What To Do To Make Period Cramps Go Away

Yoga Position # : Reclining Twist

Your lower back and lower belly will both benefit from the reclining twist position.

First, lie flat on your back. Bend your left knee, and then lower it to the right side. Look to your left, and reach your arms out wide, your palms flat against the ground. You will want to stay here for five or more breaths.

Extend your left leg back to the ground, and repeat the pose with your right leg bending to the right. This pose should relax your back, hips, and shoulders. Repeat 5 to 10 times on each side.

Consider Hormonal Birth Control

Taking birth-control pills or using another form of hormonal contraception prevents ovulation, which can make a big difference for people who have endometriosis and have issues related to severe cramps every month as a result.

But even women with normal periods may notice that their cramps go away or aren’t quite so bad when they start taking hormonal birth control. “Contraception can help regulate hormone levels and decrease extreme fluctuations, which can be helpful,” Dr. Worly explained.

Soothe Your Period Pains With Heat Therapy

Applying heat to your abdomen or back can make you feel more relaxed and may soothe your pain during your period. Studies have suggested that it helps to relax your uterine walls and blood vessels in that area, which improves the flow of blood to the uterus.

You can look up clinically-proven, effective heat therapy patches that relieve menstrual cramps on our in-app wellness Marketplace. Delivery is straight to your doorstep so you dont even need to leave home for it! Alternatively, you can try to make your own homemade heat therapy at home, such as using a hot towel or a hot water bottle.

Read Also: When Is A Woman’s Ovulation Period

What Percentage Of Women Experience It

Depending on your data source, between 70% and over 80% of women experience mild to severe menstrual cramps. One study published in the Journal of Womens Health that considers global figures found that 71% of menstruating women under 25 experience them. Thats a lot of people.

Its common for women to begin noticing pain after 6 months of menstruation, according to a study on primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. This phase is called menarche. And as a womans cycle becomes more regular, so does the pain that comes along with it.

Related Questions Answered On Yanswers

what are some exercises that make period cramps go away?

Q: i am 12 years old and i have really bad period cramps. i started my period 8-9 months ago. every time i get my period i get bad cramps!what are some exercises that will make my period cramps go away?btw i dont have and exercising machines.i talk pepto bismo sometimes but it oly works for 20 mins

A: Take an aspirine, increases the amount somewhat but definitely decreases pain, take a warm bath, drink warm-hot herbal teas, always put on socks to keep your feet warm, talk with friends on the phone or walk outside windowshopping as you do, and youll forget about the pain.

Why does moving around make your cramps go away during your period?

Q: I keep hearing that exercise or moving around helps the pain go away. Is that true and why?

A: ok the real cure!!!! haha weird but good..put a pretty hard pillow and you lay and put the part of your stomach that hurts on the pillow and lay there!!! it feels soooooo good!!!!

Recommended Reading: Brown Stuff Instead Of Period

Recommended Reading: My Period Was Only 2 Days

Try And Avoid Caffeine

Studies show that taking too much of caffeine makes the cramps even worse. Experts recommend avoiding drinks and foods that contain caffeine such as teas, coffee before and during your periods which reduces cramps. Caffeine contained in various foods worsens symptoms such as depression, anxiety and breast tenderness. Instead of caffeine, focus on herbal teas and water to keep the body hydrated

Ibuprofen Is No Longer Helping

Dr. Levine says if ibuprofen is no longer helping your period cramps feel better, thats another sign to talk to your doctor. We may need to evaluate you to see if there are secondary causes of the cramps. Or we might need to talk about other methods to help control your period cramps.

Hormonal birth control containing both estrogen and progesterone is a common remedy for severe period cramps. This takes the form of birth control pills, a patch or a ring. The way that estrogen works, it tends to prevent the endometrial thickening and shedding that can lead to the pain associated with periods, Dr. Levine explains.If youre dealing with serious period cramps, doctors might not diagnose you with something right away. Instead, theyll do a full examination to see whats going on and see what other symptoms youre having. For example, one major symptom of endometriosis is severe pain.

However, period cramps themselves are not necessarily a sign of endometriosis, says Dr. Levine. Thats why its important for us to do a full workup before we actually diagnose you with anything specifically.

