly and your back. This will ease your spasms and reduce the pain.
Herbal Tea: Herbal tea with gingerroot can work wonders to brighten you up when you are struggling with the pain.
Take a Balanced Diet: Healthier diet may not cure the cramps but it ensures your overall well-being, which is very important to get control of your cramps. Cut out the salty and sweet junk foods as they will make you feel sluggish. Add more of vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish in your diet. Also, instead of taking heavy meals three times a day, space your food in small meals throughout the day.
Say no to Caffeine: Doctors do not recommend caffeine in your intake because it can contribute to menstrual discomfort by making you nervous. So stay away from coffee, tea, cola and chocolate. The oils in coffee may also irritate your intestines.
Say no to Alcohol: Alcohol worsens the problem one faces during menstrual cycle. So, it’s better to say ‘no’.
Yoga: Yoga instructors suggest that yoga can help get relief from the menstrual cramps. A light routine that stretches and limbers the hips and other joints but doesn’t vigorously compress or stretch the abdomen is recommended.
Calcium a must: Calcium maintains the normal muscle tone and therefore prevents cramps.
Step up the magnesium: Magnesium optimizes calcium absorption in your body. So you will lose less calcium which will indirectly reduce cramps.
Be particular about Vitamins: Healthy intake of Vitamins and minerals is sure to prevent cramps.
Medication: Say ‘yes’ to drugs! Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen (Advil) relieve you from cramps and also nausea that you get due to cramps. They do not cause any side-effects.
“The trick to easing your pain is to take medication at the very onset of pain or discomfort and repeat every six hours until the pain subsides. Don’t save the medication for times of severe pain,” says Andrea Rapkin, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine.
Remember – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent discomfort during menstrual cycle.
October 12th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I totally disagree with your last generalized comment. I DO maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am a vegetarian, I exercise 5-7 days a week for more than an hour, I take various supplements, I get enough sleep, I don’t drink alcohol and yet I STILL GET HORRIBLE PMS Symptoms and debilitating cramps each period. I have had cramps since my very first period when I was 13 years old.
November 30th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
actualliii by mi research and experience medications is the biggest no- it contains chemicals n ur body can reacht to it in different ways – the easiest way is to use healthy stuff -like a mixture of vege juice after everymeal – one of the reasons u might get cramps is cuz ur not physically active so when ur not on ur menstrual cycle – keep in mind to exercise and do crunches – reduce sugar – reduce oil and fatty stuff – soo next time you’re on yur period u’ll feel good – also if you’re on your period drink milk in the morning as part as your breakfast – avoid egg and meat – avoid nuts and anything thats going to be hot for your stomach
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 am
Great tips
=D
March 6th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
This is what I do (and so helps) when I wake up every morning of my period:
I make a glass of chocolate (I know it’s got caffiene but I can’t stand this w/o the chocolate) milk, and mix in strawberries (to your liking), peanut butter (about 1 tsp per cup of milk), and blend. There is something in the peanuts that reacts with your body as well and it makes me feel full, not bloated, and really eases my cramps.
I have had cramps so bad since I started menstruateing at age 12 that I couldn’t even sit up w/o tears running down my face. Haven’t had many episodes like that since I started this routine!
March 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I can vouch for the calcium working on reducing cramps. When I was younger, I used to take a liquid calcium supplement every day (I eventually let it slip and stopped because it tasted really nasty. But I know it was good for me!) and I stopped having any cramps at all. Once I stopped taking it, my cramps eventually came back.
March 13th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
These are pretty good tips, but I lead a fairly active and healthy lifestyle and exercise daily, and still have horrible cramps every month. Also caffiene helps ease cramps, and Ginger Ale works good.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Interesting information, but not stuff that always works for every women. Just thought I’d add a few things to the conversation: that last statement about NSAIDS like Ibuprofen being safe is ridiculous. They eat up your stomach and digestive tract, cause dizziness and all other manner of side effects. They allow a lot of breakthrough pain that is helped by only taking more medicine, in my situation a narcotic–which isn’t a fabulous option. The meds take pain away, but leave me totally fogged, fuzzy, exhausted and somewhat sick to my stomach regardless of taking them with food. I’d encourage women to check out “Menstrual Magic.” I got it at my health food store, and it has kept my pain at bay today quite nicely (typically I’m a wreck–horrific dysmenorrhea). I’d also recommend trying D.r Tori Hudson’s “Cramp Bark Extra,” as that also is effective. Drink LOTS of water and if you’re zonked, then listen to your body and take a nap. I’ve suffered with this garbage for 20 years. Got “drugs” for it two years ago, but suffered side effects and finally had enough. Found an alternative therapy that worked for me. It might work for you, too. Also I’m a VEGAN and a triathlete (half ironman), so eating well and working out are part of my every day routine–and it helps somewhat (the times that I let up on either healthy habits are times I definitely pay for it). Yet, I still suffer from bad cramps that put me to bed for a day if I don’t have meds. But, like I said, this Menstrual Magic stuff seems to be working well which is a huge relief. Just make sure you check out all the options. NSAIDS are no magic bullet, and your stomach may never be the same after taking them. Mine sure hasn’t been.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
P.S. I do have confirmation that my dysmenorrhea is primary, not secondary. If yours is primary, then the things I mentioned will probably work well for you. If those things don’t work, then you need to double check to make sure you don’t have fibroids or PID or something else of that nature (which would make it secondary dysmenorrhea). Sorry about the typos above….
