What Helps With Period Cramps? (When to Seek Medical Attention?)

Period cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus as it removes its lining. This occurrence is a perfectly normal part of the menstrual cycle, but sometimes it can cause pain. This pain can often be minor, but sometimes it’s extremely severe. 

Some people experience cramps every month, while others only experience cramps occasionally. Sometimes, cramps can worsen with age. Whatever level of cramps you experience, it is important to know that there are many common remedies that you can try to alleviate your pain.

Pain Medications

Several pain medications can come in handy for reducing cramping pain. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are all useful over-the-counter medications to take to find some relief quickly. 

Time these medications carefully so that they do not wear off by the time you experience the worst of your cramps. Taking them as soon as you feel cramps is often a good rule of thumb. Always follow the instructions for medications on the package or from your doctor, and do not take anything you’re unfamiliar with unless you speak to your doctor first.

Drink Water

This option may not completely cure your cramps on its own, but it can make a big difference in your pain levels. Plus, staying hydrated is a good idea if you are on your period. The ideal amount of water differs from person to person, but in general, you should aim for at least 6-8 glasses per day. 

Drinking water can improve your blood flow and help your muscles relax. Some of these relaxed muscles may include your abdominal muscles. As a result, cramps can be made less severe. Try combining increased hydration with some of these other methods for the best results. 

Try Herbal Tea or Decaf Coffee

While caffeine can contribute to cramping pain, you do not have to give up your morning tea or coffee. For the days of your period, try swapping in an herbal tea or decaf coffee. 

Herbal teas often contain anti-inflammatory components that can reduce the pain of cramping. They can also contribute to stress relief and relaxation, which helps relieve cramping pain. Chamomile and hibiscus teas are a great choice if you are looking for a tasty tea to start your day. 

Moving Your Body

During your period, you may feel like not doing much of anything. However, getting a bit of exercise can go a long way towards minimizing your pain. That doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or do anything strenuous. 

Simply getting some light exercise can go a long way towards reducing your pain. Exercise improves your blood circulation and reduces stress. It also causes your body to release endorphins, which can make you feel better. Try walking during your period or engaging in light exercises like yoga or gentle dancing. 

Orgasms

Orgasming with or without a partner releases several chemicals that can reduce the severity of period cramps. Dopamine can reduce the pain of cramps, while endorphins reduce stress.

Orgasms also increase your blood flow, and this decreases your pain significantly. Many people share that orgasms seem to make their periods shorter. 

Vitamins and Supplements

Some find that dietary supplements and vitamins can contribute to the relief of period cramp pain. These supplements include

• Fenugreek
• Ginger
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B1
• Fish oil
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Omega-3 

Each of these remedies has different benefits, including inflammation reduction. Try this solution in combination with other remedies. Additionally, always check with your healthcare provider to ensure that none of these supplements negatively interact with any medications you are taking. 

Hot Pad

The heat from a hot pad helps to relieve period cramps because it relaxes the uterus muscles, and improves blood flow in the area that it targets. 

There are different hot pads that you can get to suit your needs, including small, cordless, adhesive, weighted, machine washable, and microwavable options for hot pads. Whatever type you get, place it on your stomach or lower back to ease your pain. 

Birth Control

Often, cramps can be worse due to high amounts of certain hormones. Hormonal birth control can balance your estrogen and progesterone levels. This balance can make your whole menstrual period easier, including cramps. 

While some types of hormonal birth control reduce the pain during your periods, other types can stop your period entirely. You can get hormonal birth control in the form of a pill, shot, patch, or IUD. 

Bath

A hot bath is a classic way to relieve pain from period cramps. The heat from a bath relaxes the uterus muscles and increases your blood flow. Not only does the heat directly help the cramps, but a bath also offers stress relief benefits. Add a few scoops of bath salts for even better results.  

Massage, Acupuncture, and Acupressure

Relaxation is key for relieving period pain, and getting a massage is a great way to relax. While you can opt for an overall massage to experience full-body relaxation, you can also look for a massage that focuses on your abdominal area.

Acupuncture and acupressure can also target cramp pain. Your specialist will target specific points on your body to increase your blood flow and to relax your nervous system.    

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) 

TENS utilizes a small, portable machine to send electricity into your body through special small pads. You place the pads onto your abdomen, and the electricity disrupts the pain. 

Many people love this option compared to a bath or hot pad because they can wear it while they work. You can easily purchase a cheap device or a more specialized, expensive version. 

You Don’t Have to Live With Period Pain

Try these remedies to relieve the pain of your period cramps. In some cases, people may have especially bad cramps that do not improve by these remedies. This persistent pain may be a sign of issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or adenomyosis. 

If you experience severe pain for six months or longer, you may have a condition like pelvic congestion syndrome or pelvic venous insufficiency. Always check with your doctor if you need an official diagnosis and a more direct form of treatment. 

When to visit a vascular doctor?

Painful periods and menstrual cramps can be a sign of a vascular condition. If you experience severe period cramps or irregular periods, you may have a heightened risk of vascular conditions later in your life.

Risk factors of a vascular condition include:

1. Multiple pregnancies - multiple pregnancies increases the chances of developing pelvic venous insufficiency. 
2. Age - Vascular condition usually occurs during child-bearing years or after. 
3. Family history of venous insufficiency or vascular disease.
4. Obesity - Obesity increases the chances of developing vascular conditions including pelvic venous insufficiency. 

Other related symptoms of a vascular condition could include:

1. Chronic pelvic pain/pressure for more than 6 months
2. Unusual degree of discomfort with menstrual cycles
3. Pelvic pain during and/or after sexual intercourse
4. Feeling of fullness in the pelvic region, vaginal region, labia and/or perineal region
5. Swelling in the vagina, labia and/or perineal region
6. Varicose veins might present in the upper thigh, vagina, labia, suprapubic and/or perineal region
7. Frequency of urination
8. Stress Incontinence   

The main sign of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is how long the pressure lasts, pain while intercourse, and/or after intercourse, and high degree of discomfort during menstruation.

When all gynecological conditions have been ruled out, a vascular specialist uses an ultrasound to determine any venous insufficiency. To confirm the findings an IVUS and venogram is used by the vascular surgeon. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that is completed at one of the catherization lab facilities. This is not an open surgery because only a small incision is made to access the vein so hospital stays are not necessary for this procedure. The patient can return to work usually the same or next day.