She also adds that doctors might not start you on birth control right away. We might wait a few months to see, Was it just this month that things were really bad? Or is this a constant?

You May Like: When Do You Start Ovulating After Your Period

What Causes Period Cramps

When you get your period, you shed your endometrium, or the lining of your uterus. Shedding this material also causes your body to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that mimic the functions of a hormone.

This release of prostaglandins causes your uterus to cramp and contract, says Dr. Levine. The pain associated with period cramps is literally your uterus contracting.

Not everyone who has a period experiences cramps. And you might have bad cramps one month, and be fine the next month. However, those who do have cramps tend to start having them about two days before the onset of bleeding. These cramps can continue about three days into your period before slowly starting to taper off, adds Dr. Levine.

Your Doctor May Schedule Your Appointment During Your Period

You may typically avoid going to a gynecologist while youre on your period, but IUD insertion is different. Your doctor may actually want you to come in while youre bleeding.

Why? Its partially about your comfort. Although an IUD can be inserted at any point in your cycle, your cervix may be softer and more open while youre on your period. That makes insertion easier for your doctor and more comfortable for you.

Being on your period also helps assure your doctor that you arent pregnant. You cant get an IUD while you are pregnant.

Having an IUD during pregnancy can cause serious risks to both you and the fetus, including:

Recommended Reading: How To Swim On Your Period No Tampon

When To Stop A Period

If your gynecologist thinks that your periods are not beneficial due to medical conditions like anemia, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, it may be necessary to stop menstruation for a prescribed time.

In these cases, the gynecologist will indicate the best way to stop a period, usually until the condition is under control and the loss of blood is not a concern

What Is Menstrual Cramps Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention

For some women, menstrual cramps can be the bane of monthly cycles, but treatment can put a stop to painful cramps.

Menstrual cramps also known as dysmenorrhea are painful, cramping, or throbbing sensations that occur before and during a menstrual period.

The severity can range from mild to unbearable, and involve lower-abdominal cramps, achy discomfort, or extreme pain that comes and goes much like labor pains.

Menstrual cramps may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

âMore than half of women who menstruate have some cramping for one or two days each month, and 15 percent have severe menstrual cramps,â says Carol Livoti, MD, a gynecologist in New York City and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

But there are ways to help make the misery of menstrual cramps go away.

Donât Miss: Primosiston To Stop Period

Don’t Miss: What Is Considered A Heavy Period

What Should I Eat To Reduce Period Pain

Diet

• Papaya is rich in vitamins.
• Brown rice contains vitamin B-6, which may reduce bloating.
• Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in manganese, which eases cramps.
• Olive oil and broccoli contain vitamin E.
• Chicken, fish, and leafy green vegetables contain iron, which is lost during menstruation.

Exercises For Period Cramps

When youre plagued with cramps, bloating and fatigue, the last thing you might want to do is work out. But studies show that exercise can be an optimal treatment for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and period pain. Movement during menstruation wont just distract you from the discomfort it can have some more concrete benefits such as decreased pain, soreness, cramping, and inflammation.

Luckily, that doesnt mean you need to go hard in the gym or hit the pavement for a half marathon. Instead, look to movement that properly engages your muscles and nourishes the entire bodylike the four moves below. Try these simple and effective moves to alleviate period symptoms when your period rolls around next. But first, lets learn more about the brains and method behind the moves.

Recommended Reading: Yellow Discharge Before Period Could I Be Pregnant

Mental Health And Exercise

Mental health disorders are very common and can affect mood, thinking and behaviors. Each year about one in five people in the United States face mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.

When negative feelings dont go away or affect your daily life, its time to act and it turns out that exercise may be part of the solution.

Managing mental health challenges

Theres an undeniable link between physical fitness and mental health. As mentioned earlier, the feel-good endorphins of exercise can boost your mood, increase focus and make your brain work better. But exercise also improves mental health in children and adults by building self-esteem and life satisfaction, while reducing negative thoughts.

Many studies show that regular exercise can help manage mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Structured exercise programs are also helpful for people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Of course, exercise isnt a replacement for therapy sometimes you need someone to help you work through problems. Talk to your primary care doctor or look into mental health services if you or your child have changes in mood that last for more than a couple of days.

