It's that time of month again, and you just want to crawl into bed and lie down till the pain subsides, or till the painkiller has done its job. But there are better ways to counter cramps.
Cramps and PMS
First, let us see what causes cramps. We get cramps because the lining of the uterus releases a substance called prostaglandins. This causes contractions often causes the uterus to go into spasms, which is what causes pain, and may even lead to lightheadedness, dizziness and nausea. Menstrual cramps begin after you have started your period, while pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS starts a few days before your period, and includes mood swings, bloating, nausea, headache and a general feeling of unease and irritability.
Walking
It may be impossible to walk when you are in the throes of pain, but before the pain begins, it helps if you have been walking around or doing some light exercise. Walking improves circulation to the pelvic organs and reduces muscle tension. Try doing light stretches when the cramps strike. If you are physically fit and exercise regularly, you are less likely to suffer painful periods.
Acupressure
Try applying pressure to the area between the bones between your big toe and the second toe, which is just around a cm below the two toes. This acupressure point is known as Liver 3. Applying pressure here relives menstrual discomfort.
Tea
Drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of turmeric powder (haldi), or ginger tea. These relax uterine muscles and relieve cramping. Similarly, chamomile or mint tea also help reduce pain.
Hot water bottle
Lie down and place a hot water bottle on your stomach, back or legs, whatever gives you the most relief.
Massage
If your back hurts during your period, massaging it with eucalyptus oil can be very effective. Similarly, massaging your back, stomach, legs or any body part that hurts with a lotion that contains chamomile or with evening primrose oil can be very effective. Do not massage yourself with evening primrose oil when pregnant though.
Pill
The Pill may be a good birth control option for women suffering from severe menstrual cramps, as women on the pill rarely suffer from cramps. But when you get off the pill the cramps return with the same intensity as earlier.
Caffeine
Cut down your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can aggravate not just menstrual cramping, but also menopausal hot flashes. And remember, caffeine is not found only in coffee but also in chocolate, black and green tea and many soft drinks.
Bath
Soak yourself in a warm bath for around fifteen minutes. If you don't have the time to do this, when you do shower, make sure you shower with warm water. Avoid taking a cold shower, as it will aggravate the pain. Similarly, some women report having severe cramps on days they washed their hair so avoid washing your hair on the days of your period that are the most painful for you.
Sex
If you are susceptible to urinary infections, don't have sex during your period. The cervix - the opening to the uterus, widens during menstruation, to help blood and uterine tissue flow out. This widening leaves the uterus more vulnerable to infection.
