how to treat period cramps

How to make cramps better during your period?

• Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen or lower back
• Take a warm bath
• Place a hot water bottle on lower abdomen or lower back
• Massage your abdomen
• Ask your doctor about using an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug
• Do an easy exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming to help increase blood flow

What to do for really bad period cramps?

• Get regular exercise. Results of a 2015 study Trusted Source showed that doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week significantly reduced the severity of menstrual cramps over ...
• Use a heating pad. ...
• Manage your stress. ...
• Soak in a hot bath. ...
• Take supplements. ...
• OTC pain medication. ...

How do you make period cramps go away?

• Lie down with a heating pad on your stomach, lower back, or lower abdomen to take the edge off the pain
• You can also place a hot water bottle on the lower back or lower abdomen to alleviate your period pain
• Take a warm bath to reduce the pain of menstrual cramps and increase blood flow

More items...

What is the best natural remedy for menstrual cramps?

Try These 10 Remedies

1. Use a heat patch. Using a heated patch or wrap on your abdomen can help relax the muscles of your uterus. ...
2. Massage your tummy with essential oils. Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of ...
3. Take an OTC pain reliever. ...
4. Exercise. ...
5. Soak in a tub. ...
6. Do yoga. ...

More items...

How do you get rid of period cramps fast?

How to relieve period cramps fast at homeApply heat. "Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping, so applying heat to your abdomen or back can help relieve your pain," says Dr. ... Take a pain reliever. ... Exercise. ... Take steps to reduce stress. ... Get your vitamins and minerals.

What position helps period cramps?

Sleep in the fetal position: If you're normally a back or stomach sleeper, try rolling to your side and tucking in your arms and legs. This position takes pressure off your abdominal muscles and is the best sleeping position to relieve tension that can make cramping worse.

Why are periods so painful?

Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they're usually so mild that most women cannot feel them. During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.

What drink is good for cramps?

Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, these herbal teas can have other benefits, like stress relief and helping with insomnia.

How long should cramps last?

They usually last about one to three days. They may start strong and feel better as the hours pass, or come and go more randomly. Cramps can be barely noticeable, or quite painful or severe (2). 1 in 10 people experience pain levels that can affect their daily activities for 1-3 days each cycle.

Do periods get worse with age?

Periods can get heavier and more painful for some women after the age of 40. Sometimes it is a nuisance and sometimes it is a cause for concern.

Why is first day of period so painful?

Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. As bleeding continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the level goes down. This is why pain tends to lessen after the first few days of a period.

Do cramps get worse with age?

Secondary dysmenorrhea These menstrual cramps often worsen with age and can last for the entire duration of your period. Women who experience secondary dysmenorrhea can usually find pain relief with help from a doctor.

Does lying on your stomach help period cramps?

Sleeping in the foetal position can help ease cramps and period pain, by reducing pressure on the abdominal muscles. Sleeping on your back or on your side, such as in the recovery position can also be helpful. However, sleeping your stomach is not recommended.

Does standing help period cramps?

Standing up can ease the blood circulation your body. For the forward fold pose, you need to stand up and bend your upper body towards your toes. You can hold your elbows by your hands. The forward fold pose can help to ease the pain behind the neck area and makes blood circulation easier.

What is the best position to sleep on your period?

In fact, we asked a few experts about the best way to sleep when you're on your period, and they unanimously agreed on one position: the fetal position. "Sleeping in the fetal position takes pressure off the abdominal muscles," explains Lisa Lindley, M.D., board-certified gynecologist with Eisenhower Women's Health.

How do you stop period cramps at school?

Here are some things you can try: 1) make sure to get plenty of calcium on a regular basis (three low-fat servings a day) will help your cramps be less of a pain, 2) exercise both on and off your period helps lessen pain, 3) try taking ibuprofen (as long as you are not allergic and have your parents' approval; be sure ...

How to help cramps during menstruation?

Treatment. To ease your menstrual cramps, your doctor might recommend: Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), at regular doses starting the day before you expect your period to begin can help control the pain of cramps. Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ...

