The menstrual cycle is a series of changes in the body each month to prepare for pregnancy. Within 21-35 days, one of the ovaries will release an egg, and hormones will prepare for pregnancy in the uterus. If the sperm does not fertilize the egg, the uterine wall will shed and exit through the vagina. This process which takes between 2-7 days is your period. During your period, you may experience bloating and cramping. However, there are many ways that can be used to relieve pain and make you feel comfortable.
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Part 1 of 4: Using Medication to Treat Cramps
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea is a stabbing pain in the lower abdomen. This condition is caused by strong contractions of the uterus. Many women experience cramps before and during menstruation. Symptoms of menstrual pain include:
- Sharp stabbing pain in the lower abdomen
- Persistent widespread pain in the abdomen
- Pain that extends to the lower back and thighs
- Nauseous
- loose stools
- Headache
- Dizzy
Step 2. Take a pain reliever
Start by taking pain relievers at the beginning of your period or when you feel symptoms of menstrual cramps. Continue treatment as directed on the package (or doctor's) for 2-3 days. You may stop the medication if the cramps subside. There are many drug options available for pain relief:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can be used to relieve cramps.
- Menstrual pain relievers such as Midol contain paracetamol as a pain reliever, caffeine as a stimulant, and pyrylamine maleate which is an antihistamine. Midol is useful for relieving menstrual pain, headaches, and flatulence.
Step 3. Use birth control pills
If the cramps you are experiencing cannot be relieved by pain relievers, ask your doctor about using birth control pills. Birth control pills contain hormones that can prevent ovulation and relieve menstrual cramps. Hormones can also be given by injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, or intrauterine device (IUD). All of these methods can reduce cramping. Talk to your doctor to determine which option is right for you.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about a stronger drug
If over-the-counter pain relievers don't work for your pain, talk to your doctor about using prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your menstrual pain is very severe, talk to your doctor about taking tranexamic acid (Bledstop). This prescription medication can be used to relieve heavy bleeding and cramping. You only need to use it during menstruation.
Part 2 of 4: Overcome Cramps Naturally
Step 1. Use heat
The effectiveness of heat to deal with cramps is the same as painkillers. Heat can help relax tense muscles. You can apply a hot compress directly to your stomach or soak in hot water. The point is to provide heat to the stomach and torso. Consider the following ways:
- Soak in hot water. Add 2-4 cups of Epsom salt to bath water to help reduce pain.
- Place a heating pad on your stomach.
- Use a hot water bottle. Be sure to coat the bottle before applying it to the skin surface.
- Buy a heating pad for the stomach. Some manufacturers, such as ThermaCare, sell special hot pads to apply to the abdomen. You can wear this kind of product for up to 8 hours while at school or work under your clothes for a comfortable feel.
- Fill a clean sock with rice or beans. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender or peppermint. Sew or tie the sock holes together. Heat the sock in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time and use it as a compress.
Step 2. Take vitamins
Vitamins E, B1 (thiamine), B6, and magnesium can greatly reduce menstrual cramps. Read the packaging label to find out the vitamin content in the food you buy. If your intake of this vitamin is lacking, buy healthier foods such as salmon. Also, consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. However, consult your doctor first before using any new food supplements.
- Vitamin E: the daily nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) for women is 15 mg (22, 14 IU).
- Vitamin B1: The daily RDA for adult women is 1 mg (14-18 years old) or 1.1 mg (over 19 years old).
- Vitamin B6: The daily RDA for adult women is 1.2 mg (14-18 years) or 1.3 mg (19-50 years).
- Magnesium: The daily RDA for adult women is 360 mg (ages 14-18 years), 310 mg (ages 19-30 years), or 320 mg (ages 31-50 years).
Step 3. Consume omega-3 fatty acids
You can get these heart-friendly fatty acids from supplements or by eating foods rich in omega-3s. Fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, flaxseed, and vegetable oils such as canola oil are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 4. Get acupuncture treatment
The US National Institutes of Health recommends acupuncture therapy to treat menstrual pain. Acupuncture therapists will treat menstrual cramps in patients based on specific examinations of excess and deficiency of energy (qi) in various meridians. To treat cramps, acupuncture therapists usually detect a deficiency of qi in the liver and lymph meridians. The acupuncture therapist will treat the patient with needles and often recommend herbal or dietary supplements.
Acupressure therapy by applying pressure to acupuncture points is also quite useful for treating menstrual pain
Part 3 of 4: Comforting the Body
Step 1. Wear loose clothing
The key to staying comfortable during your period is avoiding pressure on your stomach. Wear pants, dresses, or skirts that are not too tight. Avoid tight stockings that will put pressure on your stomach. Loose long skirts, for example, are an ideal choice.
Step 2. Prepare yourself
Make sure to carry enough sanitary pads, tampons, and feminine hygiene products with you when you travel. You should also always carry spare underwear, especially at the beginning of your period. Bring some pain medication too. You will feel more comfortable when you feel ready to face problems.
If your period is heavy, go to the bathroom more often to check for leaks or change pads if necessary
Step 3. Prepare your favorite snack
If you don't feel well, you can reward yourself with a favorite snack. Choose foods in their natural form, such as bananas instead of banana pudding. Avoid high-fat foods such as french fries as they can make your period worse.
- Soy milk can help reduce menstrual pain.
- Eat calcium-rich foods such as nuts, almonds, spinach, and kale.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, and bell peppers.
Part 4 of 4: Living a Healthy and Active Life
Step 1. Exercise
Research shows that physical activity can relieve menstrual pain. Try walking, light jogging, or swimming to relieve cramps. There is no need to exercise too hard during menstruation. Even so, a little exercise will make you feel more refreshed and happy.
Step 2. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Both of these ingredients can make menstrual cramps worse. Alcohol can dehydrate you. Also in no case should alcohol be used with painkillers.
Step 3. Meet the body's fluid needs
Drink at least 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water every day. Your body loses fluids and blood during menstruation. With sufficient fluid needs, your body will feel more refreshed and energized. Electrolyte drinks such as sports drinks or coconut water can also make you feel better. Coconut water is higher in potassium than bananas, and is a great source of fluids.
Step 4. Reduce stress
Psychological stress can make menstrual cramps worse. Consider practicing yoga that can relax your body. In addition, stretching can also help reduce cramps.
Step 5. Understand that menstruation is normal
Almost all women experience menstruation during their lifetime. This is a natural and healthy process. You don't have to be embarrassed about your period, and you can live a normal life as long as you have it. If you're feeling discomfort from your period, talk to a friend or trusted adult about it.
Tips
- If you are afraid that your period will leak, use special menstrual underwear such as the Adira Period Panty. These panties are suitable for use during heavy menstruation because they can prevent blood from seeping into your pants or shorts. In addition, these pants also allow air to flow so they are safer and much more comfortable to wear.
- If you want, have a bag filled with equipment during your period just in case.
Warning
- If you experience severe cramps, consult your doctor.
- If a disorder such as endometriosis or fibroids is making your cramping worse, surgery can fix it. In severe cases, for elderly women who have tried other methods, the option of a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus may also be considered provided you already have children or do not wish to have children. In most cases, this option is not recommended for young women. However, the best source of treatment options is your doctor.
