More than half of all menstruating women experience a day or two of pain when their period begins, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Although these cramps can range from very painful to simply annoying, learning different strategies of curing the pain can be beneficial for all women who experience them.
Over-The-Counter Pain Medications
Although many types of over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve the pain from menstrual cramps, Medline Plus indicates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are more effective at relieving menstrual cramp pain than medications containing acetaminophen. Take the medication at the onset of pain, or even before, to cure the cramps before they become too painful.
Prescription Pain Medications
If over-the-counter pain relievers do not cure the pain of menstrual cramps, consider prescription options. Examples of prescription pain relievers that are prescribed for severe menstrual cramps include prescription-strength ibuprofen and naproxen and the medication mefanamic acid. Women interested in taking these medications should discuss possible side effects and risk factors with a doctor before taking the medication.
Hormonal Birth Control Medications
Although taking hormonal birth control medication might not be ideal for every woman, the Mayo Clinic suggests that this is an effective way to reduce menstrual cramps. Hormonal birth control medications come in many different forms, including oral contraceptives, vaginal rings, transdermal patches and injections. Women taking these medications may see a noticeable decrease in menstrual cramps within three to four months, explains the parenting website DrSpock.com. However, taking hormonal birth control may cause side effects, so women considering them should discuss this with a doctor before using them.
Muscle Relaxation Exercises
Tensing the muscles is a typical reaction to pain, but doing so can make the pain worse. Instead, women should use muscle relaxation exercises. This will provide some relief from the pain, as relaxation increases circulation and evens out breathing and heart rates, explains Susan Lark in the book "Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book." A woman interested in muscle relaxation exercises should consciously tense certain muscle groups and then consciously relax those same muscles. She should then repeat this process for different muscle groups until her body relaxes and the pain of the menstrual cramps subsides.
Stretching
Stretching exercises help get the blood circulating and can help minimize the pain of menstrual cramps. Although any type of stretching exercise may prove useful, stretching the abdomen, buttocks, lower back and upper thighs may be more effective and provide the quickest relief from the pain of menstrual cramps. Instead of curling the body into a ball, as many women tend to do when suffering the pain of cramps, a woman should make a conscious effort to stretch her muscles.
Hot or Cold
Some women may find relief from the heat of a heating pad or hot water bottle, while others may prefer the coldness of an ice pack. The heat works by increasing the blood flow and circulation, which may lessen the impact of the cramps. The cold constricts blood vessels, which also can provide pain relief. Both options can be effective, and deciding which to try is just a matter of personal preference.
Keep Active
Getting aerobic exercise on a regular basis can also help reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Although these exercises do not provide immediate relief, women should consider regular aerobic exercises throughout the month to reduce the overall pain of their menstrual cramps. Walking, running, dancing, biking or playing sports are all good choices of exercises that can reduce menstrual cramps when done on a regular basis.
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Dysmenorrhea
- Medline Plus: NSAIDs May Beat Acetaminophen for Menstrual Cramps
- Mayo Clinic: Menstrual Cramps Treatments and Drugs
- Dr. Spock: Treatment for Menstrual Cramps
- "Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book"; Susan M. Lark; 2004
