Menstrual Cramps - How Can You Manage Them?

As the hormones, progestin, and estrogen, present in the birth control pills help in controlling the menstrual cycle, similarly, they have a role to play in reducing the menstrual pain as well. Preventing ovulation, birth control pills can offer the best relief for menstrual cramps in some cases, when continued for a long time. Before opting for any birth control pills, you should consult with a gynecologist first and find out whether it will be a right treatment option for you.

An increase in the abdominal pain and the blood flow has often been observed as some of the major side effects of inserting copper IUD in the uterus. Known for preventing pregnancy for almost 10 years, the copper IUDs often make the menses more painful and heavier. However, these effects last only for maximum 6 months after the insertion and fade away with time later on. In case, you continue to have cramps or suddenly start having pain during your menses, years after the copper IUD insertion, consult with your gynecologist as soon as possible.

It is not always necessary to take a high dosage of painkillers, as there are plenty of natural ways available for dealing with menstrual cramps. Be it rubbing the lower abdomen area with hands, to taking magnesium and vitamin B1 supplements or lightly pressing a heating pad on the belly or on the back of it can be quick and easy ways to say goodbye to menstrual cramps. However, in case the pain becomes severe that you can t get up from the bed, scheduling an appointment with your doctor will be a wise decision.

An exercise of any kind is meant to loosen up the muscles and ease the pain. A simple gentle stretching of the lower back on a regular basis can do wonders in relieving one from menstrual cramps. Swimming or walking at a slow pace also proves to be of great help in preventing menstrual cramps. There are certain yoga poses and exercises available that you can choose as per your comfort level to get rid of excruciating abdominal pain during periods.