How to Deal with Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea) are common among women and can be very debilitating for some, interfering with their everyday lives. Here are some measures you can take to better cope with that time of the month.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• heating pads
• painkillers
• chocolate
• BC
• tennis ball or partner
• comfy clothes
• movies

1. Heat.
   Use heating pads to help relieve the discomfort of your cramps. Two heating pads work great. One on your back and one on your front.
   
   If you HAVE to be somewhere, use self adhesive heating pads you can buy at the drug store.
2. Medicate.
   Take a pain reliever such as Motrin, Advil, Excedrine or a combo of Ibuprofen (3 tablets) and Acetaminophen (2 tablets). Take medication before cramps get very painful for the best results.
3. Chocolate.
   Let yourself indulge in what you want more than anything.
4. Birth Control.
   Even if you are not sexually active, some birth control pills can help regulate your period and are also prescribed to help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Talk to your doctor about which kind would be best for you.
5. Avoid salt.
   Avoid salt around the time of your period to help reduce bloating. You can also take a diuretic to help reduce bloating.
6. Massage.
   Rub your abdomen or have your partner or someone rub your back to help ease your discomfort. If your cramps are in your lower back, have someone apply pressure or lie on a tennis ball.
7. STRETCH.
   stretching and gentle excercise increases blood flow to your pelvis, relieving that heavy bloated feeling. Lie on your back and stretch your legs up in the air.
8. Get into your comfiest clothes, take it easy and watch your favorite movies.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a PMS emergency kit that contains self adhesive heating pads from the drug store, Peanut M&Ms, Pain reliever, and pads/tampons. Take this with you when you go on vacation and you might get your period. Or keep this at home so you don't have to ask someone to go to the store for you as you lie in bed unable to move!