Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStay Ahead of the PainTreatmentSelf-CareCausesSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stay Ahead of the Pain
Treatment
Self-Care
Causes
Seeking Medical Care
If you havesevere menstrual crampsorperiodpain, you know how much this type of discomfort can interfere with your daily routine. Overwhelming period pain can have a tremendous effect on your quality of life.
Using pain relievers, applying heat to your abdomen, and taking a warm bath are just a few ways to get relief.
This article discusses methods that relieve period cramps immediately, longer-term remedies, and why you should seek a diagnosis.
Kathrin Ziegler/ Getty Images
Reasons to Stay Ahead of Period Pain
Menstrual cramping and pain tend to be worse on the day before your period starts and continue into the first day.If you know your period is coming, you can take steps early to try to decrease the severity of the pain. A plan of action and supplies can make things easier, especially when you’re away from home.
What to Try to Stop Period Pain Immediately
Not all methods work for everyone, so it may take some time to figure out what works best for you. Keep in mind that you can combine some methods for faster relief.
Apply Heat
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) are most effective if you take them at the first sign of your period. You shouldn’t take NSAIDs if you have a bleeding disorder, an aspirin allergy, liver or stomach problems, ulcers, or asthma.Don’t take more than recommended. Common over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) andAleve(naproxen).
Acetaminophen
If youcan’t tolerate NSAIDs, you can take Tylenol (acetaminophen) as directed. You can also try Midol Lasting Relief (extended-release pain medication lasting up to eight hours) or Midol Complete, which contains acetaminophen (for pain relief), caffeine (acts as a diuretic to reduce bloating), andpyrilamine maleate(a type ofantihistamine).
Comparing Different Medicines for Period Cramps: What’s Strongest?
Prescription Medications
Sometimes, severe period pain is related to another condition, such asendometriosis,fibroids, oradenomyosis. If that’s the case, a healthcare professional can prescribe a stronger NSAID such as Ponstel (mefenamic acid) commonly prescribed for menstrual pain.
Warm Bath
Soaking in a warm bath can have the same soothing effect on pain as a heating pad or hot water bottle. It may also benefit nighttime cramps. Research shows that a relaxing warm bath in the evening can promote a good night’s sleep.
Exercise
Low-impact exercises, likewalking, may help relieve period pain.Strolling around the block might help ease the pain while boosting your mood. Aerobic workouts, including jogging, swimming, and biking, produce chemicals that block pain.
Stretch or Do Yoga
When you wake up with period pain, try starting your day with a fewmorning stretches. Andyoga posescan help reduce menstrual pain and improve mood.Hold your pose for 30 to 60 seconds, but don’t push yourself if it doesn’t feel good.
Abdominal Massage
Massagingyour abdomen may help relax your muscles and ease cramping. In one study, some participants received abdominal massage for five minutes a day for six days, starting the fifth day before menstruation. Participants had significantly less menstrual cramping compared to those who did not have abdominal massage.
Change Your Position
Changing your position can take the pressure off andease bad cramping. If you sit too long, make it a point to get up, walk, or stretch occasionally.
You can also try changing your sleep position.Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees. You can also try sleeping on each side in the fetal position and with your legs outstretched. Experiment with a body pillow for added comfort and support.
Acupuncture
Acupuncturestimulates the nervous system and may help ease menstrual pain. A review of studies suggests that it might reduce period pain better than NSAIDs or no treatment at all.
Acupressure
Meditation
Research suggests that mindfulnessmeditationcan reduce the sensation of pain.Meditation and relaxation techniques include:
Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) is a therapy in which electrode patches are placed on the skin where it hurts. The device stimulates areas of your body at or near nerves to release chemicals that may reduce pain.
Research suggests TENS doesn’t relieve pain as well as medication but may be a good alternative for those who can’t or don’t want to take pain relievers.
Self-Care With Bad Period Pain
There is a link between bad period pain and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress. Some potential ways to reduce bad period pain over the longer term include:
Causes of Debilitating, Severe Period Pain
More than half of people who menstruate have some pain for a day or two each month, though it’s usually mild.However, more severe pain can interfere with everyday activities.
Severe period pain and cramping (dysmenorrhea) are not normal.Primary dysmenorrheais due to a chemical imbalance, and it generally starts as soon as you have periods. Secondary dysmenorrhea usually starts later due to another cause, such as:
Ongoing Severe Period Pain: Speaking With a Provider
If you have ongoing severe period pain, it’s worth seeing ahealthcare providerfor diagnosis. Knowing the cause can lead you to the proper treatment.
Healthcare appointments can feel rushed, but don’t stop advocating for yourself. Express your level of pain/cramping and how it affects your day-to-day life. Ask what the next steps are to learn the cause. Explain methods you’ve already tried to relieve the symptoms.If you feel you’re not being heard, take a moment to try again. And if you feel dismissed, consider seeking another opinion.
Healthcare appointments can feel rushed, but don’t stop advocating for yourself. Express your level of pain/cramping and how it affects your day-to-day life. Ask what the next steps are to learn the cause. Explain methods you’ve already tried to relieve the symptoms.
If you feel you’re not being heard, take a moment to try again. And if you feel dismissed, consider seeking another opinion.
Summary
Period pain can make it difficult to go about your day. Taking OTC pain meds, applying heat to your abdomen, or getting a little exercise are just a few methods of easing period pain. It can take time to find out what works best for you.
Certain health conditions can contribute to severe period pain. But if you don’t know the cause, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. Getting the correct diagnosis can lead you to the proper treatment.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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