Every month, women have to deal with the painful cramps that come with menstruation. For some women, menstrual cramps can be debilitating and difficult to deal with. However, women have many choices in how to deal with their cramps. Besides medication to alleviate the pain, women can also use different natural remedies.
Medication
Over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain from menstrual cramping. Menstruation-specific medications are also marketed to relieve the pain of cramps and other menstruation symptoms, such as bloating. Prescription birth control contains hormones that can ease the overall symptoms of menstruation. Some birth control pills can also prevent menstruation from occurring every month.
Diet
A change in diet can also help relieve menstrual cramps. A diet that includes zinc, calcium and B vitamins, most importantly vitamin B6, can reduce the pain. In addition, you can cut back on the intake of salt, sugar and caffeine the week before your period starts, as these ingredients can worsen cramps.
Heat
Using heat can also reduce cramping; you can use a heating pad or a warm bath to relieve the pain. However, some women experience cramps because of a buildup of blood in the pelvis. In that case, an ice pack can be used.
Exercise
Exercise, especially if you exercise daily, can help relieve menstrual cramps. Exercise done during this time should not be overly strenuous. Walking, swimming and yoga are all good exercises that can help reduce cramping. Yoga also has specific movements that are designed to relieve cramps.
Tea and Juice
Some herbal teas are useful in reducing cramps. Both raspberry leaf tea and cramp bark tea are recommended. Fresh pineapple juice contains bromelain, which can relax muscles.
