1. Heat
One inexpensive and relaxing way to treat menstrual cramps is applying a warm water bottle or heating blanket to your stomach. Soaking in a warm tub is also an option. The warmth helps to relieve cramping and tenderness. Warmth also increases circulation around this area, which can bring about relief. In fact many massage therapists and body workers who treat menstrual pain rely on hydrotherapy to quell the pain of menstrual cramps. Just make sure that you don't increase the temperature too high on your heating pack or else you run the risk of getting burned.
2. Medication
Menstrual pain can be very debilitating for some women. If other comfort measures have treated your pain, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is an effective measure to block pain. Menstrual cramps are due to the production of certain hormones like prostaglandins. Medications like NSAIDs prevent these hormones from producing painful side effects. As the hormone is released, it stimulates the muscles of the uterus to contract, thereby forcing the inner lining of the uterus out. You experience these contractions as menstrual cramps. NSAIDs contain ibuprofen, and studies have shown that these drugs can also prevent many of the other effects of having a period, including nausea and headaches. Some non-prescription forms are Motrin, Advil and Aleve.
You can safely take NSAIDs by following the recommended dosage on the bottle. It's better to start treating your menstrual pain early before it becomes too aggressive. If you have a history of gastrointestinal ailments or ulcers, talk to your gynecologist before taking NSAIDs since they can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Other forms of medicine like aspirin have not shown to have the same pain-reducing effects as NSAIDs.
3. Massage
Most of us think of getting massaged on our backs or necks, but having a stomach massage during your period is an effective way to relieve pain. A 2005 Korean study that applied abdominal meridian massage for 5 minutes right before and during menstruation reduced abdominal cramping in the women studied. You can practice this at home by gently rubbing your abdomen in circular motions. This kind of movement is believed to increase circulation and reduce the tension of contractions.
4. Acupressure
Similar to acupuncture but without the use of needles, acupressure uses finger pressure to press on certain trigger points as a way to improve health and reduce pain. Susan Lark, M.D., author of "The Menopause Self Help Book," recommends sitting against a wall or a strong piece of furniture with your legs extended straight in front of you. Place your right hand above the waist to the right of the spine while your left hand reaches behind the crease of your right knee. Then place the left hand at the center on the back of the right calf. After pressing this pressure point, lower the left hand so that it is placed below the anklebone just outside of the right heel. Finally, use your left hand to press on the front and back of your right pinkie toe at the nail. Repeat on the other side.
