Drink More Water During Your Period Cramps
Drinking enough water during your period can help to prevent the body from getting dehydrated. Water intake can help to regulate proper functioning of the body cells. Lack of enough water in the body system can dispose women to physical and mental stress and improper functioning.
It is advisable to drink enough water at all times to keep your body active. But how much water is enough?
The Institute of Medicine recommends 9 cup of fluid total per day for women. The reduction in the amount of estrogen and progesterone can cause retention of water in the body. Drinking enough water can help to flush your system and keep you hydrated always.
What Helps Cramps Medication And Paying A Visit To The Doctor
Trying all these natural and homemade remedies do not mean totally ignoring medications especially that in some cases, turning to medicines seem necessary. You can relatively rely on NSAIDnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicationthat can reduce the production of prostaglandin, a substance associated with period cramps, and address pain and inflammation. They are usually over-the-counter but taking a valid and reliable recommendation from your doctor should be your utmost priority.
Speaking of which, when the bleeding together with the symptoms becomes too incapacitating, hampering your daily activities even with medications already taken, never hesitate to see a doctor. If it gets severe than the usual, finding out the major cause of your period cramps and pain which can only be done through a consultation can make all the difference.
Enjoy A Cup Of Ginger Or Cinnamon Tea
Going natural to get rid of that pain is very awesome. Drinking a cup of cinnamon or ginger tea or both can help you to fight against really bad cramps during period. The ginger tea has been found to serve as an anti-inflammatory substance which reduces pain.
The cinnamon tea also has anti-spasmodic properties which can help to reduce the risk of pain during menstruation. Enjoying a cup of these tea is of great benefit working tremendously in different ways.
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More Energy During Your Period
Exercise might help you improve problems with low energy, too. When you exercise, you strengthen your heart so it can provide more blood and oxygen throughout your body, including your brain. Exercise can also help relieve stress that can drag your energy levels down during the day. Finally, exercise can improve sleep so you can make the most out of your eight hours of rest.
Can Bad Period Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Else
Period cramps usually dont signify that something is wrong with your health. But in some cases they can be a symptom of a medical condition:
- Endometriosis This disorder occurs when tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus, often adhering to your bladder, ovaries, or even your bowels.
- Uterine FibroidsThese are noncancerous growths that emerge inside the uterine walls. They can range in size from one tiny speck to several bulky masses.
- Adenomyosis Tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow inside the organs muscle wall.
Pain from these conditions may seem like period pain, but it typically lasts longer and can be more severe than your usual menstrual cramps.
If you experience this type of pain, its important to see your doctor, Thielen says.
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Do Tampons Cause Worse Cramps
I dont know where I first heard that tampons could make cramps worse or why I believed it so quickly, but Burroughs says theres no evidence to support that claim.
Sridhar agrees. tampon is usually in the vaginal area, and cramps originate from the uterus. This makes it unlikely one is affected by the other.
However, conditions like endometriosis or vaginismus where the vaginal muscles contract involuntarily or persistently when penetration occurs might make it feel like tampons are making cramps worse.
What Should I Do About Cramps At School
Always be prepared! If your period is regular, you should kind of have an idea of when its going to start every month. What I would do is always have pad or tampon in my backpack or purse if I knew I was going to get my period. I used to get terrible cramps in high school, so I would take ibuprofen for them before class. If they sneak up on you, maybe carry one of those little individual packs of two that you can take if necessary.
You cant put math class on hold so you can go take a warm bath, can you? If your school doesnt allow you to have over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen on campus, just make sure you take some before leaving your house in the morning. You can also try using those thin stick-on heating pads. Theyre unnoticeable under your clothes and can help keep you comfortable. Also remember to eat healthfully and get exercise. Moving from class to class is actually a good thing and you could also try to get in short walks or jogs before school and during your lunch hour.
