Menstrual Cramps

 Menstrual cramps.

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for the painful cramps that may occur immediately before or during the menstrual period. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is another name for common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain usually is felt in the lower abdomen or back. They can be mild to severe. Common menstrual cramps often start shortly before or at the onset of the period and continue one to three days. They usually become less painful as a woman ages and may stop entirely after the woman has her first baby.

What Are the Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps?

The symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

• Aching pain in the abdomen (Pain can be severe at times.)
• Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
• Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs

When cramps are severe, symptoms may include:

• Upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting
• Loose stools

Home Care FOR MENSTRUAL DAYS 

The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications:

• Apply a heating pad to your lower belly area, below your belly button. Never fall asleep with the heating pad on.
• Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower belly area.
• Drink warm beverages.
• Eat light but frequent meals.
• Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Keep your legs raised while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
• Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. Start taking it the day before your period is expected to start, and continue taking it regularly for the first few days of your period.
• Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
• Take warm showers or baths.
• Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. Get regular, aerobic exercise.

If these self-care measures do not work, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medicines
• Prescription pain relievers (including narcotics, for brief periods)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Fever and pelvic pain
• Sudden or severe pain, especially if your period is more than one week late and you have been sexually active.

Also call your doctor if:

• Treatments do not relieve your pain after 3 months.
• You have pain and had an IUD placed more than 3 months ago.
• You pass blood clots or have other symptoms with the pain.
• Your pain occurs at times other than menstruation, begins more than 5 days before your period, or continues after your period is over.

 10 home remedies for menstrual cramps.

1. Heat

Applying heat on the lower abdomen is the easiest way to control menstrual cramps. Heat helps relax the contracting muscles in the uterus.

Place a heating pad over the lower part of your abdomen and lower back. You can even use a regular plastic bottle filled with hot water. Apply the heat until you feel more comfortable.

Alternatively, soak a towel in water, wring out the excess water and then heat it in the microwave for one minute. Place it on the lower abdomen until the towel cools. Repeat every few minutes until the pain is gone.

Even taking a hot shower may relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps. This herb plays a key role in lowering the levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. It also helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular.

Grate a small piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for five minutes. Strain it and add a little honey and lemon juice. Drink this tea three times a day during your menstrual cycle.

You can also add ginger in your food while cooking or suck on some ginger candies.

3. Basil

Basil is another very effective herb for reducing menstrual pain and cramps. The caffeic acid present in basil has analgesic, or pain-killing properties.

Add one tablespoon of basil leaves to one cup of boiling water. Cover tightly and allow it to cool. Drink this every few hours to ease cramps.

Alternatively, crush a handful of basil leaves to extract the juice. Add two teaspoons of the juice to one cup of warm water. Drink this three times daily while having pain.

You can also add fresh basil leaves to your food.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has antispasmodic, anticlotting and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve menstrual pain. Plus, cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron and manganese.

Make cinnamon tea by stirring one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for up to five minutes, add a little honey and then sip it slowly. Drink two to three cups of cinnamon tea one to two days before your period starts to prevent cramps.

Add one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water. Drink it three times during the first day of your period to relieve pain.

5. Fennel

The antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of fennel can help relax the muscles in the uterus, which in turn relieves cramping and discomfort.

Add one teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water.

Simmer the mixture on low heat for five minutes.

Remove from heat and strain the tea.

Add one teaspoon of honey and mix well.

Drink this herbal tea two times daily beginning three days before the expected start date of your cycle. Continue drinking it as needed for pain. Drink it hot for best results.

6. Blackstrap Molasses

Another time-tested remedy for menstrual cramps is blackstrap molasses. Being rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium, blackstrap molasses helps reduce blood clots and soothe the muscles of the uterine walls. This in turn lessens cramps during menstruation.

Add one to two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to a cup of warm milk.

Drink it as soon as you start having cramps and continue as long as needed.

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help relax the uterus and ease the spasmodic contractions that cause pain during menstruation.

1. Bring one cup of water to a boil. Pour it into a cup containing a chamomile tea bag.
2. Cover and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Squeeze out the tea bag and add some lemon juice or honey as desired.
4. Drink at least two cups of chamomile tea a day during the week before your period.

8. Parsley

Parsley contains two compounds, apiol and myristicin, that are highly effective at stimulating the menstrual process and relieving cramps. Plus, it can help regulate irregular cycles.

1. Put one-fourth cup of fresh parsley in a mug. Pour in one cup of boiling water.
2. Let it steep for five minutes.
3. Strain the solution and drink the tea immediately.
4. Drink this tea twice a day during periods to minimize pain.