How can i get rid of period cramps?

Question

ive already tried advil, laying down, heating pads, and none of them seem to work. what else can i try? PLEASE HELP!!

Answer 1

Derived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.

Almost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder. The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain. More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school. Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].

"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins. These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience. Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.

Pain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours. In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped. In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.

Dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes). In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms often include painful pelvic or abdominal cramping, headache, suprapubic cramping (an area of the pelvis overlying the bladder), backache, pain radiating down into the thigh area, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and even syncope (a temporary of consciousness). Upon physical exam, those with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit normal vital signs and a tender uterus, but no cervical or ovarian abnormalities. Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea may exhibit varied vital signs depending on the underlying cause and may be found to have tenderness, nodules, and/or enlargement of the uterosacral ligaments, the rectovaginal septum or other adnexa (the region of the pelvis that encompasses the ovary, fallopian tube and surrounding broad ligament).

Treatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies. Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea. Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate. Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps. Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain. Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates. Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping. Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.

If Endometriosis or another disorder is the underlying or secondary cause for dysmenorrhea, you will benefit most from having the disease diagnosed and effectively removed. It is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling or incapacitating is never normal and should be investigated as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be rendered.

Reference:
[1] Jamieson DJ, Steege JF. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care practices. Obstet Gynecol. 1996;87(1):55-58.

Answer 2

In my case, I had to take off at least one day from school or work and would be laid up in bed the whole time from the pain. A gynecologist suggested a surgical procedure called D&C, which I didn't have done because the fear was more powerful than the dying each month. 'Miraculously', after the birth of my first child, my cramps became almost non-existent. Apparently, the menstrual waste's path through the cervix caused the cramping, and after the birth, the passageway was 'stretched' or a clear pathway was attained. It's something to look forward to...Sorry I don't have any advice for this instant...

Answer 3

You will probably never be cured from cramping but you should be more comfortable. Try using ibuprofen starting 3 days before you expect your period to start. Use 3 every 6 hours-take with food or milk. This helps to inhibit the Pituitary gland from releasing the hormone causing cramping-or uterine contractions. Any NSAID will work: Motrin, Advil, Alleve, Naprosyn etc.

You might also have developed endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Fibroids are over-growths of muscle tissue. They will never become cancer. These conditions can cause severe cramping with your periods.

Answer 4

I have severe, severe, severe PMS and I have tried everything under the sun, both over-the-counter meds and prescription and nothing helped. I finally went to a health food and vitamin store and asked an associate and she directed me to a pill called skullcap. It is natural/homeopathic and it works. They are not expensive at all and I promise you they worked for me. She also told me to try another homeopathic brand called Highlands. Highlands makes a variety of pills for different things and they have one for PMS and those worked great also. Give it a try, I mean, heck, it's worth a shot to try anything. These 2 things even seemed to help with the water retention and bloat. Good luck with this. I know it is an awful thing to go through.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

First, try excedrine. This is like a magic pill man let me tell you they work for my cramps. you can tell when they kick in and you surely can tell when they stop working.

If that doesn't work go to your doctor and ask for some strong ibeprofin maybe 500-700mgs if those excedrine don't work which i know they will the prescriptions will for sure

Answer 8

I read through the answers given by various people. Some ask you to avoid dairy product but i find drinking hot milk help relieve stomach cramps. My friends also tell me that chocolate helps too, but i'm that sure. Please avoid acidic food and cold drinks like pineapple as it makes the period heavier.

Answer 9

Chelated Calcium supplement with Magnesium and Vitamin D.
acts as a natural muscle relaxer. also good if you're having trouble sleeping.

Answer 10

Doing a bunch of sit-ups helps, and try to avoid chocolate the week or so before your period.