Menstrual Cramps or period pain also called Dysmenorrhea, happens because of the contractions of the uterus or womb which is inarguably .If it contracts too strongly during your period, it can press nearby vessels. This briefly cuts off the supply of oxygen to the uterus and cause you pain or cramping. Hormone like substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger these uterine contractions. The higher the level of prostaglandins, more severe the Menstrual Cramps will be.
According to American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, more than half of menstruating women experience some menstrual pain a day or two every month.
Here are some tips to help relieve the pain.
REST
Get proper sleep and rest if needed. That most of the time relaxes decreases the intensity of contractions and alleviates the pain.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Improve your Hydration levels. Drink lots of cold water.
EAT DATES
Having a couple of Dates every day normalizes the period flow. Dates are full of Vitamins and minerals. Being a rich source of Calcium they increase the bone density as well as the Iron in them ensures proper proliferation ( i.e production of blood cells, which prevent anemia. They also regulate the production of the hormone prostaglandin reducing the pain and easing the flow.
LOSE WEIGHT
Excess fat in the body fools our hormonal system that its pregnant causing an increased released of esterone which results in thickened endometrium than normal. So when the period starts its heavier and painful.
EAT LOW FAT YOGURT
Eat low fat almost frozen yogurt. It soothes the tummy and relaxes the blood vessels, thereby alleviating the pain.
EAT VEGETABLES/RAW MINT LEAVES
Eat vegetables which soothe your tummy like Carrots, cucumbers, celery, sweet potatoes etc. Eat half a bunch of raw Mint in Salads or make a smoothie of it. Its excellent analgesic properties will relieve you of pain in no time.
AVOID HIGH CALORIE FOODS/ HEAVY MEALS
Avoid f foods like cheese, deep fried, spicy, high calorie and red meats. Goats cheese is the exception as it has a high rate of calcium absorption. Eat Fish with are in rich in Omega3 fatty acids.
AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE
Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they aggravate the period pain.
MASSAGE
Massage the affected area with analgesic oils like Tea Tree, Mint Oil or Camhor essential oil.
TAKE IBUPROFEN OR NAPROXEN
If your pain doesn’t get any better, try taking Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen ( Aleve). Do tell your doctor if your period lasts for more than 2 to 3 days or its period severe than usual. Don’t take Aspirin if you’re under 20 as it may cause Reye’s Syndrome.
TRY TYLENOL
Try Tylenol if the above medications don’t help.
WORD OF ADVICE
Last but not least, do tell your doctor if your period pain lasts for more than 2 to 3 days or its severe than usual.