How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation and vary in intensity from mild to debilitating.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calcium Supplement
• Cramp Bark
• Magnesium Supplement
• Vitamin B

1. Reduce your consumption of salt, sugar and caffeine during the week before your period to prevent cramps or reduce their severity.

2. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt or leafy green vegetables.

3. Keep in mind that a high-potency B-complex vitamin may help if you're susceptible to menstrual cramps. Vitamin B 6 is especially important, but don't take more than 100mg per day.

4. Apply heat to your muscles when cramps occur. Take a hot bath or place a hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back.

5. Get moving. Sitting or lying around may actually make you feel worse. Swimming and walking are good activities because they are gentle and not too stressful. Certain stretches and yoga positions will also help to relieve the pain.

6. Avoid standing for long periods if you have pain in your lower back.

7. Massage your lower back to relieve tension and pain.

8. Take ibuprofen or naproxen to help relieve cramps.

9. Take a break, breathe deeply and listen to soothing music.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are interested in using herbs and other natural remedies, consult a naturopath or a doctor who practices natural medicine.
• If you are in extreme pain, have an unusually heavy flow or notice big blood clots, or if you also have other symptoms such as vomiting and fainting, consult a doctor.

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[teriod]

on 10/16/2009 BEST THING - POT

[gonzalesla]

on 9/20/2009 Hello to all females. I'm very happy to have found this place to talk about what goes on with us women. I'm a 34 year old woman who know's what pain is. I suffer from pain EVERY month. I can tell you this I do what my body tells me to do. I lay or sit down with my knees to my chest and breathe in and out like I'm about to give birth this really works. Are you can pinch between your two fingers your pointer finger and your thumb and apply pressure this will sting, but I promise you it will work. It also works for the headaches. Hope I helped someone today. Take it easy on your selves.

[getyouback]

on 9/18/2009 HOLLYHOOD314" WROTE 4/28/2009 thank you will go take some b vitamnins right now since i have no pain killers left and it's the middle of the night lol well kinda lol actually this really hurts"


WELL LOL ----WHAT A STUPID LOAD OF GOBBLEDIDYGOOK

CAN YOU READ WHAT KATINAGI WROTE ---DONT MAKE STUFF UP U IDIOT , ITS SAYS VITAMIN D ....HAVE HAD AN EYE TEST DONE OR ARE U ALWAYS SHORT-SIGHTED???

[susankewn]

on 7/16/2009 I suffered from horrendous pain up until I had my hysterctomy 2 years ago. So bad, I felt like fainting, and had hot flushes with it !! My mother suffered this way too... and the only thing that ever helped was a 'hot toddy' - that is a small glass of brandy or whisky, a little hot water and a little sugar to taste if liked. This works I think, because the alcohol thins the blood slightly (which is why you shouldn't give it to an accident victim!) and makes it easier to 'bleed' and less clots etc.

Of course, I couldn't drink this if I was going to be driving, but other wise it worked quite well - usually within about 20 minutes. On the odd times it didn't work - I never took another drink as I figured it was just one of those times it wasn't going to work! But they were far and few between!

[norah76]

on 6/15/2009 I use to have horrible menstrual pain!! I tried a variety of drugs but nothing seemed to work. A friend of mine showed me a thing called a Anti-Menstrual Pain Band, they're made at MedicMates.com Its a very simple band that goes around your ankle (mine's bright yellow) and I love it! Applying pressure to a certain acupoint & relieves distress.