When All Else Fails Call The Doc
If nothing seems to be helping, talk to your gyno. They can check for any underlying causes, like endometriosis, that might be making your cramps extra-painful. She may also recommend birth control pills, which can thin the uterine lining and make cramps less intense. Cramps may be common, but they shouldnât interfere with your life, so if youâve tried everything and youâre still in pain every month, definitely let your doc know.
Whats A Normal Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The average menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days, but it can be as short as 21 days or longer than 35 its different from person to person. The number of days in your cycle may also vary from month to month. When you get your period, its normal to bleed anywhere from 2 to 7 days.
The average person loses anywhere between 1-6 tablespoons of menstrual fluid during each period. It can be thin or clumpy, and varies in color from dark red to brown or pink. If your period is so heavy that you have to change maxi pads or super tampons every hour, call your doctor or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
Everyones body is different, so their periods are different too whats normal varies from person to person, and can change over your lifetime. Some birth control methods or health conditions may also affect your period.
Dont Miss: How To Find Out Stomach Cancer
How Is The Cause Of Severe Period Pain Diagnosed
To diagnose severe period pain, your health care provider will ask you about your medical history and do a pelvic exam. You may also have an ultrasound or other imaging test. If your health care provider thinks you have secondary dysmenorrhea, you might have laparoscopy. It is a surgery that that lets your health care provider look inside your body.
You May Like: How To Reduce Period Cramp Pain
Can You Heal Menstrual Cramps With Home Remedies
Most of the time, menstrual cramps can be treated by women at home.
But if your pain is severe and impacts your lifestyle, dont be afraid to talk to your doctor. You might need medicines that are only available by prescription or some other treatment to help.
To help reduce period pain, here are 10 safe and effective home remedies for menstrual cramp relief.
Donât Miss: How Can I Get Rid Of Gas In My Stomach
Having A Pelvic Examination
Your GP may want to carry out a pelvic examination to help diagnose or rule out other causes of your period pain.
Theyâll insert gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina to feel for any abnormalities in your womb or ovaries.
The examination wonât be carried out without your permission. You can also ask to have a female GP do it if you prefer. You can bring a friend or relative to the appointment if you want, or ask the practice nurse to be there.
In some cases your GP may also order a pelvic ultrasound.
Donât Miss: Should You Take Milk Of Magnesia On An Empty Stomach
Don’t Miss: Things To Eat To Help Period Cramps
How To Stop Your Periods Cramps
Period cramps are one of the annoying symptoms that accompany your menstrual cycle. These cramps can be painful, annoying, and causes a lot of discomfort. For most people, this can be the reason for them to want to stop their period permanently.
Period or menstrual cramps can be felt as a painful sensation that affects a majority of menstruating women before and during their menstruation cycle.
The pain is medically known as dysmenorrhea. It ranges from dull and annoying to severe and extreme. For most women, the pain will occur in the lower abdomen and lower back. It will start a day or two before your period and last for about four days top.
Medically, when the pain is only related to menstruation, then it is described as primary dysmenorrhea. On the other hand, when the pain is due to other conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease, the cramps are described as secondary dysmenorrhea.
The question now is, how do you stop your period cramps? Different options are available to help relieve and stop these painful cramps. For starters, there are some over the counter medication that can help treat most causes of menstrual cramps. If you are not sure what the best medication to use, have your health café provider prescribe one for you.
You could also use anti-prostaglandins to reduce cramping in uterus. This option will also help lighten the flow of menstrual blood and help relieve discomfort.
Yoga Poses To Relieve Cramps
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most useful home remedies so far have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
The most popular answers have been applying a hot compress , OTC medication , and having an orgasm . Based on your answer you may find this related reading useful:
You should contact your doctor if you have severe pain and very heavy bleeding. See a doctor if:
You May Like: How To Make Period Go Away Faster
Mood And Behavioural Changes:
Donât Miss: Why Am I Gaining Weight In My Lower Stomach
Ginger Natural Remedy To Get Rid Of Stomach Cramps
Among roots that are reliable for making your tummy feel better, ginger deserves a good place on the podium. This home remedy works by easing the digestion process and, as a result, making the pain in your abdomen go away. You can brew a pot of fresh ginger tea to make the most of its anti-inflammatory properties. If you cannot find any sources for fresh ginger in your area, you can always buy some ginger tea or even some ginger supplements if you are not fond of the slightly spicy taste.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If You Have Your Period
What Is Gas Pain During Your Period
Hormones wreak havoc on a womans system during menses. Progesterone is a hormone that slows down your digestive system, especially during the latter half of your period. Many women begin to bloat a few days before their period even begins.