May 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Everytime I get my period I have to stay home from school. I throw up multiple times a day even when there’s nothing in my system. Cramps leave me stuck in bed and feeling weak. Butf one ime I drank a whole bottle of water straight and my cramps went away but I think that was a one time thing because it never happened again, I also use Tylenol â„¢ Extre Strength to ease the pain and I drink ginger tea, nothing seems to work for me except sleep
June 25th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
whenever i have my period i dont get major cramps
but when i get little cramps that i know could possibly get worse i just stay away from cold foods such as ice cream, tomatos, cold water etc. I drink lots of tea either with mint or the actual gingeroot although i hate the taste of the ginger. I dunno bout how others are but if i lie down the pain gets worse and if its really twisting in there, u should either do a little yoga/stretching, take deep breaths and/or walk around for a while at a relaxing pace (best to do outside on a nice day). the best thing to do is keep ur mind off of it. I know it can be really hard but i suggest watching a really funny movie, hanging out with friends or doing anything fun u would do on any normal day and dont stress out bout the pain because that can cause sweat and when sweat cools on ur body it can cause major back, leg and abdominal pain. Another point to add which was mentioned already by many others is to always maintain a healthy diet and excercise regularly becauase without it ur period can take the life out of u and make u feel tired and anxious all of the time.
July 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I’m actually gonna try some of these..I agree with one of the comments about the Ibuprofen..it also makes me feel worse after..like if it just pushes the blood out all at once..I’ve had my period since I was 10..I’m about to turn 17..I haven’t had it as long as some people but I know how bad it hurts..I used to throw up every single time I got it for a while..and I missed A LOT of school because of the cramps..they were too bad. And I get it very heavy sometimes..I also find it easier to just relax and take a nap. I never wake up with cramps when I do that. And it’s kind of weird..but it helps to do the fetal position when you’re in the shower and just let the water hit your back.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
thank you so much so these suggestions. most of them seem to help except i am strictly against meds. i dont care if there are supposedly “no side effects”. it’s gonna be bad for you in the long run
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
i have to say that if you need more then hot water and heating pads, midol works wonders if you use the extra strength. i have had cramps since i was in 5th grade and mood swings that were not to anyone’s liking but when i started taking midol when the period started it changed it has caffeine in it and acetaminophen, but it does have a diratic that makes the feeling of bloating go away. bloating is the cause of water retention the dietetic takes takes the water retention and makes you have to go.
January 20th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Ive tried all of these, im vegan, im active, fetal position in the shower helps but the only thing that keeps me from being miserable is vicodin with extra tylenol. i throw up, my legs feel like they are going to collapse underneath me, my lower back and thighs hurt, i feel like the lower half of my body is nearly severed. vicodin is the only thing that helps. it doesnt even make it go away completely.
February 9th, 2009 at 2:25 am
i agree with alot of this, but i still find that the best thing is to take some tylenol PM or benedrol bcuz it knocks me out. haha. i hate being on my period bcuz it hurts so bad and i know its a big waste of time to sleep so much but for about the 1st 2-3 days i sleep quite a bit then im fine. and really i dont have that much of a problem with meds, i know they have side effects but its not like its going to take a good amount of years off my lfe or anything. but w/e floats your boat. sleep and hot showers are the way to go!
February 11th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
When im on my period i knw my cramps be HORRIBLE so wen i wake up i take a hot shower take sme ibuprofen and put a heating pad on my stomach sittn straight then i lay dwn i knw i missd days of school(ibuprofen work 4 me nothing else like tylenol midol advil that dnt work)bt when i throw up i eat crackers with salt 2 keep it down
February 18th, 2009 at 10:31 am
heyy.yes i do agreee that the fetal position does workk in the shower.but with me,even though i may be able to like take my mind off of the pain,it’ stilll there.so when i wake up in the morning,what are some goood ways to relieve the paiin of the menstrual cramps because for some reason i tend to reallly get them badd.