What to do if you have cramps during your period?

If your menstrual cramps are caused by a disorder such as endometriosis or fibroids, surgery to correct the problem might help your symptoms. Surgical removal of the uterus also might be an option if other approaches fail to ease your symptoms and if you're not planning to have children.

What are some ways to help with menstrual cramps?

However, some alternative treatments might help, including: Acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body.

How to get rid of cramps in lower abdomen?

Use heat. Soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad, hot water bottle or heat patch on your lower abdomen might ease menstrual cramps. Try dietary supplements.

What supplements can help with cramps?

A number of studies have indicated that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamin), vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplements might reduce menstrual cramps. Reduce stress. Psychological stress might increase your risk of menstrual cramps and their severity.

How long should I take pain reliever before my period?

Start taking the pain reliever at the beginning of your period, or as soon as you feel symptoms, and continue taking the medicine as directed for two to three days, or until your symptoms are gone. Hormonal birth control.

Is laparoscopy necessary for menstrual cramps?

Both tests are noninvasive and painless. Laparoscopy. Although not usually necessary to diagnos is menstrual cramps, laparo scopy can help detect an underlying condition, such as endometriosis, adhesions, fibroids, ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy. During this outpatient surgery, your doctor views your abdominal cavity ...

How to stop cramps from getting worse?

Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress. If you’re not sure how to relieve stress, try guided imagery. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine a calm, safe place that’s significant to you. Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths.

How does birth control help with cramps?

Birth control can stop period pain if cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance. Balancing your levels of estrogen and progesterone helps thin the uterine lining so it sheds more easily. Hormonal birth control also regulates the length and frequency of your period. Some forms of birth control can completely alleviate period cramps by stopping your period altogether. Talk to your OB-GYN about birth control options, including the pill, birth control shot or hormonal IUD. Then, you’ll be able to choose the type of birth control that works best for you.

What causes cysts in the ovaries?

Many women develop at least one small cyst every month that naturally fades. However, some women have multiple or large ovarian cysts which can cause pain or complications. In these cases, medical treatment might be needed to manage the cysts. Ovarian cysts can also be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition where a hormone imbalance causes many small, harmless cysts to grow in the ovaries. This can cause painful periods, difficulty getting pregnant, insulin resistance and other health concerns. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess hair on the face and body, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, acne and thinning hair on the head. A doctor can prescribe treatments that help manage PCOS symptoms.

How does acupressure help you relax?

Some people find relief with alternative medicine practices like acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture is a practice that stimulates the body by placing needles in the skin. Acupressure stimulates the body without needles by putting pressure on certain points of the body. These practices can help you relax, release muscle tension and improve blood flow throughout your body.

What is the cause of PMS?

Doctors think PMS is caused by estrogen and progesterone levels dipping before the beginning of each period. PMS has many symptoms including fatigue, irritability and menstrual cramps.

What is the best tea for cramps?

Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, herbal teas can have other benefits like stress relief and helping with insomnia.

Where does the endometrium grow?

The uterine lining, also known as the endometrium, grows inside the uterus. But if you have endometriosis, your endometrium grows outside the uterus, usually in other parts of your reproductive organs like the ovaries or fallopian tubes. When your body tries to shed uterine tissue during your period, the endometrium growing outside the uterus has nowhere to go. It can become trapped in the body. This can cause painful cramps, heavy bleeding, irritation and inflammation. Luckily, most cases of endometriosis can be well managed with medicines and procedures.

What to do when you have cramps?

This won't help you much if you only do this when your cramps set in—this is a lifestyle change. Make adjustments gradually, replacing refined grains like white bread and pasta with whole grains and eliminating processed and fried foods.

What supplements can help with cramps?

Studies show omega-3 and magnesium supplements might ease cramps. Vitamins E, B-1 (thiamin), and B-6 also help some people reduce the intensity of their cramps. Talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements, especially if you're taking medication for other conditions.

How to stop cramps from a sprained ear?

