10 Remedies To Help You Handle Menstrual/Period Cramps
By: L. C. Mclaughlin
Tags: Period Cramps, Womens Health, Pms, Period Pain, Menstruation

10 Remedies To Help You Handle Menstrual/Period Cramps

There is no need to stay under the blankets, in bed, with a heating pad. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

I’m sure you immediately recognize that feeling when Aunt Flo is on her way, you start to worry about how to manage the pain and to top it all, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) kicks in.

The majority of women suffer from mild to severe cramps starting from the teenage years up until menopause; the pain can sometimes be unbearable during that time of the month.

Some of the symptoms include headaches, dizziness, feeling tired, breakouts, bloating, mood swings, trouble concentrating and sweating at night. While some might experience all or some of these, others might experience none; it varies from woman to woman.

Why do period cramps happen?

Menstruation usually happens approximately every 28 days between puberty and menopause. During menstruation, the muscles of the uterus contract and relax in an irregular way, similar to contractions during the birth process. This motion helps the uterus expel and shed the tissue (uterine lining) and blood.

Everyone experiences these contractions, but some people do not notice them. For others, the discomfort can be severe.

Effects of magnesium and vitamin B on menstruation

When you’re on your period your hormone changes can cause a decrease in magnesium levels. In addition, higher estrogen and progesterone levels means lower magnesium. Taking a magnesium supplement can help keep your levels normal, relax these uterine muscles, and relieve discomfort.

You can increase your magnesium levels by making some simple dietary changes. Food cravings can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, and craving chocolate might indicate a magnesium deficiency. Take a look at the list below and see if they’re a part of your diet.

Almonds

Cashews

Peanuts

Pumpkin seeds

Spinach

Dark Chocolate

Avocados

Whole Wheat

B vitamins are also crucial for adrenal function and decreasing our stress response. If we’re overly stressed all of our hormones can be impacted. Include foods like organic chicken, turkey, chickpeas, salmon, and avocados. In supplement form try a high quality multivitamin or B-complex, even a prenatal vitamin.

Keep your energy and vitamin levels up by juicing

Many of us are not getting enough greens on a daily basis, but these veggies are more important during your cycle. They provide key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals needed to keep your body performing as they should. They help you stay energized and support your body’s natural detoxification system. All of these elements are crucial for converting and clearing hormones from the body.

Milk thistle for liver and detox support

Milk thistle is an herbal remedy that helps support the body’s natural detoxification system and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since the liver is an important role in detoxification and hormone clearing, milk thistle can be beneficial to include if your body needs some additional liver support. It can be taken as a supplement

NOTE: Milk thistle is great for keeping your skin breakout free.

Topical period remedy balms

Not all remedies have to be taken orally to help relieve period cramps. Two products I use on a regular basis are a Muscle Balm and a Headache Balm. Both are an all-natural toxin free option to help you feel better.

The Muscle Balm is the perfect balance between a warm soothing sensation your achy muscles crave, and that cooling sensation that feels “oh so good!” It contains Arnica montana a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Calendula for anti-inflammatory. Capsicum Frutescens for your Antioxidant, circulatory stimulant and pain relief.

The Headache Balm has aromatic essential oils that will help you slip into a deep sense of wellness and calm. It’s amazing when used on the temples and abdomen. The Mentha Arvensis (wild mint) provides inflammation, tension and swelling relief.

Stay hydrated — water is #1 in relief for cramps

A lack of water (aka dehydration) can cause headaches, muscle fatigue, weakness and many other unpleasant symptoms. Weakness is common during your period due to the loss of blood, which can cause dehydration.

As much as I love tea and coffee, I try to stay away from them both during “that time of the month” for the first two days, as caffeine can cause you to become dehydrated. I love the feeling I get when I drink water when I’m on my period, it tastes better (I know water tastes like nothing), but you know what I mean..hopefully?

If you don’t like the taste of water, change the taste by adding lemon, cucumber, or any fruit of your choice. You can also eat foods with a high water content such as watermelon and celery.

Exercise helps to reduce menstrual cramps

You may not feel like it, but exercise is a great help in preventing and reducing cramps. Endorphins not only make you feel happy but they are the body’s natural pain killers. Women who exercise regularly have less period pain, so add some exercise to your weekly routine.

Don’t forget to rest while on your period

You might not think so, but your body is working hard while menstruating. During the first day or two it’s important to get a good night’s sleep and nap when you can. You have to listen to your body if you’re not up for running errands, exercise or the normal go, go, go, then slow down and rest.

Your periods best friend should be a heating pad

Heating pads are an ideal way to help with painful menstrual cramps. You can apply heat to your lower belly/ abdomen or lower back to help relieve the muscle tension and uterine cramping. You can find heating pads at most stores and online. I love the microwaveable plush heating pads, especially if they are scented.

Pain killers for period relief

There’s a reason why this is on the bottom of the list, I really try avoiding pain killers. I choose this option as a last resort when everything else fails. I normally use Midol, but any low dose OTC anti-inflammatory works.

I hope my list of options and ideas for cramp remedies has helped you during your special time of the month.