5 Things You Need to Know About Easing Menstrual Pain

1. Treat With Heat

When you have your period, hormones in your body called prostaglandins cause your uterus to contract. This accounts for the uncomfortable and, in some cases, very painful cramps you may experience. To relax those contracting muscles, place a heating pad on your lower abdomen or lower back, and lie down to allow for total relaxation. You can also take a hot bath or place a hot, wet towel on your abdomen to relieve the pain. If you experience pain throughout the day, go to your local drugstore and purchase miniature stick-on heating pads that attach to your underwear and give off heat for up to 8 hours at a time. They're completely unnoticeable, and they'll help you get through the day with a little less pain.

2. Kill the Pain

In addition to other pain relief methods, taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen (Aleve) can really do the trick in easing menstrual pain. You can also take painkillers made specifically to ease your menstrual pain, such as Midol or Pamprin. If possible, take the pain killer before your cramps fully set in so that you can prevent some of the pain you normally experience. When deciding how much to take, stick to the recommended dosage on the package.

3. Stretch the Cramps Away

Engage in mild exercise both before and during your period. Stretch, take a yoga class, go on a brisk walk or take a light jog to raise your endorphin levels, which may in turn relieve some of your pain. Don't overdo it if you're in a lot of pain, though. Massaging your lower back or abdomen may also provide some relief.

4. Down With Sweets

Drink plenty of water while you're on your period, and avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine or soda. You should also watch your diet throughout the month, especially around the time of your period. Load up on fruits, veggies and whole grains, and cut the sugar and salt out of your diet. Kick your craving for sweets with a bowl of strawberries instead of a big chocolate bar, and opt for whole grain bread instead of white bread. Eat four to five small meals a day instead of two or three large meals. In addition to following a healthy diet, make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night so that your body is well rested and more able to deal with the pain.

5. Hormones to Treat Your Hormones

If you experience severe menstrual cramps each month, you should see your doctor because severe cramping could be a symptom of a more serious problem. Your doctor may prescribe you a low dose of hormones, possibly in the form of an oral contraceptive, to treat your pain. Birth control pills prevent ovulation, which may lower the production of prostaglandins and reduce the amount of pain you experience.