What do i do about Menstrual Cramps?

Question

Well I'm 19.. got my periods when I was10... I dont recall the pain being so unbearable in the past 9 years.. it hurts a lot this time (usually, it does pain.. but its mostly bearable)

So any ideas how to combat this? I dont wanna take pills.. sleeping is the only thing I can think of.. n I've already slept for 12 hours..

Answer 1

I've had extremely bad menstrual cramps most of my life. When I was a teenager they were so bad one time that I was walking through the hallway in my parents house, saw spots, and fell down from the pain. Getting on a good birth control pill has helped greatly. When I didn't have any pain-killers on hand my best bet was to take a hot bath. I'd sit in the bath, get the water as hot as I could, and used my hand to wash the water over the cramping area. I tried showers, straight baths, and hot-pads but they just didn't work as well. After I was done with my bath, I'd go to bed and try to sleep. I'd stretch for a few minutes, and then laying on my back and holding my legs to my chest (fetal position on the back) helped much too. When I could stand to do it, going for a nice long walk would also help...the problem of course is that when cramping the LAST thing in the world I'd want to do was go for a walk, but when I'd force myself, it would help much. Lastly, I found the worst thing in the world to do was sit on the potty. When I'd do that (because I'd get that feeling like I needed to no matter what), it'd just make stuff worse.

Good luck though :( cramps are the worst ever!

Answer 2

The main things that have helped me the most are exercising more (don't know why that helps, but it does), not just while on your period but in general, and cramps are usually not as bad if you're on the birth control pill. When I was in high school my doctor actually put me on the pill just because my cramps were so bad, and it definitely helped. If you already have cramps, try putting a heating pad on your abdomen and taking some ibuprophen.

Answer 3

I understand your feeling on not wanting to take pills, but sometimes you do what you have to to get by. Honestly I would see if a girlfriend has some Pamprin or Midol to see if it helps you any. If you are TOTALLY against that idea just drink lots and lots of water which will help the bloating for one thing. Also, put a heating pad over your stomach. I find that helps a lot when my cramps are at their worst. Hope you find something to work for you!

Answer 4

Take Advil and Tylenol, alternating every 3 hours. Here's an example time schedule:

Let's say you take advil at 8:00 am

8:00 am: 2 advil
3 hours later
11:00 am: 2 tylenol
3 hours later
2:00 pm: 2 advil
3 hours later
5:00 pm: 2 tylenol
3 hours later
8:00 pm: 2 advil

and so on till you go to bed. Thats what I do and it helps a TON. Also, you should make sure to get enough iron (there's a lot in cream of wheat, I think) since you lose a lot during your period. A hotwater bottle also should help, and just laying down. Actually, I think you might want to walk around a little to keep your muscles from getting cold and clenching up.

Hope I could help!

Answer 5

I see that you don't like pills, and that person was right, you can do that regime,(every two hours alternate between ibuprophen and tylenol) but if you want to take less pills, try midol, it is very helpful, and lasts quite a bit of time.

Also putting a water bottle where the pain is is helpful or a heating pad. Exercising can also relieve the pain, as well as sex.

Answer 6

I used to get cramps so bad that I would throw up and be dizzy and sweaty all day. And I hate pills too. But now I'm no birth control pills and I still get some cramps but they are bearable. Heating pads helped me a lot.

Answer 7

You can do knee chest position for at least 10 minutes to re-leave the cramping. For the first time it will hurt a lot while you're doing the exercise but, when you this constantly you will get use to it eventualy. Do this before you go to sleep or while you're reading or watching TV. You can do this any time when you are relax.

Answer 8

you need to see a doctor and find out if you have fiberoids or something, it changing so much should not happen. hot showers, i used to stack books on my belly and that helped, heating pads, bengay rub on my lower back, belly, etc. oh and red raspberry leaf tea.

Answer 9

I found that one tylonel and one advil mixed was really great. The good news is that after you have a baby.. .periods aren't as painful. Mine were terrible around your age.

Answer 10

When i was attacked by menstrual cramp somebody carried me to our office clinic and the nurse let me lay face down pillow on my abdomen then let my buttock up. Of course my knees supporting my body. Then unbearbble pain subisided. I suffered many years. but the cure is when I attended born again christian fellowship.