If you’re like me, the time for your monthly friend to come visit seems to roll around a little too quickly! For some women, your period is a breeze and for others, the cramping can be so intense that it is tough to deal with.
What causes all this cramping anyway? Our bodies produce a natural hormone called prostaglandin and this causes your uterus to contract. If there is not a fertilized egg after ovulation, then the uterine wall swells and sheds, which can cause discomfort.
Below are 10 tips to help relieve cramping.
- Ibuprofen is the best over the counter relief in my opinion! Take them regularly and ask your physician the highest amount you can take to help your pain.
- Eat healthy – we should be doing this anyway but the more fruits and vegetables you can consume during this time the better! Fiber is great during your period and many women find it better to cut out dairy during their monthly cycle.
- Exercise – Again. Something we should be doing on a regular basis but exercise releases endorphins which is what the body uses to deal with pain. Yoga can be awesome during your period.
- Supplement your diet with calcium and zinc. These have both been proven to help with cramps.
- A warm bath – ahhhhh! Take time for yourself and let the warm bath help with those cramps.
- A heating pad can be very beneficial. Place on stomach, abdomen or lower back depending on where the cramping is the most severe.
- Lie in a variety of positions that seem to help. Many times, lying on your side and putting your legs up to your chest is helpful. Some women find it more comforting to lie on their stomach and put their butt in the air for temporary relief.
- You can use natural progesterone as well to help.
- Avoid caffeine. I know this can seem harsh since many love their morning coffee or diet coke. However, caffeine constricts blood vessels and raises tension. It is best to drink plenty of water and herbal tea.
- Try to pamper yourself a little. Stress can cause worse cramping. Unfortunately, life goes on while you are on your period but if your loved ones can understand, you may to take a back seat on some things for a few days.
If your cramping is so severe that it is virtually intolerable, you need to speak with your physician. Please contact our Gainesville or Lake City location to schedule an appointment to discuss your cramping, possible abnormal periods and other health issues.
