Menstrual Cramps: How to get rid of period cramps?

Oh, those dreaded five days of the month! As if a river of blood flowing out your vagina wasn’t already enough; add bloating, breasts sensitivity, mood swings, irritability and cramps to the mix. A recipe for absolute disaster! A combination of all these at once is enough to drive anyone nuts! Whoever came up with the nickname ‘shark week’ should be nominated for an award, because it’s true. It feels like we have been given away to the sharks to do whatever they please.

Why do Menstrual Cramps happen?

The uterus prepares a cozy place for the baby to live in. Since, the pregnancy has not happened the tissues lining the walls of the uterus need to be shed.

The uterus contracts itself to shed this lining. Prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance triggers the contraction in your uterine muscle. They are also associated with pain and inflammation. The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more severe are the cramps caused by it.

You might be experiencing severe menstrual cramps because of the following reasons:

• Endometriosis- The uterine lining starts growing outside the uterus, usually it grows on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or on the tissue lining your pelvis. These tissues contract like the uterine lining, causing painful menstrual cramps, discomfort and swelling.
• Uterine fibroids – These are non-cancerous balls of muscles, tissues and blood in the walls of your vagina that can cause severe menstrual cramp.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease – An infection of the female reproductive organs. It is usually caused by the spread of a sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Cervical stenosis – It sometimes happens that the opening of the cervix is really small, this obstructs the flow of blood. This leads to an increase in pressure within the walls of the uterus, causing painful menstrual cramps.

How painful are period cramps?

Period cramps can be mild for some, while others have to give up their usual activities and curl up in bed for the whole time. Period cramps usually start in your tummy then spread to the back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can feel like bouts of intense spasms or a dull pain which is constant which often leaves women asking, “how to relieve period cramps!?”

How long do period cramps last?

Period cramps last anywhere between 48 to 72 hours of getting your periods. For some women, they last longer. The pain usually starts when you begin your period, although for some women it can begin earlier.

What to do for period cramps?

Wondering how to get rid of period cramps? What women wouldn’t give to completely wipe cramps off the face of the earth! But alas, cramps can only be minimized through small attempts at ease. Here’s a few period cramps home remedies that might work for you:

1. Drink more water– Drinking more water can reduce some of that bloating and reduce the pain caused by it. For better results, gulp down some hot water. This will help increase blood flow throughout your body and also relax your muscles.
2. Massage your tummy with essential oils– Massages are one of the best period cramps remedies. Adding a few drops of essential oils in the mix has shown to help reduce menstrual cramps even more. Use cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender essential oils in your massage concoctions.
3. Eat anti-inflammatory foods– Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds will help reduce period pain.
4. Skip the treats– Sugar and cramps, probably not the best combo. Steer clear of sugary deserts during your periods.
5. Avoid caffeine and salty foods – Caffeine and salty foods = BLOATING. So, a big no-no.
6. Try dietary supplements– Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin B6 and omega 3s can ease period cramps. Consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
7. Apply heat– Applying heat can ease contractions and relax muscles.
8. Exercise– Exercise during your period gets your blood circulation going and reduces bloating.
9. Reduce stress– Research has shown a significant link between painful periods and high levels of stress. Keep your stress levels down to have a blissful period!
10. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines – Just go to a pharmacy and ask for over the counter medications for cramps. These are usually harmless and work great.
11. Start hormonal birth control – Hormonal birth controls are often prescribed to women who experience painful cramps. However, these shouldn’t be taken without consulting a doctor first.

We hope you now know how to reduce period cramps with effective home remedies. Have a better period!