During this already painful time, gas can build up in your digestive tract and cause you to hurt even more. This is incredibly common: nearly 55% of women report gastrointestinal pain during their period.
There isnt much you can to control the hormonal turmoil within your body, but there are several steps you can take to reduce the extra pain that is caused by gas.
You May Like: Why Am I Losing Weight But Not In My Stomach
Lifestyle Changes That Help Relieve Stomach Pain During Periods
It may be possible to find ways to deal with the painful days so they are less of a problem. For example, many women try to take things a bit easier in those days. Some find that relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga or tai chi help them feel more relaxed and reduce stress. Getting a lot of exercises also helps relieve stomach pain during periods in some women.
Measures that may reduce the risk of Menstrual Cramps Include:
- Eating fruits and vegetables and limiting the intake of fat, alcohol, caffeine, salt, and sweets
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
If these also do not help over 2-3 months, then you can ask a gynecologist, to rule out infection or growth. Hence invasive procedures might be done for diagnostic purposes.
There is Another Type of Pain known as the MittelschmerzMittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. German for middle pain, mittelschmerz occurs midway through a menstrual cycle about 14 days before your next menstrual period.
The Exact Cause of Mittelschmerz is Unknown, but Possible Reasons for the Pain Include these Just before an egg is released with ovulation, follicle growth stretches the surface of your ovary, causing pain. Blood or fluid released from the ruptured follicle irritates the lining of your abdomen , leading to pain.
Recommended Reading: How Can You Tell If You Have Stomach Cancer
You May Like: How Painful Is A Period Cramp
No More Pain: How To Get Rid Of Period Cramps Fast
Period pain is common, but that doesnt mean that you have to suffer for too long. Here are a bunch of remedies for getting rid of period pain, from light cramps at school to more intense ones that might have you staying home. We should point out: severe period pain is not normal and please consult your doctor if the discomfort is interrupting your daily activities. Scroll to the bottom for answers on FAQs about period cramps.
When Do People Usually Get Cramps
It is no secret that pain symptoms can appear at specific times in a womans cycle.
- Perimenstrual cramps. Pain starts before your period and lasts during menstruation. It can be felt in the lower back and thighs.
- Mid-cycle/ovulation pain. This pain can also occur in the middle of your cycle. Ovulation pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen. It may last from a few hours to even a couple of days.
Also Check: What To Eat To Stop Period Cramps
What Causes Dysmenorrhea
Women with primary dysmenorrhea have abnormal contractions of the uterus due to a chemical imbalance in the body. For example, the chemical prostaglandin control the contractions of the uterus.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other medical conditions, most often endometriosis. This is a condition in which endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus. Endometriosis often causes internal bleeding, infection, and pelvic pain.
Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include the following:
-
Pelvic inflammatory disease
-
Women who started their periods before the age of 11
-
Women who have never been pregnant
Consult your health care provider for more information.
Follow Proper Diet Plan
Every woman during her periods has a craving for food that she loves. The food you generally crave for is mostly sweet or fried. You can have them because it is important to stay happy during the periods.
But unfortunately, these stuff cannot help to diminish your pain as such. These instead have a poor physiological performance to relieve period cramps.
During periods, there is high level of inflammation and the internal genitals remain pliable and vulnerable to infection. With a proper diet plan, you can efficiently combat these.
While you are outside home, you really canât do much with diet. But when you are at home, diet is perhaps the best option to reach out to when it comes to combating pain.
You can try out multiple eatables and drinks that have proven scientific results for the reduction of period cramps.
