Relief to Menstrual Cramps

It is true that menstrual cramps are something that most women dread in their lives. When it is the "time of the month," women experience not only the physical symptoms of the cramps but also other conditions such as bloating, fatigue, swelling, headache, irritability, mood swings, and breast tenderness, all of which are associated with a woman's menstrual period.

These conditions may happen one at a time or all at the same time. Depending on the severity of the cramps and the other symptoms, this can hinder some women from going to school or work. Menstrual cramps happen because every month, the inner lining of the uterus would prepare for a pregnancy.

When there is no fertilized egg, the lining sheds and breaks down prostaglandin, which when released causes the uterine muscles to contract, and to cut off blood supply and oxygen to the endometrial tissue.

Cramping happens because the contractions are what push out the lining out of the body.

Menstrual cramps can be so painful that women are always looking for ways to alleviate the pain and suffering they experience during this time. Medicines that can help relive menstrual cramps include over the counter drugs such as aspirin or medicines that contain acetaminophen (Midol, Pamprin, Tylenol), which are effective for mild cramps.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that contain ibuprofen such as Motrin and Advil, ketoprofen like Actron, and naproxen sodium such as Aleve and Anaprox can help relieve menstrual cramps by lowering the production of prostaglandin. Some women make use of oral contraceptives that can relieve pain over time.

Some herbal remedies such as Viburnum prunifolium, Scutellaria spp., and Cimicifuga raemosa have been found to have an anti-spasmodic effect that can decrease the pain the comes with menstrual cramps.

In addition to this, many kinds of food can also help relieve menstrual cramps. For example, fresh pineapple juice has bromelaine, which is an enzyme that can relax the muscles. Ginger, meanwhile, can block the painful effect of prostaglandin and help prevent inflammation.

It is also recommended to have a diet that is rich in calcium, B vitamins, and zinc, as these are known for reducing cramps. Limit intake of salt, sugar and caffeine at least a week before your menstrual period as these substances are believed to add to menstrual pains.

Having a full stomach may also help because the body will focus more on digestion instead of on cramping.

This is especially important if you are going to take a painkiller. Taking painkillers with food can help you avoid stomach discomfort.

Aside from medicines and foods, there are many other ways that can help a woman alleviate menstrual pain. A warm bath, for instance, can help the body unwind and relax. It is a known fact that stress can only aggravate the pain.

Lying down in a fetal position can also help and so is a heating pad on the back or on the abdomen. Regular low impact exercise such as walking or swimming can minimize the severity of menstrual cramps for some women.

If none of these tips works and if the cramping is severe or accompanied by vomiting or fever, it may be a sign of a medical emergency. Contact your doctor right away.