Natural Way To Relieve Period Cramps

Try Dietary Supplements To Help With Menstrual Symptoms

Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation. Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful. For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new.

How Are Severe Menstrual Cramps Treated

When the usual home remedies to relieve period cramps are no match for your cramps, an OB-GYN can help you find relief from the pain. The most common treatments for severe menstrual cramps are:

• Hormonal birth control methods If your menstrual cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance, your doctor might recommend using a hormonal birth control. In addition to preventing pregnancy, taking hormonal birth control can help correct the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body, which effects the thickness of the uterine lining. Thinning the uterine lining can reduce prostaglandin and bring pain relief. Some birth control methods can cause women to skip their periods, eliminating cramps altogether.
• Prescription medication When over-the-counter medicines dont work, your doctor might prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . These medicines are much stronger than similar ones youll find over-the-counter. They can significantly reduce prostaglandins in your uterus, which might thin the uterine lining and alleviate cramps. Prescription medication is used when a woman experiences severe, chronic cramps.

The Best Natural Ways To Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer Health

For many women, menstrual cramps are a painful monthly ordeal. Symptoms like bloating and nausea can make you uncomfortable and make period cramps feel worse. But you are not alone. Over half of menstruating women experience some pain for one to two days during their period.1 In this article I will cover a number of natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help to ease painful menstrual cramps.

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The Sunshine Of Vitamin D

Cramps associated with dysmenorrhea can be disabling. Painful cramps associated with dysmenorrhea occur due to increasing levels of prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract. These contractions cause the shedding of the uterine lining. Vitamin D reduces the production of prostaglandins. In one study of young women who had primary dysmenorrhea and low vitamin D levels, high weekly doses of supplemental vitamin D decreased pain intensity significantly both 8 weeks into treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment. The women taking vitamin D also took less pain medication to treat period pain. You can ask your doctor to measure your vitamin D levels with a simple blood test.

Relief For Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Curcumin, a natural chemical in turmeric, may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome . A 2015 study looked at 70 women who took two capsules of curcumin for 7 days before their period and 3 days after. Participants reported significant reduction in PMS symptoms.

If you want to give curcumin a try, check out this recipe for turmeric tea by In Jennies Kitchen. Curcumin supplements are also available online.

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Sex Is Associated With Decreased Period Pain

Your body releases oxytocin when you have sex, and the natural hormone has been associated with . In addition, Hall told me: orgasms can help relieve cramps because they release pelvic congestion and improve blood flow in the pelvis. Heres a reason to make period sex part of your monthly routine. Masturbation is also an option.

The Luteal Phase And Athletic Performance

During the back half of your menstrual cycle, your body is preparing for your next period or pregnancy, if you happened to conceive during this cycle. This means your hormones are running at a higher level, due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone. More hormones means a decrease in anabolic, or muscle-building, capacity. This means that its time to take it easier, focusing on lower-intensity workouts with more recovery time.

Also, rather than being able to easily access stored carbohydrates, your increase in hormones has that energy locked up tight. Now, your body needs fuel from extra carbs and calories from the outside . Plus, your body also needs more water during the luteal phase more hormones means a greater risk of dehydration.

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Q Is It Safe To Have Sex During The Period

A. It is completely safe to have sex during your period. It is very unlikely that you will get pregnant but make sure to always use a condom. It all depends on the comfort you share with your partner. Most people find it a little off-putting because of the presence of blood, and it can be a messy affair.

Q Is It Safe To Have Sex During Period

A. It is completely safe to have sex during your period. It is very unlikely that you will get pregnant but make sure to always use a condom. It all depends on the comfort you share with your partner. Most people find it a little off-putting because of the presence of blood, and it can be a messy affair.

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Do Bananas Stop Charlie Horses

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that bananas stop charlie horses. However, some people believe that the potassium in bananas can help to prevent or reduce the severity of charlie horses. There is no harm in trying this home remedy, but be sure to speak with a doctor if the charlie horses are severe or occur frequently.

An Apple A Day Keeps The Cramps Away

Its not just the apple but fruits and vegetables too. Stay away from fatty foods. According to a famous ob/gyn Aldo Palmieri, MD and UCLA Health professor, having a low-fat diet can decrease the inflammation levels of your body.

Remember that the more prostaglandins you have, the higher the inflammation levels. Also, eating healthy can have more benefits to your mental and physical health. So basically, youre not just getting rid of cramps but you are also living healthy.