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Heating Pads + Heating Wraps
Numer one rule to relieve severe menstrual cramps: go wherever is warm. Or bring it to you. That will always make yourself feel better. For that, I have a few options. At home, I have a heated mattress pad on my bed. That is awesome during the winter time and whenever cramps attack me. It just the best feeling to go to bed and be all warm. As an extra, I use a seeds pillow you can heat in the microwave. Because you can never be too warm.
But what works for most people is to put a heating pad on your stomach. Like I said, feeling warm is everything and this goes just on the problematic zone. If you havent tried this then, what are you waiting for? Also, if you normally arent home or if you are about to travel and you know your period will come when you are on the go. Then I recommend this heating wraps.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Endometriosis
Pain right before and during your periods is the most common symptom of endometriosis. Cramps arent fun for anyone, but with endometriosis, they can be even more intense. A lot of people also have chronic lower belly or lower back pain. Pain from endometriosis can range from barely noticeable to preventing you from getting out of bed in the morning.
Endometriosis can also make vaginal sex uncomfortable. Other symptoms are spotting between your periods, having very heavy period flows, and infertility. Endometriosis sometimes makes it hurt to pee or have a bowel movement.
Some people with endometriosis dont have any symptoms.
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Up The Magnesium In Your Diet To Help Nerve And Muscle Function
Dietary magnesium seems to help ease the pain of cramps, says DeJarra Sims, ND, an assistant professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr Universitys California campus in San Diego and the author of Your Healthiest Life Now. A Cochrane review of dietary and other remedies published in 2001 concluded that getting enough magnesium can help relieve pain.
Magnesium is found in many foods and as a supplement if you cant get what you need from your diet. Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle functioning, among other vital tasks researchers who evaluated the evidence on magnesium call it a promising treatment for menstrual cramps. But they cannot recommend a specific dose, because researchers have studied various doses. The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium for women of childbearing age is about 320 mg daily. An ounce of dry almonds or one half cup of boiled spinach each has about 80 mg.
Dr. Sims says the dose you may need depends on the severity of your cramps and other factors. Ask your doctor about the best magnesium intake for you.
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When To See A Doctor For Period Cramps
If your period pain worsens or is unresponsive to treatment, Burroughs says its time to consult with an OB/GYN. Keeping a menstrual diary is also helpful in order to document the length of your menstrual cycle, number of days with severe cramping, and heaviness of bleeding. Discussing your menstrual diary with your physician will aid in proper diagnosis and treatment options, she says.
Sridhar adds, If the cramps are altering their daily life and interfering with the quality of life, it is a good time to make an appointment to see a doctor.
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How To Read A Nutrition Label
1. The nutrients listed on the label are based on one serving size. Often serving sizes are smaller than youd think. So, its a good idea to measure.
2. Calories are a unit of measurement that tells us the amount of energy in one serving. Your body uses calories for energy and to be active. Everybody uses a different number of calories. To control your weight, the goal is to balance what you eat with the amount of energy you need.
3. All nutrients are shown as a percent of the daily value. The daily values are reference amounts for how much of the nutrients you should consume or not exceed each day. Depending on the nutrient, daily value is shown in grams , milligrams or micrograms .
4. Limit foods with high amounts of the items in red. Look for fewer than 2g of saturated fat, less than 250mg of sodium and little to no added sugar.
5. Try to eat foods with more of the items in green. These include dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium.
6. Read and rate the ingredients. In general, products that have fewer ingredients and ones you can pronounce — are less processed and better for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Does this food contain more than five ingredients?
- Does it contain unhealthy fats like coconut oil?
- Does it include whole grains like oats, barley and wheat flour? If so, are they near the top of the ingredient list?
- Do you know what the ingredients are?
Why Cant I Sleep During My Period
After your monthly bleed, your progesterone levels start to rise again. Its this dip in progesterone during your period that may make it more difficult to sleep. Progesterone isnt the only hormone that could influence how much sleep you get. During your period your body temperature rises by up to a whole degree.
