Menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are pains that throb around the lower abdomen causing discomfort to most women during their periods. Some ladies experience cramps before and during the menstrual periods, while others have cramps when on periods only. In both cases, our home remedies will help you get rid of menstrual cramps fast.
Research has shown that some women have severe menstrual cramps, which disturb their daily activities while others have mild or no pains at all. If you are one of those women fighting to get rid of menstrual cramps, then worry not for we have a solution for you.
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What causes cramps?
During menstruation, the uterus contracts shedding its lining, which comes out through the vagina as blood. The prostaglandin hormone-like substance triggers the uterine contractions, which cause menstrual cramps. The higher levels of these hormones lead to severe cramps. The following cause menstrual cramps;
- Narrowing of cervix pass-way also called cervical stenosis
- Endometriosis in which endometrial cells develops outside the uterine cavity
- Uterine fibroids caused by abnormal growths in the uterus
- Inner linings breaking through the uterine wall resulting in adenomyosis
- Infections resulting from common pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Some cramps result from sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
How long do cramps last?
Most women experience cramps 1 to 3 days before and 2 to 3 days during the menstrual period. Cramps may be severe on the first day of your periods as they reduce.
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What are common symptoms of cramps?
Menstruation symptoms vary between women but common ones include the following;
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Lower back and thigh pains
- Intense cramping at the lower abdomen
12 best home remedies to get rid of menstrual cramps
Do you know of home remedies that can help you get rid of menstrual cramps? Here are some solutions for you.
1. Exercise regularly to keep off the pain
Discoveries indicate that women who exercise at least thrice a week, experience low or no pains during their menstruation. Besides, exercising is not only vital to one’s health but also helps in boosting brain power and reducing stress.
Some of the exercises that can help in managing cramps include jumping jacks, leg squats, balancing table pose, camel cat stretches, riding a bicycle, running or jogging, dancing, and abductor side lifts.
2. Improve abdominal circulation with a heat patch
Get rid of your menstrual cramps by wrapping a heating patch at the abdomen to relax the uterus muscles. Heat boosts circulation in the abdomen, which helps in reducing menstrual pains.
Research has indicated that women who use a heat patch are likely to have low mood swings and less fatigue as compared to those who use pain reliever drugs.
3. Drink more water to reduce abdominal congestion
Current studies indicate that women who drink a lot of water are likely to have low abdominal pains as compared to those who are dehydrated. Water is useful in flushing wastes from the body. Therefore, taking at least 8 glasses of water a day will ease your pains during menstruation.
4. Use essential oils to massage your tummy
Apply essential oils such as cinnamon, lavender, rose, rage, marjoram, and clove around your abdomen to get rid of menstrual cramps. When the oils dissolve into the abdomen, they spread faster and boost circulation hence reducing pains.
Some women prefer mixing their essential oils with coconut or jojoba oils before they apply the mixture gently on the tummy. Apply your oil a day to and during your periods to lessen the abdominal pains.
5.Take dietary supplements
Scientists have highlighted that some dietary supplements are useful in easing cramps. Reduce cramps by taking vitamin B-1, fatty acids of omega-3, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Additionally, vitamin B-6, calcium, zinc, and vitamin-12 supplements are great in lowering abdominal pains.
6. Try herbal tea varieties
Some tea varieties such as chamomile and peppermint help calm the body, thus relieving menstrual pains. Furthermore, teas prepared from ginger, funnel, and cramp barks are best in reducing cramps.
7. Do yoga poses to lessen your pains
Doing regular yoga poses is great in reducing menstrual pains. Findings show that women who participated in yoga once a week for 12 weeks, had lesser abdominal pains.
Remember to do yoga poses in a class that has both physical and related components. However, inverted yoga poses during menstruation may interfere with your normal flow.
8. Soak in a warm water tub
Stay in a warm bathtub for about 15 minutes to get rid of menstrual cramps. The surrounding of warm water is useful in relaxing the pelvic muscles, thus relieving abdominal pains. You can as well add a few drops of essential oils to your bathtub water for better results.
9. Switch to less fatty foods
Foods low in fats such as vegetables and saturated fats from animal products are useful in managing menstrual cramps. Avoid foods that are rich in unsaturated fats, for they cause discomfort, bloating, and water retention.
Besides, reduce eating foods such as caffeine, salty foods, alcohol, and fatty acids, for they are not effective in reducing cramps.
10. Include magnesium foods in your diet
Taking foods rich in magnesium lessens cramps. For this reason, researchers recommend eating foods like black beans, almonds, spinach, and peanut butter to get rid of menstrual cramps.
11. Try applying pressure – acupressure
Acupressure is a medicinal treatment that originated from China to handle various health problems. The treatment includes applying pressure to some of your body parts.
Achieve acupressure for cramps by measuring four fingertips above the inner pelvic bone, and then rub repeatedly for some minutes. Do acupressure once a day before and during your periods.
12. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
According to gynecologists from an American college, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen help lower menstrual cramps. Remember to take the pain relievers immediately after your cramps start.
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When buying the OTC drugs, inform your doctor if you have any health complications such as heart problems, ulcers, and asthma. The above home remedies will significantly help you get rid of menstrual cramps. Seek medical attention if your cramps seem severe every month. Which home remedy do you prefer?
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