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 .
Causes Of Painful Periods + How Stop Period Pain Naturally
Is your period is so painful that your life practically stops when you have it? Having extremely painful periods is a sign of an underlying imbalance that can have far-reaching implications for your overall health, not just your reproductive health. Keep reading to find out what causes period pain and what you can do to stop it.
Your Thyroid Is Out Of Whack
Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes thyroid hormone, which provides the spark for bodily functions like digestion, generation of body heat, detoxification and ovulation. Every single cell in your body needs thyroid hormone.
The most common thyroid problem is when the gland is underactive, which is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism interferes with ovulation, which means youll be making less progesterone. And remember that low progesterone promotes inflammation.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid. Unfortunately many women with hypothyroidism never get diagnosed because the standard screening test doesnt show the whole picture. I always recommend a complete thyroid panel that includes TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies.
Getting the right thyroid tests can be tricky. Ive had many patients tell me that their conventional doctors straight-up refuse to order a full thyroid panel for them. Its really frustrating, but thankfully you can get a thyroid panel for yourself online.
Don’t Miss: Signs To Know Your Period Is Coming
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:
Referral To A Specialist
If your period pain has not been controlled after 3 months of treatment with painkillers or a suitable hormonal contraceptive, your GP may refer you to a specialist, which will usually be a gynaecologist.
The specialist will carry out further tests to help confirm or rule out an underlying medical condition. Tests you may have include:
- a urine or blood test
- pelvic ultrasound where high-frequency sound waves are used to produce an image of the inside of your body it’s painless and will show any abnormalities in your reproductive organs
- laparoscopy under general anaesthetic, a small cut is made in your abdomen through which a fibro-optic telescope is inserted it can be used to look at your internal organs as well as take samples of tissue
- hysteroscopy allows the inside of the womb to be examined using a fibro-optic telescope it’s passed through your vagina and into the womb to check for abnormalities
Don’t Miss: How To Know When Your Period Is Coming Again
When To Call Your Doctor
If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps, or cramping that lasts more than 2 or 3 days, tell your doctor. Whatever the cause, cramps can be treated, so it’s important to get checked.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and menstrual cycles. Youâll get a pelvic exam, in which your doctor will use a tool called a speculum to see into your vagina and cervix. They may take a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing and use their fingers to check your uterus and ovaries for anything that doesnât feel normal.
If it turns out that your cramps arenât due to your period, you might need other tests to find the right treatment.
You Have Intense Stomach Cramps In Your Lower Abdomen But You Feel Better After You Poop
This can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome , a disorder thats related to how your brain and gut work together , the NIDDK says. Basically, IBS can cause your gut to be more sensitive and change how the muscles in your bowel contract, the NIDDK explains. That can lead to myriad issues, like persistent stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and more. With IBS, the abdominal cramping is usually in the lower abdomenand often improves after completing bowel movements, Dr. Tripathi says. IBS is a chronic disorder, but its symptoms can come and go, the NIDDK says.
Stomach cramps that recede post-poop can also sometimes be a sign of good old-fashioned constipation. Since IBS can cause constipation , the lines are a little blurred here. If these symptoms havent been an issue for you in the past, theres a chance youre just dealing with regular constipation, Dr. Tripathi says. But if this is a recurrent thing for you, definitely mention that to your doctor and ask if it could be a sign of IBS based on other symptoms you may or may not have.
You May Like: What Age Does A Woman Stop Having Her Period
What Causes Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions . The lining of your uterus releases special chemicals called prostaglandins. These substances can increase the intensity of the contractions, especially if the levels rise. High levels of prostaglandins may also cause nausea and lightheadedness.
*Some or all of these problems may start a day or two before your period and can last for part or all of your period. These signs could be caused by other medical conditions and therefore it is important to talk with your health care provider about your symptoms.
Period Pain And Fertility
Period pain that’s part of your normal menstrual cycle will not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, this may affect your fertility.
For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Also Check: What Happens If You Miss Your Period
What Causes Pain On Left Side Of Abdomen In Women
Women can suffer from sharp lower left abdominal pain more than men. The lower left abdominal area in females contains some reproductive organs like the left ovary and part of the uterus. So, conditions relating to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy often cause cramping pain and lower left abdominal pain in women.
The Power Of Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a plant extract derived from the maritime pine tree found in the southwestern region of France. The extract contains several potent antioxidant compounds. In one study of women between the ages of 18 and 48 years old, those who experienced dysmenorrhea who took a supplement containing 60 milligrams of pycnogenol during their periods had significantly less pain and needed less pain medication compared to when they didn’t take the supplement. They also needed pain medication for fewer days when they took the pycnogenol supplement. Surprisingly, women still needed less pain medication during their periods even after they stopped taking the pycnogenol. However, women who had low levels of menstrual pain weren’t helped by the supplement. Ask your doctor if pycnogenol may help relieve severe pain associated with your period.
You May Like: How Do You Get Rid Of Period Cramps Fast
How To Stop Period Cramps
Dealing with cramps every month can be as frustrating as it is painful. Luckily, there are a many remedies that might help you relieve period cramps. Its important to remember that these techniques wont always work, especially for chronic conditions, but they can offer relief for mild to moderate period pain.
