5 Surefire Ways to Alleviate Menstrual Cramps

Whether you’ve just started your period or have been dealing with it for years, menstrual cramps can be an annoying, painful part of life. Luckily for you, we’re going to share several tried-and-tested ways to ease them.

Let’s get started!

Get a heating pad.

You might have heard of this method before, but it’s worth mentioning because it does work incredibly well for some people. Try using a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time, and then take a break to rest and relax your muscles. If you don’t have access to one, though, don’t worry – you can use a hot water bottle as an alternative. 

Take ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing hormones that cause pain and inflammation. It’s considered a good choice for menstrual cramps because it can be used at the first sign of pain and will relieve symptoms for up to 6 hours. 

So, if you have a long day ahead of you and want quick relief, ibuprofen might be a good choice. When in doubt, always ask your doctor, though, especially if you already take meds.

Stay hydrated.

Depending on your menstrual cycle, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Cramps
• Constipation
• Bloating

Yes, these symptoms can be a real pain (pun intended!). To alleviate them, remember to stay hydrated. Drinking hot tea is a fantastic way to do this because it offers hydration and helps with cramps. It also prevents constipation by loosening up your bowels so that they’re less likely to cramp up during a particularly bad day of PMS or menstruation.

Exercise.

You’ve probably heard that exercise can help alleviate menstrual cramps, but you may be wondering how much and what type is needed. Luckily for you, we have answers to both questions!

First off, it depends on your body and the severity of your pain. Try starting off with a 10-minute walk three times per week—and don’t worry if you can’t get out there every day. This isn’t meant to be an exact science. Just do what feels right for your body.

As far as intensity goes, there are two schools of thought here. One says moderate exercise (like walking or stretching) is best while another recommends high-intensity stuff like sprinting or lifting weights (as long as it’s done correctly).

The bottom line?

Start slow, but feel free to increase the intensity when it becomes easier to manage over time.

If any form of exercise makes things worse, though, stop immediately and reach out to your doctor. No need for martyrdom here. 😉

Rest.

– Consider taking a cat nap or going to bed early. Rest is essential, especially when you’re on your period.

– Take a hot bath. This is the perfect opportunity to soak in some pain relief while also feeling like the Queen of England (or whatever it is royalty does).

– Relax with a cup of tea. Make sure you enjoy something soothing and tasty, like chamomile or peppermint. This can help clear your mind from all the stress that comes with being on your period so you can start fresh when it’s over!

Conclusion

If you’re trying to alleviate menstrual cramps quickly, you may want to use a combination of strategies. For example, drinking water and taking ibuprofen both at once is better than doing either individually.

Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. Menstrual cramps can be a real challenge, but there are equally real solutions to make “that time of the month” a lot more bearable.