Girl Talk: How To Deal With Menstrual Pain/Cramps

Menstrual Cramps or Pain 

Menstrual cramps can be quite annoying. The pain ranges from dull and annoying to severe and extreme.  It can be very painful and I mean really extremely painful. Its a period of the month I dread so much. Menstrual cramps tend to begin after an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube (ovulation).

What You Can Do To Be Relieved Of Menstrual Pain/Cramps

There are many ways to receive cramp relief. The trick is to find the exact one that works for you.

Here are some things you can try:

• Lying down if possible at the first sign of pain
• With your first line of defense, you can apply a heating pad to the cramping areas of your stomach.  For some women, that is enough.  For others, it may calm it down, but you may still need further treatment. 
• Gently rubbing your abdomen
• Take warm water often. This can help melt the blood clot at your lower abdomen
• Mild exercise and stretching
• Taking pain medication containing ibuprofen,  aspirin or another pain reliever, such as Tylenol
• Taking a warm bath
• Rest is important. Take time to relax and sleep.
  Read Also: Girl Talk: Why You Have Pains During Your Period 

Prevention of Menstrual Cramps

You may be able to prevent menstrual cramps. Recommended preventive measures include:

• Eating fruits and vegetables and limiting intake of fat, alcohol, caffeine, salt, and sweets
• Exercising regularly
• Reducing stress
• Avoid smoking
• Yoga or relaxation therapy

Facts About Menstrual Pain

Here are some key points about menstrual cramps. 

• Menstrual cramps are pains felt in the lower abdomen, occurring both before and during a woman’s menstrual period.
• The pain can be slight or sometimes extremely severe.
• There are two types of painful periods – primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
• About 15% of women describe menstrual pain as severe.
• Emotional stress tends to increase the chance of experiencing menstrual cramps.
• Symptoms of menstrual cramp include cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, headaches and diarrhea.
• Menstrual cramps are easily identified without the help of a physician.
• Menstrual cramps can be treated with over-the-counter medicine.
• Physicians agree that continuous oral contraceptive therapy to manage menstruation is safe and acceptable.
• A healthy diet together with regular exercise can help prevent menstrual cramps.
  Read Also: For Girls: Is Your Period Late? 7 Reasons That May Be Responsible