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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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11 Symptoms Of Menstrual Cramps And Its Prevention!

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Dr. Preeti SharmaGynaecologist • 45 Years Exp.MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MS
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Let's first get to know what are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea or period pains are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen.Many women experience menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods.

Who gets menstrual cramps?
About half of women experience menstrual cramps and about 15% describe the pain as severe. It has been shown that women who do not exercise experience more painful menstrual cramps. Certain psychological factors such as emotional stress may also increase the likelihood of having uncomfortable menstrual cramps. Additional risk factors for these cramps include:

  1. Being younger than 20 years of age
  2. Starting puberty at age 11 or younger
  3. Menorrhagia - heavy bleeding during periods
  4. Never given birth

Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

  1. Pain in the lower back and thighs
  2. Nausea
  3. Vomiting
  4. Sweating
  5. Dizziness
  6. Diarrhea
  7. Loose stools
  8. Constipation
  9. Bloating in the belly area
  10. Headaches
  11. Lightheadedness or feeling faint.

How can you 'AVOID' menstrual cramps?

  1. Eating fruits and vegetables and limiting intake of fat, alcohol, caffeine, salt and sweets
  2. Exercising regularly
  3. Reducing stress
  4. Quitting smoking
  5. Yoga or relaxation therapy
  6. Acupuncture or acupressure.
  7. Apply heat to lower abdominal part.
  8. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D.
  9. Dietary supplements.

10 Ways to treat period cramps:
1. Improve Your Diet to Alleviate Period Cramps
2. Pop a Safe Painkiller
3. Turn to Tea to Calm Menstrual Cramps
4. Try Fish Oil and Vitamin B1
5. Needle Away Period Cramps
6. Massage With Essential Oils for Pain Relief
7. Curl Up With a Heating Pad to Ease Period Cramps
8. Boost Endorphins Your Way
9. Up the Magnesium in Your Diet
10. Lean on Your Contraceptive 

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