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Start Hormonal Birth Control

Birth control can stop period pain if cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance. Balancing your levels of estrogen and progesterone helps thin the uterine lining so it sheds more easily. Hormonal birth control also regulates the length and frequency of your period. Some forms of birth control can completely alleviate period cramps by stopping your period altogether. Talk to your OB-GYN about birth control options, including the pill, birth control shot or hormonal IUD. Then, youll be able to choose the type of birth control that works best for you.

Here Are 5 Home Remedies That Can Help You Deal With Menstrual Cramps

Periods can be painful and there is absolutely no denying that. It is common for women to witness discomfort and pain during menstruation. The severity of pain, however, may vary. While some witness a dull and light pain, it is simply unbearable for others.

If you also suffer from menstrual cramps every month, you can rely on various home remedies for effective results. It is important to stay hydrated and drink water as it helps deal with bloating. But thats not all. Here are 5 remedies that can help you have painless periods:

YOGA TO THE RESCUE

Yoga can also help you deal with menstrual cramps. There are several asanas that you can perform during menstruation thatll help relieve the pain. Goumukhasana, Bhujangasana and Janu Sirsasana are some such asanas that you can try to ease the pain.

SOAKED RAISINS AND KESAR

This is one of the most effective home remedies to relieve menstrual cramps. You just need to soak 3-4 raisins and have it first thing in the morning with some kesar . It is a remedy suggested by celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar.

BANANA

Eating a banana has ample health benefits, but did you know it can also help you deal with period pain? Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6 and potassium and help deal with bloating and cramps.

HOT WATER BOTTLE

The application of heat also helps significantly reduce the pain. You can use a heating pad, warm towel, or your go-to hot water bottle to get some relief. Taking a hot water bath can also help.

DARK CHOCOLATE

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What Other Foods Can Help Cramps

In addition to magnesium and copper in dark chocolate, other micronutrients may help with period pain.

Based on a review of 16 clinical studies, vitamins B1, D, E, and K, calcium, zinc, and boron appear to exhibit anti-inflammatory and other properties that help ease painful periods .

For many of these nutrients, only the supplement versions have been assessed. Nevertheless, it likely wont hurt to eat foods containing them to see if they help your period cramps. Although, avoid any of these foods if youre allergic or sensitive to them.

Here are some foods that are rich in nutrients that may ease menstrual cramps:

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of plant foods, nutritious fats, and protein will keep you energized during times of period pain.

Staying hydrated and limiting foods that can zap your energy, like refined carbohydrates and alcohol even if you feel like they give you a quick, short-term boost can also help.

Exercise To Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Although traditionally people with periods were expected to be less active and in some cases and cultures withdraw from society altogether, the evidence is that regular exercise before and during periods can help alleviate the pain. The type of exercise doesnt matter and Zumba can be as good as going for a run or a swim. You can absolutely continue with your usual lifestyleand sport using a menstrual cup.

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The Causes Of Menstrual Cramps

Some mild pain before or during menstruation is normal. Cramps occur as a result of the uterus contracting to shed its uterine lining. This is, of course, a normal process for a womans reproductive system.

Typical symptoms are throbbing or cramping in the lower abdomen, continuous ache, and some radiating pain. Some women also experience nausea, headache, dizziness, and other symptoms.

If a womans menstrual cramps are severe, unusual, or occurring later in life or with what could be considered odd timing, there might be an underlying condition at work. Premenstrual syndrome is the most common. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is basically a worse form of PMS, accompanied by severe pain. Fibroids, ovarian cysts, and other complications can also contribute to increased pain around the time of menstruation. If this pertains to you, talk to your doctor. These might require medical treatment.

Aromatherapy Support For Painful Menstrual Cramps

Essential Oil Massage blends or hot compress are another form of pain relief for menstrual cramps. Below are some of the best essential oils for painful cramps.

German ChamomileGerman chamomile is best known for its ability to reduce inflammation. This oil is a deep blue in color due to the presence of azulene. It also has some pain reducing effects, promotes calming of the nerves and reduces anger, irritability, and depression.

Sweet MarjoramThis is a great oil for menstrual cramps. Reduces pain on all levels. Great to use with a hot compress on the abdomen when experiencing menstrual cramps.

Sweet FennelHelps to regulate the menstrual cycle, may help reduce hormone fluctuation. It is also aids in reducing muscle spasm.* Do not use if you have epilepsy.

Menstrual Cramps Essential Oil Blend*Best used only during painful period, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, before ovulation

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When To Contact A Doctor

A person may wish to speak with a doctor if home remedies do not help reduce cramps or if they are experiencing very severe cramping.

