Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Finding quick relief
• Method 2 of 3: Take measures to make the cramps less painful
• Method 3 of 3: Know when to see the doctor
• Tips

Most women and girls get cramps from time to time when they have their period. The severity of these cramps can range from mild discomfort to downright debilitating. There is no way you can completely prevent the cramps, but it is possible to limit the cramps and make them more manageable. Read on to learn how.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Finding quick relief

1. Grab coke and pretzels and apply heat. Cramps occur because the uterus, a muscle, contracts to expel the menstrual fluid. You can treat uterine pain as you would with any muscle, from a torn hamstring to neck cramps: by adding cola and pretzels so you don't have to think about them, and by applying heat bring. The heat relaxes the muscles and provides immediate (permanent or permanent) relief.
   • Use a hot pack or a pitcher. Lie down, and put the pack or pitcher on the area that hurts. Rest for 20-30 minutes and let the heat do its work.
   • Take a warm bath. Fill the bath with warm water and soak for a while. Add some bath salt or bath oil to relax even more.
2. Give yourself a massage. Another great way to relax a tense muscle is to massage it. Try to keep your body as relaxed as possible during the massage.
   • You can massage your stomach or your back first. Focus on where the pain seems sharpest.
   • For extra relaxation you can get a massage by your partner. Just make sure he / she doesn't press too hard.
3. Brew a herbal remedy. Nature supplies several herbs that have been used for many years to relieve menstrual cramps. Setting up a jar of herbal tea and drinking it slowly can provide temporary pain relief. Go to a health food store (or other store) that sells herbs and try the following teas:
   • Raspberry leaf. This tea has a pleasant aroma and is known to relieve cramps.
   • Gelderse Roos. This helps the uterus relax and soothe pain.
   • Dong Quai. This is used for several ailments because it can calm the nervous system.
4. Take painkillers. Over-the-counter painkillers can effectively stop the cramps. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen will quickly relieve the pain. You can find them in most pharmacies and drug stores, and even many supermarkets.
   • Some pain relievers are specially formulated to provide relief from menstrual cramps and other types of menstrual pain. Look for an agent that contains acetaminophen.
   • Do not exceed the recommended daily amount. If the pain doesn't go away after an hour, try other ways to relieve the pain; do not take any more of the drug.
5. Come on. Orgasms can take the pain of menstrual cramps because they relax the uterus and prevent muscle contractions. If you don't feel like it, go out with some friends or do something spontaneous to ease the pain.

Method 2 of 3: Take measures to make the cramps less painful

1. Drink less caffeine and alcohol. Many women find that limiting the amount of caffeine and alcohol they consume also limits the severity of the cramps. In the days before your period, you should therefore drink less coffee and cocktails. Try to avoid them altogether if you are already experiencing cramps.
   • If you have severe cramps, consider avoiding alcohol and caffeine at all for a month - not just during your period.
   • Try replacing coffee with black tea. You'll get a lot less caffeine as a result, but still enough to give you a little boost in the morning.
2. Move more. Medical research has shown that women who exercise more often have less severe cramps. More exercise will minimize pain, and continuing to exercise when you experience cramps can help loosen up the muscles - making you feel better.
   • Do cardio fitness such as running, swimming, or cycling.
   • Add strength training to your routine as it strengthens muscles and promotes overall health.
   • If you feel cramps, lighter exercise, such as yoga or walking, can help clear the cramps.
3. Consider taking hormonal birth control. Contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin. These are hormones that thin the lining of the womb so that the uterus doesn't have to contract as much to secrete it. This means that women who use birth control have less severe cramps. To start contraception, you need to ask your doctor for a prescription.
   • Hormonal contraceptives are administered in the form of pills, injections, a vaginal ring, or some other means. Choose the way that suits you best.
   • Hormonal contraceptives are strong drugs that have side effects. Do your homework before deciding to use it as a way to relieve cramps.

Method 3 of 3: Know when to see the doctor

1. Watch for serious symptoms. In most women, the cramps disappear after a few hours or a day. In other women, it can be a serious problem that interferes with everyday life. If the latter is the case, the cramps could indicate a fertility problem - which is why you are in pain. Visit the doctor if you have:
   • Cramps that are so severe that you stay in bed instead of going to school or work. If they are so intense that you prevent them from doing daily activities.
   • Cramps that last for more than two days.
   • Cramps that hurt so much that you get a migraine, become nauseous or vomit.
2. Get tested for fertility disorders. Your doctor will likely put you through a number of tests to determine the cause of your cramps. Do some research on the following fertility disorders yourself:
   • Endometriosis. This is a common condition where the endometrium is outside the uterus. This can cause a lot of pain.
   • Fibroid. These are small tumors that can grow on the wall of the uterus and cause pain.
   • Pelvic inflammatory disease. This is a type of infection that can cause severe pain.

Tips

• Drinking plenty of water helps flush out your system.
• One in ten women has menstrual pain that is so severe that it prevents their ability to function normally during their period for at least 1-3 days.
• Sleep as much as possible. Go to bed a little earlier than usual.
• Yoga is known to offer many women a solution when they have their period.