Signs and Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps Menstrual cramps (also known as dysmenorrhea) are pains that occur in the abdominal and pelvic areas as a result of a woman's menstrual period. The pain can vary significantly from woman to woman, with some cramps being relatively mild to others which are extremely severe.
Mild menstrual cramps are often barely noticeable, and usually only last for a few hours. In such instances, the main symptom is usually just a sense of bloating or heaviness in the stomach area. Severe menstrual cramps, however, usually result in significant throbbing pain in the lower abdominal area (and occasionally the lower back) which can interfere with a woman's everday activities. In these cases, cramping can usually last for one or two days.
This post is in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day - Celebrated every May 28th.
National Women's Health Week / May
- Heating Pads : Many women have found that a heating pad placed on your lower back or abdomen helps to ease the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. If you don't have a heating pad, one can be easily made by filling a sock with flaxseeds or uncooked rice and heating it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Chamomile : Chamomile is widely used to treat gynecologic complaints such as menstrual cramps and discomfort related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Add 2 teaspoons of dried Chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for at least 5 minutes. If you are using a package of Chamomile tea bags, then follow the directions as stated on the box. Honey or sugar can be added for taste. A good preventive measure is to start drinking Chamomile tea a couple of days before you are expecting your period, and then drink at least 2 cups everyday during your period. It also feels great if you use your hot mug as a hot compress for your lower abdomen while you are drinking it.
- Lady's Mantle : When ingested, lady's mantle is thought to help treat or prevent Menstrual Cramps.
- A combination of anise extract, saffron, and celery seed may help alleviate menstrual pain, according to a study published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health in 2009.
- Vitamins and Minerals for Treating Menstrual Cramps : Foods and supplements that are rich in B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and zinc have been found to reduce the pain, bloating and other symptoms of menstrual cramps.
- In particular, Calcium is known to help maintain muscle tone as well as prevent cramps and pain. For most women, a daily intake of 800 mg of calcium is recommended, which can be found in 3 cups of milk. Increasing magnesium is also recommended, since it helps the body absorb calcium. Good sources of magnesium include beans, whole wheat, tofu, salmon, shrimp, nuts, and vegetables.
- Regular Exercise as a Natural Cure for Menstrual Cramps : Exercise is considered to be a natural way to reduce muscle tension and elevate one's mood. Therefore, maintaining a regular exercise program, including something as simple as walking for 20 minutes each day, can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
- Ginger Root Tea to Relieve Menstrual Cramps : Ginger root has been found to help relieve the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
- fennel seeds are teeming with anethole and dozens of other phytochemicals, including phytoestrogens, estrogen-like compounds found in plants. These can help offset menstrual cramps that affect more than 50 percent of menstruating women.
- Southern Prickly Ash is used for menstrual Cramps.
- Tuina : A small study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 shows that a combination of acupuncture and tuina may help alleviate menstrual cramps
- Magnesia Phosphorica (Homeopathy) : Women who suffer from sharp and sometimes severe cramps can get great help from using the homeopathic remedy of mag phos. It can help the body naturally alleviate the shooting pains and all of the other symptoms that are associated with them.
- Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for years to help get relief from digestive problems, and cramps due to menstruation are no different. It’s the anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties naturally found in cinnamon that give it the ability to give a woman relief from her cramps. www.wikiwel.com
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
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