How Do I Know Whats Causing Them
If you have very painful menstrual cramps or cramps that last longer than two or three days, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Theyll likely start by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. They may also give you a Pap test.
Depending on your other symptoms, they may recommend additional tests, including:
- an ultrasound to check the size and thickness of your uterus as well as detect fibroids or cysts
- a CT scan, which can provide a detailed view of your reproductive organs
- gynecologic laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis
Severe menstrual cramps are typically hard to treat on your own, but these tips may help while you work with your healthcare provider to narrow down an underlying cause:
- Get regular exercise. Results of a
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Back Pain On Your Period
Stomach Pain And Cramps After Losing Virginity
mc1234865 over a year ago
Hello. I just lost my virginity. We used protection and we were very cautious. The condom never broke. And he never ejaculated in me. But I cant stop worrying about being pregnant. I guess I just need some reassurance. I have stomach pains and cramps. Is this normal as some kind of symptoms after losing virginity or is this something i should be worried about?
Loading…
crzyfl4112 over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
over a year ago
over a year ago
In reply to Guest on 2006-11-13 – click to read
over a year ago
Dial Back Your Stress Level
Stress may affect the severity and duration of period pain, according to a 2010 Journal of Womens Health study. When participants experienced high levels of stress in a given month, they were more likely to report more menstrual symptoms during their next cycle, compared to months when they had less stress. For women who had two consecutive high-stress months, there seemed to be a cumulative effect: The number of women reporting 8 or more symptoms nearly doubled between the first and second cycle, from 27% to 50%.
RELATED: How to Add Self Care to Your Workout Routine
Study co-author Audra Gollenberg, PhD, now an associate professor of public health at Shenandoah University, recommends making time on the regular for self-care and stress-busting activities, from meditation to outings with friends. Stress has been shown to affect reproductive hormones, so it makes sense that it could affect your period, too, she says. Stress reduction is very individual, but anything that helps you handle stressful situations may help reduce discomfort at this time of the month.”
Also Check: I Am 5 Days Late On My Period
How Common Is Period Pain
The medical term for period pain is dysmenorrhoea and its a condition that many women are familiar with.
The research on just how many women have painful periods varies but, in a 2012 study from Italy, 84% of young women experienced period pain.
In an Australian study of female high school students, it affected 93%.
Also Check: How Do I Get Rid Of Stomach Fat Fast
Most Of Us Have Experienced A Change In Our Bowel Movements Before And During Our Periods Perhaps Youve Noticed Your Stomach Gurgling During Your Period But Why Is This
Prostaglandins are believed to be the root of the problem. These are chemicals that release during your period, allowing your uterus to contract. Aka the cause of the dreaded cramps. This increase in prostaglandins causes people to experience diarrhoea. Or, if your body doesnt produce enough prostaglandins, you can experience increased constipation. Either way, neither are fun and on top of all the other symptoms can make you feel pretty rubbish.
As someone who has dealt with IBS over the years, Im here to share my top tips to calm your digestive system. My IBS is particularly prominent in the severe pain/cramping area. So, I suppose you could say this is the area Im particularly full of wisdom and advice in.
Read Also: Do You Still Have A Period With Iud
Treatment For Stomach Pain During Periods
Scientifically proven advice has always been the NSAIDs , these lower the level of prostaglandins. . Another piece of advice is to take on Oral Contraceptive Pills, these will prevent ovulation and before following these treatment options you must get consulted with the best doctor to identify the underlying causes of the pain.
The Following Approaches also Should be Tried
- Applying heat by using hot water bottles or heating pads, taking a warm bath or going to the sauna
- Fortify: Vitamin B1 or magnesium supplements may reduce cramps, bloating and other PMS symptoms. . Special diets and dietary supplements
- Herbal products and herbal teas for medicinal us, homeopathic medicines.
- Procedures which target pain stimuli, such as acupuncture, acupressure or TENS
Probiotics: Tiny Fighters On Your Side
Rather than take a harsh laxative thatll leave you crampy and running for the toilet, give probiotics a try for constipation relief. These helpful bacteria dont cause disease like their harmful cousins. Instead, they help maintain a healthy balance in your GI tract.
One study found that probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis keep stool moving smoothly through your digestive tract. And while smooth-moving stool may sound gross, its a great way to prevent backups and blockages. Dimidi E, et al. The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.089151
Better out than in.
Lactobacillus GG, acidophilus, and bifidobacteria are other strains of bacteria that can give gut health a kick. Probiotics may also be helpful for slowing diarrhea down along with unclogging constipation.
You can buy probiotics in a supplement bottle or find them in fermented foods like these:
- sauerkraut
- kimchi
- pickled ginger
Yogurt with added live cultures will also help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
Frozen yogurt, however, will never be ice cream, no matter how many well-intentioned bacteria it contains. Yes, even if it believes in itself.
Also Check: How To Lose Just Stomach Fat
Also Check: Can I Go In The Pool With My Period