Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Lacy Windham, MD, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Cleveland, Tennessee. Dr. Windham attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Her residency was completed at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the recipient of multiple awards during her residency training, including Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, Most Outstanding Resident Overall, and Special Award in Minimally Invasive Surgery.
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If you’re on your period and you're experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain in your abdomen, you probably have menstrual cramps. These uncomfortable cramps are caused by your uterus contracting to shed its inner lining and help the blood flow.[1] While menstrual cramps can range from mildly unpleasant to downright painful, there are a few things you can try to reduce your cramps in the moment and over time.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow will I know if I am having primary or secondary dysmenorrhea?
Carrie Noriega, MDDr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. She specializes in women’s health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005.
Board Certified Obstetrician & GynecologistPrimary dysmenorrhea means that no cause for the cramps can be found, while secondary dysmenorrhea means that a specific condition was found that is causing the cramping. If you are having tests done to look for the cause of dysmenorrhea then you will know if you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea when all of the tests are finished.
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Tips
- Menstrual cramps usually get less painful as you get older.[12]Thanks
- If your period pain disrupts your daily life, make an appointment with your doctor.[13]Thanks
- Try to distract yourself when you’re in pain to focus on something else. Reading a book, listening to a podcast, or doing art can help keep your mind elsewhere.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- If you are not at home and unable to do some techniques, try carrying around pain medication. Maybe carry around a banana. Bananas are high in vitamins and are known to help with pain.
- Easy and simple techniques are using a hot water bottle, sipping peppermint tea, and doing a simple self-massage on your tummy. These are all very soothing and can help for all ages.
- Avoid tampons. They can make cramping worse, so wear a pad if you're having bad cramps.
- Try taking a nap, sometimes all you need is relaxation.
References
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/using-foods-against-menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To reduce menstrual cramps, apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back, which will relax the contracting muscles that are causing your cramps. You can also try gently massaging your abdomen while lying down to help alleviate some of the pain. Even sipping on some raspberry, chamomile, or ginger tea can help, but make sure it's not caffeinated or you could make your cramps worse. If your cramps persist, try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. To learn how you can reduce menstrual cramps with birth control or hormone injections, scroll down!
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