5 Ways to Tackle Period Cramps

For most women that time of the month not only brings raging hormones and embarrassing clumsiness but also agonising stomach cramps.

Just because it’s a common occurrence doesn’t mean you should get used to them or put up with them.

Here are five ways that have been proven to ease those dreaded period cramps:

1. Although it’s the last thing you feel like doing light exercise can help to ease period cramps but don’t worry, all it takes is a quick walk or a light jog. You don’t even have to leave the house if you don’t want to. You can do something relaxing like stretching or yoga in the comfort of your own living room. Exercise releases endorphins that act as a natural painkiller thus easing the pain.
2. From hot water bottles to a warm bath to those heat strips everyone keeps talking about, warmth is a great way of tackling menstrual cramps. The science behind this one is simple in that heat, when applied to the stomach area, helps to relax the abdominal muscles that are contracting during your period. Sounds like a good excuse to have a nice bath and then head straight to bed!
3. What you eat has a significant impact on how bad your period cramps are. It’s best to avoid foods that are rich in fat. Foods that are good to eat during this time of the month include fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fish. Basically eat foods that are rich in vitamins and you can’t go wrong. Chocolate will put a smile on your face but can make cramps worse because it contains caffeine.  
4. Pain killers can be used to ease stomach cramps but often it is better to try natural remedies before resorting to taking medication. There is nothing wrong with taking a couple of painkillers to get rid of the pain but it is important that you don’t take any more than the recommended dose and that if the pain doesn’t subside, you consult your doctor because there could be an underlying problem.
5. If you find that you are crippled with pain every month you might want to consider going for an oral contraceptives. While their main purpose is birth control, these pills can also be used to control your period. Not only does it determine when exactly you get it but they are also known to lighten blood flow and tackle more extreme symptoms including stomach pain, back ache and vomiting. You need to consult your doctor about oral contraceptives.

So the next time you feel that your period pain is getting too much, try one of these tips and see if it helps. If the pain continues, talk to your doctor.