Three Home Remedies for Cramps

When it comes right down to it, menstrual cramps are muscle spasms. And, just like any muscle spasm, menstrual cramps can hurt. A lot!

If your menstrual cramps are severe, you should see a doctor to rule out a serious medical condition, like a pelvic infection, or endometriosis. But if the doctor has given you a clean bill of health, and the menstrual cramps you deal with every month are just natural for you, here are some home remedies that will help you relieve the pain.

Reach for the ibuprofen at the first sign of menstrual cramps.

When you're suffering from menstrual cramps, you might find yourself reaching for the acetaminophen (like Tylenol). But, when looking for over-the-counter relief, ibuprofen is a better bet.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (which is found in Advil, Midol, and Motrin) are the best pain relievers to take when you are suffering from menstrual cramps. They inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause muscle cramps and pain. These over-the-counter drugs may also help with the diarrhea, lower back pain, and breast pain that often accompany menstrual cramps.

To avoid stomach irritation, ibuprofen should be taken with food or milk.

If you don't have any ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory medications, like aspirin and naproxyn (found in Aleve), are also effective against menstrual cramps.

Don't wait for the pain of menstrual cramps to become severe. You should take a pain reliever as soon as you feel discomfort (usually a day or two before your period starts), and keep taking it, as directed, for the first day or two of your period. If you wait to take a pain reliever, your body will have a chance to produce prostaglandins, and your menstrual cramps will be worse than they had to be.

Staying active will help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.

When you're suffering from menstrual cramps, you might not feel like exercising. But staying active will help reduce the pain.

Exercise reduces muscle tension, and improves circulation to the pelvic organs, which can help reduce menstrual cramps.

Go for a walk or a swim, or make your regular trip to the gym. You don't have to go all out if you don't feel like it, but exercising will make the pain of menstrual cramps less severe.

Heat will help.

Heat will help ease menstrual cramps by increasing your blood flow and relaxing your pelvic muscles.

Almost any kind of heat will work wonders when dealing with menstrual cramps.

* Relax in a warm bath for 15 or 20 minutes.

* Place a heating pad on your abdomen or lower-back for 10 to 15 minutes.

* Sip hot tea or broth.

With these home remedies, you can alleviate, or even eliminate, the pain of menstrual cramps.