4 Tips For Dealing With Menstrual Cramps
by Julia Gregory
Cramps are a normal part of menstrual cycles, but that does not mean they are pleasant to deal with. If you get severe cramps during your time of the month, you would rather crawl in bed than do anything else. The good news is that you can do some things at home to get relief. Here are four helpful tips for dealing with menstrual cramps:
Get Physical
While you probably will not feel like running a marathon, getting in a little exercise can actually help improve your cramps. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can do wonders for your cramps. For example, if there is discomfort in your lower back, a wild child's pose is something you should try. To do this pose, put both of your knees on the floor and pulling your arms as far as you can in front of your body. Make sure your head is on the floor and stay in this position for five breaths.
Take Out a Heating Pad
Because heat can improve blood flow, you should try putting a heating pad on your lower stomach for 15 to 20 minutes. Once the blood vessels in your stomach open up, the pain should subside. If you do not have a heating pad, sitting in a hot bath can also help.
Stay Away from Caffeine
It is a wise idea to avoid caffeinated beverages while you are on your period. Drinks like coffee or soda can tighten your blood vessels, making your cramps feel worse. Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will help take some of the bloating away, improving cramps.
Get A Massage
If you have the time, think about getting a professional massage to relieve your menstrual cramps. A massage relaxes your entire body and helps your periods cramps subside. If you do not want to get a professional massage, you can give yourself a massage at home. As you are lying down on your bed, gently massage your stomach area in slow circular motions.
Your menstrual cycle does not have to be unbearable. If you follow these helpful tips, you can get relief from your cramps and go about your day as normal. However, if you are still suffering from intense cramps, you should go see your gynecologist, like Patricia A. Giuffre, MD, soon. He or she can prescribe you something to help your period cramps, such as birth control pills.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.