Drinks To Help Period Cramps

Checked and approved by: Dr Anne Henderson, Consultant Gynaecologist, British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist, Medico-legal expert MA MB BChir MRCOG

Period cramps can be hard to put up with every month but, good news, you don’t have to! Read my blog and watch my video below to find out 6 great drinks that can help your painful period cramps.

Also Check: How Old Do You Get Your Period

Mental Benefits Of Exercise

Perhaps youre not all that surprised about the physical benefits of exercise. After all, it makes sense that physical movements come with physical rewards. But exercising also has surprising benefits to mental health, clarity and happiness.

Why is that? Well, all that blood following through your body also gets to your brain physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals, helping your brain work better.

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.

Also Check: Why Does Your Period Hurt So Much

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.

Theyre Paired With Heavy Abnormal Bleeding

If your cramping is associated with heavy, abnormal bleeding, that can also be a sign that something more serious is going on. If youre soaking through more than a pad an hour over a two-hour time period, thats abnormal bleeding, warns Dr. Levine. Thats worrisome. Thats not regular period cramps or regular period bleeding.

Recommended Reading: 90 Day Probation Period Template

Recommended Reading: How Can I Go Swimming On My Period

Carry Personal Heating Pads

There are several heating pads that can be attached to the abdominal region and activated with a slight push.

These are the best heating pads for menstrual cramps you can try.Pick anyone that suits you.

They are so sleek that they are not detectable over the clothes. You can attach it to the abdomen or keep it in under pockets to soothe the cramps.

Heating the region relaxes the muscles and makes menstrual flow a simpler affair.

Ensure that the region does not get over heated as it might burn the skin or cause redness.

Does Getting Your Tubes Tied Stop Period Permanently

Tubal ligation or tubal sterilization is a type of birth control which helps ensure that you will not become pregnant. In tubal ligation, your fallopian tubes will be tied, thereby closing them. Once closed, your eggs and male sperm will not be able to interact, which means that you cannot become pregnant after this surgical procedure.

It takes a few days to recover from this procedure, after which you should be able to go back to your daily tasks with ease.

Contrary to what some women believe, having your tubes tied does not stop your periods permanently. Therefore, you can expect to continue having your periods even after having a tubal ligation.

Read Also: Period On Nexplanon After 1 Year

Why Its Not Possible To Stop A Period That Has Already Started

It isnt possible to stop a period that has already started because the shedding process in the lining of the uterus has already started due to low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Once these hormones decrease, the internal lining of the uterus sheds and leads to the bleeding that occurs during a period.

Do You Need To See A Doctor

If your menstrual cramps are unusual or severe, or if they last more than a few days, you may want to see your doctor. Painful period cramping is treatable, so anytime youâre worried about your symptoms, itâs a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to make sure everything is normal. They may also ask you questions about your menstrual period history, suggest lifestyle modifications, or even recommend and prescribe medicines that may help relieve your painful periods.

Don’t Miss: What Does Having A Heavy Period Mean

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.

How To Stop Period Cramps At School: 10 Methods That Work Best

A child is very sensitive during early period days and in such conditions do not want to step out of the comfort zone. At school too, sitting and standing several times, physical activities, and improper hygiene services are a concern for most of them.

To top it all, period cramps often cause a lot of distraction and trouble the little girls with nobody to share the feeling with. Since the body undergoes so many changes, it is natural for a girl to be a little under-confident.

As a parent/guardian, it is necessary for us to train our children to deal with such situations boldly and correctly.

Don’t Miss: Is It Normal To Have Two Periods In A Month

Befriend Bananas Pineapples And Kiwi

Bananas contain vitamin B6 and a healthy dose of potassium, which can help relieve your bloating and cramping symptoms, registered dietitian Lisa DeFazio told Redbook.

While you’re building that smoothie, you might want to throw in some chunks of fresh pineapple as well. Besides being delicious, pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that fights inflammation.

A little kiwi can make your fruit medley a triple threat when it comes to beating cramps. Rich in the enzyme actinidin, kiwis can help you digest protein more easily. They also contain fiber that can help move things along so you aren’t dealing with constipation on top of your cramping, according to registered dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield.