How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

For many women, periods bring with it the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps along with other symptoms. The pain from these menstrual cramps can be enough to prevent you from working and getting things done. However, there are ways to relieve painful cramps. Here are some tips to use when you're suffering from menstrual pain and discomfort.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Sit down and relax. If you are running around and stressed, you'll only make the menstrual pain worse. Instead, sit down and do a quiet, relaxing activity such as reading or listening to some soft music.

2. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen. This will help to ease the muscle contractions that cause the menstrual cramps.

3. 
    
   A bubble bath can help.

   Take a warm bubble bath. The warmth will act just like a heating pad to relieve pain from the cramps while the bubble bath will relax your body.

4. Take a nap. Sometimes taking a quick nap will be enough to refresh your body and help the muscles to naturally relax.

5. Drink plenty of water. Make sure to keep yourself well hydrated when suffering from period pain. Sometimes, the discomfort makes us forget about keeping fed and hydrated which can cause more pain.

6. Take some pain-reliever. When all else fails, sometimes you need to reach for the pain-reliever to help ease cramps and pain associated with your period.

7. Mild exercise. Sometimes mild exercise such as walking will help to ease the pain when just sitting isn't enough. It will also help to take your mind off of the discomfort.

[bambi1074]

on 10/4/2009 A heating pad has always worked for me.Good article.Rec 5*

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/26/2009 Thanks for the helpful tips on relieving menstrual cramps. 5*

[jdds08]

on 4/10/2009 Lots of water and aspirin make cramping more tolerable AND speeds up the cycle!

[almondspecial]

on 4/10/2009 Great tips I myself suffer form terrible menstrual cramps and it only started after I made my kids.Thanks for the tips well written.5*

[SophiaMaria]

on 4/10/2009 My heart goes out to you, redsuitcase. I also suffered from horrible cramps and fainted several times (when out in public!). So I can definitely attest that these tips work well.