March 11th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I usually take midol twelve hour but if your body gets used to the dosage of medications like mine i wouldn’t depend on it. Staying away from soda is always good for me. Also standing for long periods of time makes it worse for me but if you sit for awhile and try to relax your back and leg muscles it makes standing longer more tolerable.
March 20th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
IM A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL… MY PAIN IS KILLING ME I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND IM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO BUY PILLS OR EXPENSIVE STUFF. MY MOTHER BUYS PADS AND ADVIL FOR ME SO YEAH… I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO
March 25th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I’ve herd that banannas help, they help me. I can remember going camping with my best friend and her family and i had the worst cramps of my life. I went to the canteen and asked for a bananna split, but i only ate the bananna. It has a lot of potassium which i’ve herd that helps cramps.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
These are great tips but I mostly like to get in the bath. And soak the drink some herbal tea and later. Relax in the foot massager then curl up and go to bed.
April 1st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I first got my period about one year ago, and I have taken midol after every first day, it only works for about half the day, then excruciating pain starts.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
what works for me is i lie on my back and bring my knees into my chest and i sleep curled up it seems to help the most for me i usually dont take any medication with doing that
May 11th, 2009 at 12:59 am
I also heard from many people that bananas help a lot! I always sleep when I get mine. I barley ever get any cramps but now I have started and I don’t know what to do
. I haven’t ever tried the hot water bottle, so next time I shall !
May 17th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I have major serious cramps that keep me in bed all day. It makes me go to the bathroom all the time. If you’re taking care of yourself and eating right and you still have cramps, you might have other problems, like ulcers. What I usually do that works is eat a lot of vegetables, especially tomatoes. For example, drinking V8 Juice and eating Tomato soup. Oddly enough, naturally red foods help as well. Dark chocolate is always good too. Antioxidants is what they have in common so I’m sticking with that. I always take at least two hot showers when I first start because it loosens the muscles and relieves the pain.
Everyone’s case is different so this make not work for everyone.
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Just learned this in Pharmacology class. If you drink alcohol regularly and then take a big dose of tylenol (acetaminophen), you can permanently damage your liver to the point where you may need a liver transplant. Some of the narcotics prescribed for cramps have huge doses of acetaminophen. The dose of tylenol can vary from 650 mg – to 3 grams. The amount of alcohol consumption has to be almost daily and to the point of being nearly drunk.
The reason that sleep definitely helps, is because if we enter REM sleep, which is possible to do during a nap, our bodies are paralyzed, and therefore we do not feel pain. Since most people in the US are chronically sleep deprived, it seems like a good idea to take a few days a month to sleep a little bit more.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:47 pm
The 2nd comment left by barbi…I totaly disagree about “your more likely to get cramps if your less active and exercise less…because I get horrible cramps sometimes and I am in the army and we do PT (physical training) every morning I am in great shape and still get terrible cramps.
I find that the best thing for me is laying flat on my stomach no pillow. Or curled up with some heat. Or laying on your stomach and having someone massage your lower back it really relaxes your muscles also releases any gas you might have which can cause more pain to your cramps on your lower stomach
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I have tried all of this before. I have had serve cramps since i first started my period. The heat helps a little but i still use to miss the 2 days off from school when i first got my peroid. I found that birth control helps a lot and i only get my period every three months..
June 12th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
im 14 and ive been havieng my period for 4 years and just recently along with the excruciating pain the spot where my legs join my body feels like there numb but it doesnt ease the pain at all it just makes it worse can any one help me at all
June 18th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Im having horrible cramps right now, and im about to leave to get on a plane… I don’t know what to do it hurts so bad and I’ve been in the fetal position for about 20 minutes and nothings helping I tool pamprin multi symptom about 45 or an hour ago and nothings helping I’ve tried numerios exercises, like exercising my pelvis but nothing working. Please help.
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
cramping also has a lot to do with the amount of hormones in your body. so people on birth control are a lot less likely to get severe cramps.
July 7th, 2009 at 3:03 am
I usually get pain but more then that, its the vomitting that takes my life during periods.. I have been suffering the same for more then 7 years now.. lately I have started to take ASHOKARISHTA which is an ayurvedic medicine… I must say that it helped me this time and I had much less pain comparitively and I was almost like normal days.. I hope that helps you too
July 7th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I have reaaaaallly baaad cramps to the point where I can’t stand up or lay down . I’ve had to go to the e.r 4 times for this. its horrible. I scream .it just hurts soo bad. and I take aleve.but it helps for like 30 mins. I heard the birth control pill helps and rugulates periods. so I think I am going to get on the pill. but if there are any more great tips. let me know.