How to Treat Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, is a common ailment among women of child bearing age. There are two types of menstrual pain. Congestive pain begins before there is any bleeding and is experienced as a continuous, painful tightening. Spasmodic pain begins with the period and is felt as distinct cramping that comes in episodes. Either type can be experienced as a mild discomfort or an intense pain. Thankfully, there are ways to relieve the pain, and make that time of the month more bearable.

Things You'll Need

• Mild pain killer or analgesic
• Heating pad
• Vitamins

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take a mild pain killer at the first sign of discomfort. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended, and either one can take the edge off the pain. Taking some type of analgesic at the first sign of cramping can prevent the cramps from becoming more severe and unbearable.

• 2

  Use heat to treat severe cramps. Whether soaking in a hot tub, or placing a heating pad on your lower abdomen, the heat will relax your abdominal muscles and take the discomfort down a notch. Plus, it should soothe and relax you at the same time, making the pain a bit more bearable.

• 3

  Take your vitamins. Calcium, zinc and b vitamins have been shown to reduce the severity of a woman' s symptoms during her period, including cramps.

• 4

  Exercise regularly. For many women, exercise actually relieves the cramps they experience every month. It need not be an intense routine. A simple walk can oftentimes relieve the pain.

• 5

  Look into contraceptives. Contraceptives have been proven to reduce the severe symptoms of a woman's period, including her cramps. If you experience painful cramping every month, having your doctor prescribe a contraceptive may be a solution.