If you’re lucky, you don’t get cramps at all, or you only experience slight discomfort. But if you’re like the estimated 15% of women who suffer from severe cramps, your pain can be debilitating. If that’s the case, you ought to consult with your doctor to make sure your pain isn’t related to something more serious, like endometriosis.
If your pain is less severe, but still sets your teeth on edge and makes you cranky, here are some tried-and-true ways to avoid cramping.
1. Try Advil.
Start taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug (I prefer Ibuprofen, like Advil) regularly three or four days before your period is ready to start. Ibuprofen lowers your body’s production of prostaglandins, which scientists believe contribute to menstrual cramps. But if you wait until you actually have cramps to take the Ibuprofen, it won’t be nearly as effective, so make sure to take it in the recommended dosage BEFORE your period starts.
2. Consider the Pill.
The hormones in birth control pills not only help regulate your period, they also help maintain a steady level of hormones, which greatly reduces the severity of menstrual cramps.
3. Maintain a healthy weight.
Fat cells produce estrogen, a hormone that, if imbalanced, also contributes to uterine cramps.
4. Drink plenty of water.
If you’re well-hydrated, your liver functions better, keeping your hormones (like estrogen) balanced.
5. Stay away from coffee.
Caffeine, commonly found in colas, coffee, and even most teas, is a diuretic, and can make cramps a lot worse.
6. Exercise.
Not just during your period, because who wants to exercise then? Exercise regularly. It will reduce your stress level (stress makes cramps feel worse), and it will release endorphins into your system, which will reduce the amount of pain you feel.
7. Heat is your friend.
No matter how many preventive measures you take, camps happen. When they do, using a heat pad on your lower back and abdomen can help relax your muscles and relieve the pain.
8. Have a salad.
Leafy greens, like spinach, contain lots of magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxant. Studies have shown that women with the worst cramping are often magnesium-deficient.
9. Don’t forget the fiber!
Excess hormones are expelled through our bowel tracts, but if they sit there for too long, our bodies re-absorb them (lovely!). So make sure you get plenty of fiber to keep the mail moving.
10. Skip the chips.
You might be craving salty junk food, but it will only make your cramps worse, trust me.
Since I started watching what I eat and went on the Pill, I haven’t had a single cramp. Not one. What about you? Do you have any anti-cramp tricks to share?
This is a great list and many of them have helped me.
Even if I’m thin, drink water, rarely drink coffee, exercise, have salads and don’t usually eat chips, I guess I’m included in that 15% of women, but since I went on the pill, not because of the pain, but because of acne I’m free of cramps! Before, I would take Ibuprofen when the pain was starting but as you said, it wans’t enough or effective at all!
I’m one of the lucky ladies that I don’t have such a cramps every month. Once is a few months I can have 1 bad day but indeed it helps to exercise a little (not at the gym) and drink still water.
Omg! I am actually one of those women! The funny thing is I get terrible cramps every alternate month. And that’s pretty much been the pattern for the past 3-4 years. There was this one time that I actually passed out in a train because of the pain. Luckily a friend was with me at the time. I finally visited my physician but she didn’t come up with anything conclusive even after a sonography. So I just stick to painkillers that she’s prescribed. They’re the only thing that helps. Heat packs do too tremendously. I also try to eat cool foods, yogurt, cucumbers that kinda stuff…
I don’t get such bad cramps but there are some days which are really bad. Some of this tips helped me alot. I get worse in summer because of the heat.
Sheila,
The pill should help you alot. You’re period comes regularly and lesser, and those pains are controlled more.
It’s really the most good solution for those pains.
I hope I helped you!!
Yeah Xannyyy, that’s the only thing I count on. I know it isn’t healthy popping those pills but I can’t help it know what I mean?
Sheila,
Yeah I understand you. It has some side affects. When I began taking it for the first three months, I got such mood swings!
I used to cry for nothing or get angry for no reason! But that was till my body became to accept it.
But for the rest it helps so much!
Xannyyy,
It surely does! No one’s taking my pills away from me! :D
Sheila,
In that case extreamly useful!
During night at winter when you go to bed, taking a hot water bottle and put it on your tummy surely helps, and try always to keep warm. Coldness brings more cramps!
Xannyyy,
Living in Mumbai, I don’t have to ever worry about getting too cold unless it’s because of my A.C ofcourse. Oh yeah you’re right bout hot water bags. Those help a lot too!
Thank you for the tips!
There are a lot of different ways to help with cramps before starting to take something as serious as BC pills which may cause many problems in the future.
Some examples are:
1 Herb – Cramp Bark and other herbal formulas to help balance your hormones.
Check this site to find something
http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=PP-7218&sourceType=cs&source=FG&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-googleproduct-_-Cramp%20Bark%20-%201%20Ounces%20Liquid-_-PP-7218&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=PP-7218
2 Trere is no wonder that pain killers sometimes not helping – they take away the pain not the muscle spasm, which in this case a main reason for the pain.
Try homeopathic formula for that
http://www.vitacost.com/Heel-Spasm-Pain-Homeopathic-Medication
You can take 1 tablet every 15-30 min until the pain gone. Just do not wait, start as soon as you feel it.
Dr. Sofiya,
Thanks for your help :)
Sheila,
Even if I don’t have such awful cramps I olways carry my hot water bottle with me in bed : P
Aaaaaaaa lucky you!!! :P
I have awful cramps and I know that it can prevent you from dealing with things. What helps me is Excedrin Extra Strength or Pamprin Max.
I know that caffeine is not good for you and Excedrin and Pamprin Max both contain caffeine but they knock my cramps out pronto. I alternate as needed. Highly recommend.
Good luck.
Hi Mommy B,
Thanks for the great suggestions! :)
Mommy B,
Thanks for your tips. I will pass this information to a friend who have such bad cramps! :)
When I used to get period pains I always drank hot water with honey in plus 1 drop of Clary Sage essential oil. It worked everytime for me, and also for every other woman I shared it with. Clary Sage is a hormone balancer, and I believe that is the key. Now most essential oil bottles will say not to be taken internally, and it’s true, some should not be, but clary sage is safe to take in this way. If you look at less modern books about essential oils, you will find all sorts of recipes for taking them internally.
I am 40 now and no longer have any period pain – since using cloth menstrual products – pads and tampons made from organic cotton and bamboo fabrics. I now sell them on my website, and get loads of feedback from women who have painful periods, who tell me that the pain is greatly reduced since using cloth.
Let’s keep sharing about this subject, as it is one that affects so many of us.
I forgot to give you a link – http://www.honouryourflow.co.uk
Twinkles
Tree
HEy Tree Shepherd,
thanks for those tips. After having tried out so many home remedies and doctor’s medicines, the only thing that works for me is the pain-killer pills – they’re a life saver for me. Though it does sound like your tips are quite good. Thanks for sharing those.