How to Stop Painful Periods

Many women suffer from menstrual cramps (or dysmenorrhea) each month. While many factors play a part in these painful periods, there are a variety of things you can try to reduce or eliminate the pain. There are home remedies, supplements and over-the-counter medications you can try. Different things work with different women so it's best to first try the suggestions that are cheaper or easier to do.

Instructions

1. Take a hot bath. Heat is helpful for mild pain because it relaxes your muscles, and tight muscles often cause pain. Another option is to use a heating pad on your lower abdomen. Also, keep warm at night because coldness contracts muscles and can increase pain.

2. Use pain relievers. There are a few over-the-counter medications that are designed just for women during their periods. Pamprin and Midol are just for menstruating women, but ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be used. Start taking the pills as soon as the pain starts or even before your period starts if you usually get cramps.

3. Try acupressure. This is similar to acupuncture but without the needles. Pressure is placed along the meridian points of the body. These median points correspond to certain areas of the body or internal organs.

4. Exercise regularly. Being physically active can help you to relax and relieve stress. Some doctors think that exercising the abdominal muscles can reduce or stop pain. Exercising releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel better.

5. Have an orgasm. For some women sex helps to relieve menstrual cramps.

6. Monitor your diet. For some women certain foods make cramps worse. Keep a food diary of what you eat in the days before your period. For many women, too much sodium increases cramps so stay away from salty foods. For others caffeine or dairy products may be the cause.

7. Increase your intake of calcium, magnesium and zinc. Mineral deficiencies are known to cause painful periods. Try eating green vegetables that are high in these minerals or take mineral supplements.

8. Try herbal supplements. Flax seed oil is a phytoestrogens, or plant estrogen. These herbal remedies are considered good for dealing with regulating hormone levels, especially estrogen. Other supplements to try include Evening Primrose Oil and Black Cohosh.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't bear the pain or if you have cramps when you don't have your period, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Resources

• Women's Health at WebMD
• Women's Health Information Center