How to Deal with Menstrual Cramping

More than half of all women experience the pain and aggravation of monthly cramps. Fight back effectively with these tips.

Warning
See your doctor if cramping is severe or sudden; you experience pain at times other than your period; or cramping is accompanied by fever.

Step 1: Take naproxen or ibuprofen
Take naproxen or ibuprofen. Don’t wait -- take it at the onset of pain and repeat every six hours until the pain subsides.

Step 2: Apply heat
Put a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back to soothe the pain, or take a hot bath to relax your pelvic muscles.

Tip
Drink ginger root tea to ease cramping. Make your own by slicing ginger root and simmering it in water for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Exercise
Exercise reduces muscle tension and increases circulation, so take a walk, get on your bike, or practice yoga. Getting on all fours with your hips elevated can also relieve pain.

Step 4: Take supplements
Take vitamin B in the morning, and calcium and magnesium supplements before bed one week before your period starts to help prevent uterine contractions.

Tip
Birth control pills prevent ovulation and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

Step 5: Use progesterone cream
Use an over-the-counter progesterone cream to help fight cramps. The South American medicinal plant maca root may also offer relief.

Did You Know?
A 1978 study named menstrual pain and discomfort as the greatest single cause of school and work absences among American women.

[Ijjios]

Here is a crazy thing that has helped me and I have severe cramps, bloating, gas, backpains, etc. I start taking Ibuprophen a week before, and drink lots of water. I know it sounds crazy but it has helped.

[toinkytoink]

I'M IN FREAKIN' PAIN WATCHING THIS AND I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!

[MissyFlesky]

I had bad crampings and I'm only 11. I solved this problem by going to the nurse's office, laying down with a heating pad and blanket on my stomach, and took a very short nap. The rest of the day, no cramping. I also was able to KIND OF take down cramping with milk. From a jug. Just to be safe

[itsonlyraining]

Omg!! I almost fainted once. My cramps were sooo bad.

[LisaSimpson]

I totally used that heating pad while watching this video

[natasha]

A hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket is an alternative to a heating pad. I've also found rubbing my belly helps.

[emmakish]

Ive missed school about 3 or 4 times due to my cramps. I was crying they hurt so bad!

[strawberrylumps]

which store do u get ''excercise''?

[MTT]

haha on mine now! watching this made my cramps worse! 1st daay too:( lol. taking a bath helps at first, but for me they get more severe right after the bath

[Abuzz]

A hot bath and a heating pad temporarily heal the pain. There is no way I'm excersiing though I dont even want to get out of bed!

[allylovesbubbles]

isnt this an old vid? thats been reposted?

[RavishingRedheadd]

neaproxcin always takes away the cramps its amazing.but it doesn't take away any other pains.

[kenziebacklin]

I had cramps in my uterus on the day of my period sometimes before it starts

[Rosebunse]

I know! Sure, if the cramping isn't so bad, then a little walk helps me. But if it's really bad, I can sometimes barely get out of bed.

[HajarMahmou]

@penguinluv11 I can't exercise either for the first couple of days :s But for the bath, the flow actually stops once you're in the bath tub . I think it has something to do with the pressure of the water ...

[kenziebacklin]

I started yesterday and my uterus started cramping during P.E I have one right now it sicking hurts!!!!

[Tacoflavoredkiss]

accupressure is literally the only thing that works for me its magical

[emma]

I never wanna exercise while i'm on my period but it does help after a few minutes for me.

[chartreise]

You don't actually get a pool full of blood when taking a bath during your period. I can't explain the science behind that, but I can personally affirm that it's true from my personal experience. And the hot bath really helps with the cramping.

[kaybrin]

@cutedogrl believe it or not, the decrease in pressure the body experiances when under water stops menstrual bleeding, until u get out of the tub