Relieving Menstrual Cramps: What to Do During That Time of the Month

Among the most debilitating parts of a woman's life is her monthly period, especially if it is accompanied by menstrual cramps or what is more commonly called dysmenorrhea. Usually starting before or at the beginning of the period, cramps cause dull and throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs of a woman.

While some women only experience mild discomfort, others suffer from severe pain, which often disrupts their everyday activities. Symptoms of dysmenorrhea include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (loose stools) or constipation, sweating, dizziness, or even fainting.

2 Kinds of Menstrual Cramps

There are two kinds of menstrual cramps - primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea does not involve any physical abnormality. It usually occurs to young women who have just begun their menstrual cycles. It often begins within three years after the first period, and becomes less severe by mid-twenties or after giving birth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is caused by cases such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic adhesions, and ovarian cysts.

How to Cure Menstrual Cramps

While experiencing menstrual cramps is normal for women, it does not mean that you have to suffer in silence and not do anything about it. There are many ways on how to relieve from the pain brought about by dysmenorrhea.

For one, there are a lot of over-the-counter medicines that will ease your pain, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Since heat improves blood flow, which will lessen the throbbing, you may take a warm bath, as well as apply heat pads to the abdomen. If you don't have heat pads, you may use a hot water bottle or a warm cloth.

Regular physical activity, including exercise, may help in reducing menstrual cramps, since it also improves blood flow which may decrease pain. You may also try lying down and putting a pillow under your knees to elevate your legs. To relieve back pain, you may lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest.

Another way of reducing cramps is by adding food items that are rich in zinc and calcium in your diet, since studies show that they not only ease menstrual cramps, but also bloating, and other pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms.

Stress and Menstrual Cramps

Experts say that menstrual cramps may also be attributed to stress, so relaxing can be a surefire way of easing your pain, and preventing it to happen in the future.

While these are proven ways in reducing menstrual cramps, you should consult a doctor when dysmenorrhea constantly disrupts your life for several days a month. It is also recommended to seek medical advice when you're past thirties and has just started experiencing severe menstrual cramps.