Many women suffer from menstrual cramps that usually last for about a week every month. With all the pain these cramps cause, women suffering from bad menstrual cramps take in loads of aspirin, stay at home feeling helpless, huddle on the couch moaning, and miss work or school.

Menstrual cramps, unfortunately, are a part of a woman's menstrual cycle. They are brought about by hormonal fluctuations that cause the uterus of a woman to contract. Normal and bearable menstrual cramps are known as primary dysmenorrhea, and vary in intensity depending on the amount of prostaglandins.

Excessively painful and unbearable menstrual cramps, known as secondary dysmenorrhea, are usually a symptom of a serious gynecological problem. The typical diseases associated with excessive menstrual cramp pain are endometriosis, pelvic tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids.

The pain brought about by menstrual cramps is generally experienced in the lower back or lower abdomen, the uterus, and sometimes down the thigh, depending on the intensity. Aside from the pain, menstrual cramps are also accompanied by a feeling of hotness or coldness, a mild to severe headache, and nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue.

There are various suggestions for treating or getting rid of menstrual cramps. If the simpler and more common treatments are not effective, it is wise to consult a doctor, as it could be secondary dysmenorrhea.

Pain Relief for Menstrual Cramps

For most women, the most effective first relief for menstrual cramps is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, especially one that contains ibuprofen, aspirin (For more aspirin uses, read 15 surprising uses for aspirin), acetaminophen, and naproxen. Some brands of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Midol and Pamprin, are specifically designed for relieving menstrual cramps. When taking pain relievers for menstrual cramps, remember to take only the recommended dosage. Taking in more than the recommended amount could weaken the effect of the medication, and could even cause damage to the stomach lining or the liver.

When in Pain, Apply Heat

Menstrual cramps can be relieved by applying heat to the area of pain, a process known as a hot compress. When performing a hot compress, directly apply the heat to the areas of the body that are most affected by the pain of the cramps, which are usually the abdomen and the lower back. There are heating pads designed for use in hot compresses that are sold in drug stores. If there are no heating pads available, a wet towel can be used. To substitute for hot compress, a hot bath or sauna can also relieve menstrual pain.

Do a Balancing Act—With Your Diet

Maintaining a healthier diet may help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps. It may not completely get rid of menstrual cramps, but it helps control the intensity of the pain. During the menstrual period, avoid overly sweet and salty foods, especially junk food, as they contribute to bloating and promote sluggishness. Eat a balanced diet—include more fruits, vegetables, fish, and the healthier parts of chicken, rather than eating junk foods and cholesterol-high meat. It is also recommended that vitamins and minerals be included in the diet. A healthy and regular intake of vitamins and minerals prevents cramps from intensifying. For example, calcium is a must as it maintains muscle tone, thereby preventing cramps. Magnesium, which should be taken alongside calcium, optimizes the absorption of calcium in the body. (Learn how to eat healthy on a budget)

Move to Be Pain-Free

Contrary to popular belief that moving can aggravate your menstrual cramps, doing some form of exercise is actually good for relieving menstrual cramps. Exercise and other activities involving light movements can relieve menstrual cramp pain by releasing and increasing the amount of endorphins in the blood. Endorphin, known as the happy hormone, is associated by the brain with pain relief. Doing a light cardio workout or a short session of yoga (For more information on yoga, read The guide to yoga) or pilates can pump you up and stretch your tense muscles, releasing endorphins in the process. Refrain from doing intense exercise or activities, as these will only leave you feeling worse off than when you started.

Hydrate to Get Rid of Pain

Hydration helps relieve menstrual cramp pain. Even though menstrual cramps can create a feeling of bloatedness, staying hydrated will alleviate the pain. Drink lots of liquid such as water, fresh juices, and herbal teas to get rid of menstrual cramps. Aside from its hydrating properties, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas contain healthy elements that help quickly relieve the pain. Particularly for herbal teas, the warmth of the liquid also helps relieve the pain. Avoid soda and other carbonated drinks, chocolate, and coffee as these substances may worsen menstrual cramps.

Stretch It Out

Performing stretching exercises can help relieve menstrual cramps. Do some pelvic stretches to lessen the intensity of menstrual cramp pains. One of the best pelvic stretching exercises is done by standing with the legs spread apart slightly further than shoulder-width to create a triangle. Once in position, bend sideways to reach down to the ankle while holding the opposite arm up in the air. Another pelvic stretching exercise is to sit on the floor to create a diamond shape, the legs pressing the soles of the feet together. Once properly positioned, bend forward while exhaling. One other pelvic stretching exercise is to curl up in the fetal position. The face and the legs should be bent down on the floor, while the arms are stretched out on each side. Continue in this position for a few minutes before stretching out the legs.

Still in Pain?

If your menstrual cramps are severely painful, it is best to see a doctor at once. Chances are, the menstrual pain is a secondary dysmenorrhea, which is a manifestation of a gynecological problem. Doctors will be able to prescribe the best treatment to relieve the menstrual cramps as well as treat the gynecological problem. Some doctors will also recommend the intake of oral contraceptives to change the normal menstrual cycle and regulate the hormones, thereby decreasing the production of prostaglandins and uterine lining.

Remember, no woman should be a slave to menstrual cramp pain. There are ways to get rid of it, so you’ll never have to crouch, moan, and wallow in pain again. For additional information on this article, read how to relieve menstrual cramps and how to cope with PMS symptoms.