Omega 3 fatty acid is extremely good. Omega 3 fatty acids counteract the effects of prostaglandins and prevent its excessive release. Prostaglandins is the ultimate inflammatory substance of the body.
Hence, omega 3 fatty acid reduces the inflammation and the subsequent pain of periods.
Beans, almonds, dark leafy vegetables, and marine fishes contain plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. So, you can include these in your diet.
You can have plenty of spinach, beet roots as well. All these green leafy vegetables contain plenty of magnesium and vitamin B6 that help to keep away the nausea feeling.
Don’t Miss: Missed Period Am I Pregnant Calculator
Q What Are The General Hygiene Measures To Take During Menstruation
A. Hygiene is very important when on your period. The basic things to follow during these days are – bathe every day and use the right products for vaginal cleaning. Use warm water with soap or an intimate wash to clean the area properly. The vaginal area is sensitive and needs to be taken care of when on your cycle. Change your sanitary napkin every three to four hours to avoid an infection or a period rash. Always be ready with an on-the-go kit in case of an emergency, and make sure you discard your sanitary napkin properly.
Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All
Yes, if you have painful periods you and your obstetrician-gynecologist should talk about your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. If needed, your ob-gyn may recommend a pelvic exam. A first step in treatment may be medications. If medications do not relieve your pain, treatment should focus on finding the cause of your pain.
An ultrasound exam may be done when pain is not relieved with medications. In some cases, an ob-gyn may recommend a laparoscopy. This is a procedure that lets an ob-gyn view the organs in the pelvis. With laparoscopy, a small incision is made near the belly button. A thin, lighted cameraa laparoscopeis inserted into the abdomen. Laparoscopy often is done with general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital.
Medications are usually the first step when treating painful periods. Certain pain relievers target prostaglandins. These medications, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , reduce the prostaglandins made by the body and lessen their effects. This in turn makes menstrual cramps less severe. Most NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be bought over the counter.
Acupuncture, acupressure, and nerve stimulation therapies may be useful for treating painful periods. Physical therapy that eases trigger points also may help with pain.
Also Check: How To Feel Better On Your Period
Essential Oils Inhale And Apply
Essential oils like thyme and lavender have a soothing sensation and relax the mind and body.
There are two ways of using it at school to have the cramps at bay instantly.
Firstly, apply in the pelvic region thoroughly before dressing up for school.
Deep penetration of these oils helps relax the muscles and prevent pain. Other option is to have the small bottle handy and inhale the oils when the cramps get severe.
This again calms the senses and controls the hormones instantly, leading to reduced pain. Apply it on pulse points at the wrist and inhale through the day to comfort the body during the menstrual phase.
Treatment Of Period Pain
There is a range of medicines you can take to help with period pain.
Pain relief medication: Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, mefanamic acid or naproxen stop the body from producing prostaglandins. They are available over the counter from a pharmacy but they may not be suitable for everyone so speak to your pharmacist for advice first. You can also take paracetamol for mild cramps. Stronger pain killers containing codeine are only available with a prescription from a doctor.
Other treatments: Some women find that a heat pack, gentle exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture helps control the pain.
Read Also: Can I Get An Iud On My Period
What Causes Period Cramps
Period cramps are caused by contractions in your uterus. These contractions are triggered by changes in your bodys hormone levels, particularly prostaglandins. When you menstruate, your uterus contracts and sheds its lining, which is released as blood through your vagina.
Some people are more likely to experience period pain, particularly those who:
- are younger than 30 years of age
- bleed heavily during their periods
- have irregular bleeding
Research shows that heating pads can help relieve period cramps and may even be more effective than taking acetaminophen .
You can buy abdominal heat patches online or at any drugstore. Theyre super easy to use just peel and stick them on your abdomen.
Electric heating pads and hot water bottles arent as convenient to use as patches, but theyre good choices if youre spending some time at home and dont need to move around much.
Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of oils.
Oils that seem to be most effective at reducing period cramps include:
- cinnamon
- clove
Before using essential oils, youll want to mix them with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Carrier oils work by safely carrying the essential oil into your skin and helping to spread the oil over a large area. Youll also want to do a patch test before applying essential oils to your skin, just to check for an allergy.