How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

By eHow Health Editor

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

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Calcium Supplement
Cramp Bark
Magnesium Supplement
Vitamin B

Step1

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

Step2

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

Step3

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.

Step4

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

Step5

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.

Step6

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

Step7

Massage your lower back to relieve tension and pain.

Step8

Take ibuprofen or naproxen to help relieve cramps.

Step9

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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Comments

kiratrever said

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on 10/15/2008 Thanks, and if all else fails, a nice cold glass of chardonnay works well too, just keep it moderate.

thisisgreat said

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on 10/11/2008 endometriosis is the worse pain.
only thing that has even come close to working after 20 years, at least 3,000mg of high quality fish oil every day, meta-genics brand.

jbags said

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on 9/25/2008 I just think some of us are always going to deal with extreme pain. I never had cramps until my early twenties. Every month I make myself sick when I realize it is close to my period. Nothing I do seems to work. My biggest problem is the intestinal cramping that accopmpanies my menstrual cramps. I just read taking fish oils can help a lot. It is worth a try. I think the best suggestion is to see your doctor. I have avoided talking with her about it because my husband and I are trying to conceive. It looks like I am going to have to do it though. I can not keep dealing with this every month. AMEN to the person who said pray!! God truely does bless us all.

grenoble said

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on 9/20/2008 also take vitamins after you eat a meal, usually works better at the end of the day when you're going to bed.vitamins help relieve the apin by working with the energy you get from the food.... i tried this and everytime my periods come i rush to my vitamins and take one with lots of water and the pain gone like that!!! it really helps when you're going to sleep and don't want to suffer from cramps. well see ya^^

Ladycatera said

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on 6/2/2008 It also helps if you go see a gynecologist. It can be scary if it's your first time, heck EVERY TIME but it's so totally WORTH it! They gave me pills because I have irregular periods with heavy bleeding, clots and cramps. With the pills, it's cut all that down dramatically. Speak with your gyno! AND drink PLENTY of water, it'll help the cramps and dilute your heavy flow.