1. Deep breathing exercises can reduce the intensity of cramps. For an easy breathing exercise, sit in a comfortable position and turn your thoughts to your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, imagining your lungs filling with air from the bottom to the top.

How to relieve cramps in lower back?

You might put a pillow between your knees as well. Lying on your back with a pillow under your knees can also help. For a bonus, put a heating pad on your abdomen or cover yourself with a weighted blanket.

How to help with cramps in back?

Place the heating pad on your tummy or lower back to ease cramps. Heat also improves blood flow, which can help with cramping. For some people, heat is even more effective than an over-the-counter pain reliever. [3]

How much water should I drink before my period?

People who drink at least 1600 mL (about 54 ounces) of water a day before and during their periods are less likely to need anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain from cramps.

What to do if you don't get enough pain relief?

If you don't get enough pain relief, talk to your doctor. They might approve a larger dose or prescribe a stronger pain medication that will work better for you.

How to get rid of cramps during menstruation?

Get regular exercise. Results of a 2015 study showed that doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week significantly reduced the severity of menstrual cramps over the course of 8 weeks.

What hormones cause menstrual cramps?

These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Some people tend to have more severe menstrual cramps without any clear cause.

What are the symptoms of cramps?

nausea. fatigue. loose stools. headache. dizziness. Typical menstrual cramps are painful, but they usually respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, including ibuprofen. Severe cramps, however, tend to begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer than typical cramps do. signs of severe cramps.

How long does it take for a cramp to go away?

Cramps usually begin a day or two before your period, peaking around 24 hours after your period starts. They typically last for two to three days.

Why does my period hurt?

The pain is caused by uterine contractions that happen just before or during the onset of your period. But what makes the pain more severe for some people?

Can a closed cervix cause irregular periods?

A closed cervix can prevent menstrual blood from exiting your body, making your periods very light or irregular. It can also lead to fertility issues.

Do fibroids cause symptoms?

When fibroids do causes symptoms, the symptoms vary depending on the number of fibroids, their size, and location.

What Are Period Cramps?

What does it feel like to have period cramps? It’s often described as a cramping or constant ache in the lower belly and lower back back. The intensity varies; some women don’t experience cramps or they’re very mild, while for other women, it can be painful enough that normal day-to-day activities are affected.

What causes cramps during period?

What causes period cramps? During menstruation, the uterus contracts as it gets rid of the lining — that’s what the blood is. The contractions are what cause the cramping. That’s normal cramping, anyway. Other conditions, like endometriosis and adenomyosis, can also trigger period cramps.

What herbs help with cramps?

Herbs can be a terrific menstrual cramps remedy. Here are some that I suggest to help with period cramps relief. Vitex/chasteberry: This fruit produces an herb that’s great for both PMS and period cramps. It works by helping to balance hormones, possibly lessening symptoms.

How to get rid of cramps with olive oil?

If you’re wondering how to get rid of period cramps with olive oil, it’s easy. Try it with your salad or, as the researchers suggested, as a food supplement. 4. Try fish oil supplements. When it comes to figuring out how to get rid of period cramps, those omega-3 fatty acids strike again.

How does yoga help with periods?

( 6) It’s likely that yoga nidra’s ability to put you in relaxation mode is the reason it’s so effective: when that happens, your breathing slows and you consume less oxygen. If your local studio doesn’t offer yoga nidra, even lying in bed with a meditation app going can help. ( 7)

What oil to use for period pain?

Cumin: This oil is super versatile and while you may be more used to cumin as a spice, it’s excellent during your period. It has anti-spasmodic properties, which can take the sting out of the cramps and pain that come with your period. Place three drops on your abdomen or wherever you’re in pain.

How to get rid of anxiety during period?

If anxiety or depression brought on by your period is making it difficult to unwind, try meditation, journaling or reading in bed — skip the electronics though, which can tell your brain it’s time to stay awake. Using a heating pad or rearranging pillows around your back can help with period pain while in bed, too. If you still can’t sleep, try giving these 20 tips to sleep better a whirl.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment