Posted: March 23, 2017 Contributor: administrator
5 Ways to Relieve Period Cramps
Once a month, it may seem like your uterus is angry with you and you don’t know why. There’s no reason you should have to curl up in the fetal position feeling sorry for yourself. Try these five simple solutions to relieve your period cramps and get back to kicking butt and taking names.
1. Heat it up
Some like it hot. Applying heat is one of the easiest ways to relieve cramps and it’s also kind of cozy. Simply place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your lower back or abdomen until you feel better. Repeat every few minutes as needed. Even taking a hot shower or bath can help relieve pain, or at the very least, help you relax.
2. Stay hydrated
Although drinking water may not make you feel magically better, it can help you feel less bloated and ease some discomfort. We know you’re tired, but try to hold the coffee while you’re on your period. Caffeine can make cramps and other symptoms worse. Instead, try switching to tea. Some teas, such as chamomile and ginger, have been proven to help with cramps.
3. Take a safe painkiller
This is a no brainer. Try an over-the-counter painkiller such as Ibuprofen or Aleve to keep the cramps at bay. Get ahead of the curve by taking a dose before your period starts if you can. That’s when keeping track of your period really comes in handy.
4. Move your body
This might be the last thing you want to do as you’re on the couch watching rerun episodes of Friends but aerobic exercise and stretching help to relieve cramp pain. You don’t need to run a half marathon to achieve this; simply taking a walk or doing yoga can help loosen up your muscles and boost endorphins. See more tips for working out while on your period.
5. Take birth control
One of the great additional benefits of birth control is cramp relief. When you are on the pill, your uterus produces fewer prostaglandins (chemicals which result in muscle contractions) and as a result, you will notice an improvement in menstrual cramping. Fill out our free online consultation and chat with one of our physicians to find out what birth control is right for you.]]>