Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MA and by How.com.vn staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is a Fertility Specialist and the Founder of The Egg Whisperer Show, a fertility care program focusing on fertility education based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work has been featured in magazines such as People, Forbes, and Marie Claire, and she has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN. She earned an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001, completed an OB/GYN residency at Harvard Medical School in 2005, and finished a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Michigan, where she also completed an MPH.
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Periods are never any fun, especially if they come with debilitating cramps. Fortunately, there are many different things you can try to relieve cramping. And while there's probably nothing you can do to prevent menstrual cramps, you can keep them from being as intense.[1]
Here are 13 effective ways to get rid of period cramps.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat if I have persistent cramps?
Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAAimee Eyvazzadeh is a Fertility Specialist and the Founder of The Egg Whisperer Show, a fertility care program focusing on fertility education based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work has been featured in magazines such as People, Forbes, and Marie Claire, and she has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN. She earned an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001, completed an OB/GYN residency at Harvard Medical School in 2005, and finished a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Michigan, where she also completed an MPH.
OB/GYN & Fertility SpecialistGo see a doctor. Severe and perpetual period cramps can be a sign of fibroids and endometriosis. I wouldn't worry right away, but it is something you need to get an evaluation. - QuestionWhat's the fastest way to get rid of period cramps?Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAAimee Eyvazzadeh is a Fertility Specialist and the Founder of The Egg Whisperer Show, a fertility care program focusing on fertility education based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work has been featured in magazines such as People, Forbes, and Marie Claire, and she has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN. She earned an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001, completed an OB/GYN residency at Harvard Medical School in 2005, and finished a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Michigan, where she also completed an MPH.
OB/GYN & Fertility SpecialistThe best thing you can do is take an NSAID, like ibuprofen. In my opinion, that's really the only thing you can do. Any of the other ideas out there may help a bit, but that's really the only solution I know of. - QuestionDoes my weight impact my cramping?Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD, MAAimee Eyvazzadeh is a Fertility Specialist and the Founder of The Egg Whisperer Show, a fertility care program focusing on fertility education based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work has been featured in magazines such as People, Forbes, and Marie Claire, and she has been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and CNN. She earned an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2001, completed an OB/GYN residency at Harvard Medical School in 2005, and finished a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of Michigan, where she also completed an MPH.
OB/GYN & Fertility SpecialistYes, the higher your BMI is, the more likely you are to get cramps. Keeping your BMI in a healthy range will minimize the amount of period cramps you run into.
Tips
- Get plenty of rest, both before and during your period. Having a regular sleep schedule can help reduce your feelings of fatigue.[21]Thanks
- Keep track of your periods so you'll know when to anticipate them. If you start some of these remedies in advance, they'll be more effective.[22] There are several free smartphone apps you can use for this!Thanks
Warnings
- If you have severe cramps that don't respond to any basic treatments, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your cramps might be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.[23]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aq0001
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214933/
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aq0001
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255
- ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/yoga-exercises-and-menstrual-cramps
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aq0001
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/period-cramps.html
- ↑ https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/using-foods-against-menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
About This Article
If you’ve already taken or you don’t want to take a painkiller, you can help ease your menstrual cramps by eating a banana, fish, or other foods that are rich in potassium, but you should avoid caffeine, which can make cramps worse. Getting 30 minutes of brisk exercise such as walking or jogging can also help relieve cramps. If you’re at home, take a warm Epsom salt bath or place hot water bottles on your stomach and lower back. To learn how supplements can help get rid of cramps, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
"I'm 13 yrs old and I hate having cramps. It can ruin my day and make me uncomfortable. When I read this I finally had some ideas on what to do. Lay on stomach, hot shower, raise legs, painkillers and etc.. This will definitely help through the week."..." more
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