A doctor can suggest other home remedies to try or prescribe medications, such as birth control pills or some types of pain reliever, to manage the symptoms.

Other symptoms that may warrant contacting a doctor include:

• cramps that get worse over time or with age
• severe pain or discomfort
• cramps that interfere with daily life

These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, for which a doctor will be able to suggest an effective treatment.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home remedies for menstrual cramps.

Pain Medication For Painful Periods

Keeping up with the big bad prostaglandins, ibuprofen lowers your levels of this hormone resulting in less contraction and period pain.

The trick is to take the pain killer before your period starts to reduce the levels of prostaglandins from the get-go.

The recommended medications like ibuprofen and naproxen are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and medics encourage you to use them in moderation.

One study also concluded that NSAIDs can help reduce the heaviness of periods and relieve cramps, although some people need to take higher doses to experience these benefits.

So we advise you to talk to your doctor before adding them to your period pain relief plan because there are side-effects with long-term use. Especially if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems, asthma, ulcers, or bleeding disorders.

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Essential Oils For Pms Symptoms

Essential oils can be an effective natural treatment for PMS. Clary sage oil helps naturally balance hormones, which can reduce symptoms. Mix 2 to 3 drops of oil with a carrier oil and then rub on the lower abdomen. Apply a warm compress to the area for 2 to 5 minutes. Cypress oil improves circulation and can help you get rid of cramps. Mix with a carrier oil and apply it in the same way or along with clary sage.

To reduce tension, stress and cramping, you can mix apply ylang ylang oil along with lavender oil in a carrier oil like almond oil and apply to the back of neck and lower abdomen.

Heat Heat And More Heat

Contracting muscles are responsible for pushing out menstrual fluidthats where that uncomfortable cramping feeling comes from.Theres a quick and easy way to calm those cramps down: apply heat.Here are a couple of ways you can do that:

• Wrap a heated patch on your abdomen

• Place a hot water bottle across your belly gently pressing it against your skin

• Take a long hot shower

• Sit in a bath massaging your bellyfor extra relief try using some castor oil

How does it work? Heat boosts circulation in your abdomen which can relax your muscles, and reduce painful menstrual cramps.

Research shows heating pads can relieve painful periods and get this, they may be just as effective as taking ibuprofen.

To test this theory, in a two-day study, people used:

• Ibuprofen alone

The group that used heat plus ibuprofen had the best results and the heat-only led to faster pain relief.

Abdominal heat patches are the most convenient because you can use them on the gojust peel and stick them on your abdomen.

Hot water bottles arent as convenient as patches but theyre great if youre home and dont need to move around much.

Speaking of heat, sitting in the sun could do you some good too.Thats because sun exposure is the most natural way to get more vitamin D, which can positively affect the bodys inflammatory response, altering the sensation of pain.

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Natural Ways To Reduce Pms Symptoms Including Period Cramps

By Annie Price, CHHC

The average woman experiences 450 periods in her lifetime. Thats triple the amount of our ancestors, who generally lived shorter lives and spent more time pregnant and nursing. And since more than 75 percent of women today deal with PMS symptoms during menstruation, its clear that a lot of women are experiencing the uncomfortable side effects of this natural biological process.

In fact, 30 to 40 percent of women reporting PMS symptoms say PMS impairs their daily activities, leaving many of them looking for natural remedies for PMS and cramps.

Still, you are not alone. PMS is one of the most common forms of hormonal imbalance for women of childbearing age, resulting in both psychological and physical period symptoms. If youre a woman who has spent years dealing with PMS symptoms then its probably very hard to believe that this monthly health phenomenon was barely recognized by medical doctors before the 1980s. For those of you who suffer from PMS, the symptoms are very recognizable and very unwanted.

PMS symptoms may start a week or two before you period and may be mild to severe. If you have dysmenorrhea then you experience painful menstruation, typically involving abdominal cramps .

Acupuncture May Help By Relaxing The Nervous System

Acupuncture can help relieve cramps, says Jeannie Bianchi, a licensed acupuncturist in San Francisco. This ancient Asian healing method is thought to relax the nervous system, allow more blood to flow to internal organs, and quell inflammation, Bianchi says.

In a review published in April 2016 in the CochraneDatabase of Systematic Reviews experts looked at 42 studies that observed the effects of acupuncture on period cramps. Each compared acupuncture with no treatment, conventional treatment , or a sham acupuncture procedure. Many of the studies found that the acupuncture group had less period pain and no side effects. The researchers emphasize, however, that the quality of all of the studies was poor.

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