How to Find Relief for Menstrual Cramping

Menstrual cramping can leave you feeling like you've been kicked in the guts by a mule. Luckily, there are a few things that help menstrual cramps, short of prescription medicine and a hospital stay, that will give you the relief you need.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soy nuts, soy milk or tofu
• Ibuprofen

1. If you don't already, start keeping a calendar of when the cramps hit, so you can predict. As with headaches, it's easier to control cramps if you get ahead of them before they start.

2. A day or two before your cramps hit, start eating soy products. They provide plant estrogens, which your body is lacking just before your period. You don't need to eat a lot. Even a small handful of soy nuts in the morning and evening makes a difference.

3. Take ibuprofen on the day you expect your period to start. While any analgesic or anti-inflammatory can help, ibuprofen is said to have a stronger effect on the body chemicals that cause your uterus to spasm. (And sometimes this will slow the bleeding as well as ease the cramps.)

4. Once the cramps start, use warmth to ease the cramped muscles and increase the flow. A hot shower helps a lot, as will a hot water bottle, but even just placing your hands over the cramped areas will help.

5. Take care of yourself. The menstrual cramping and bleeding will increase your stress, which will in turn increase the cramps. So do your best to plan a little extra time or relief into that day. While activity will both increase the flow and get your mind of the pain, taking a little time to put your feet up and swoon will give you a much needed lift.

Resources

• Recipe for Sweet Tofu in Ginger Syrup

[joni04]

on 4/7/2009 I didn't know about the soy products, I will try that out!

[sunshine11219]

on 2/5/2009 great tips on cramps

[chocolate00]

on 2/5/2009 I hate cramps..=/ Great tips! TY! 5*

[MSmith]

on 2/4/2009 Great tips! thanks. 5*