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What Can I Do For Cramps
If cramps bother you, you can:
- Take a pain reliever. Talk to your mom or dad or your doctor about which medicine is best for you. They can help you figure out how much to take and how often.
- Exercise! Being physically active can ease cramps, probably because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that make you feel good.
- Get warm. Try placing a warm water bottle, warm heating pad, or warm compress on your belly or take a warm bath.
If these tips dont help, talk to your parent or your doctor about other treatments.
What Is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- How do I use tampons, pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups?
- What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder ?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome . PMDD can cause depression, anxiety, and other physical and mental health symptoms during the two weeks leading up to your period. These symptoms can be so extreme that they get in the way of your daily life, like work, school, or your relationships. PMDD symptoms usually go away once your period starts, or a day or two after.
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Using Pain Relievers For Period Cramps
One safe, quick option to get rid of or soothe period cramps is over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen .
Various clinical studies have shown that ibuprofen can be a super effective and fast way to eliminate cramps. Ibuprofen has also been shown to be more effective for period cramps than pain relievers with the ingredient acetaminophen . The National Institutes of Health says Aspirin or Ibuprofen are usually adequate to reduce menstrual pain.
Doctors say its ideal to start taking pain relievers slightly in advance of the cramps.* If the timing doesnt work out and you cant plan ahead, doctors say that pain relievers work best when taken at the first sign of pain from your periods.
*Note: Before you take any new medication, read the directions, and take as directed. We recommend you speak with your nurse or doctor if youre currently on other medicines, have a health condition, or are not sure if this medication is safe for you.
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What Causes Period Cramps
We all have different experiences of period cramps. While some women are as regular as clockwork and can predict their cramps right down to the day, others might be lucky enough to rarely or never experience the pain of period cramps. They are something many of us expect and plan for, like the menstrual bleeding itself, but we rarely have time to stop and think: what actually causes period cramps and why are they a necessary, if painful, part of our cycle?
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How To Relieve Painful Menstrual Cramps
Period cramps are annoying, aggravating and at times, downright terrible – and they may be a regular part of the menstrual cycle for more than half of women who have periods.
When you’re having menstrual cramps , you can have pain in your belly, hips, lower back, and even your inner thighs. The pain in your belly may also be accompanied by pressure, and in severe cases, loose stools, upset stomach, and vomiting.
Even though your menstrual cramps may be normal, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to relieve the pain. Here are a few things you can do .
Reach For Decaf Coffee
Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow. This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick 10-minute walk to boost your energy.
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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.
Curl Up With A Heating Pad To Ease Period Cramps
The uterus is a muscle, so anything that helps relax muscles, like applying heat, can be beneficial, Thielen says.
Indeed, research published in Evidence-Based Nursing found that topically applied heat was just as effective as ibuprofen for period cramps. Over the two study days, the women used heat alone, heat plus ibuprofen, ibuprofen alone, or a placebo. The best results were in the heat plus ibuprofen group adding heat led to faster improvements.
A review published in March 2014 in The Journal of Physiotherapy also found that heat significantly lessened a womans period pain.
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Period Pain Caused By Contraceptive Devices
An intrauterine device is a type of contraception made from copper and plastic that fits inside the womb. It can also sometimes cause period pain, particularly during the first few months after it’s inserted.
You may notice a change in your normal pattern of pain if your period pain is linked to a medical condition or a contraceptive IUD. For example, the pain may be more severe or it may last much longer than normal.
You may also have:
See a GP if you have any of these symptoms as well as period pain.
Reason For Painful Cramps: Ectopic Pregnancy
The fertilized egg didnt travel to the uterus to attach to the endometrium of the uterus. Instead, it is attached to the fallopian tube, most often in ampulla, ovarian, isthmus parts, fimbria site of the ovary or cervix.
Very often ectopic pregnancy is mistaken for appendicitis. The symptoms of the ectopic pregnancy are severe pain and bleeding. Shall you develop any of the symptoms, dont hesitate to address your healthcare provider.
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