How to Relieve Period Cramps

Period cramps are a common complaint among adolescent girls and women before or during their menstrual period. Also called menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea, period cramps refer to the aching pain in the abdomen, hips, lower back and inner thighs, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of severe period cramps may include upset stomach, vomiting and loose bowel movement.

Fortunately, there are easy and effective steps that you can take to relieve mild period cramps:

Take over-the-counter pain medications. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Take these medications as soon as menstrual bleeding or cramping starts to get maximum pain relief. Make sure you do not have an allergy to these medications.


Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or stomach, or take a hot bath.
Heat promotes blood flow and helps muscles relax.

Other ways to help relieve period cramps include:

  • Resting
  • Avoiding foods that contain caffeine and salt
  • Not smoking or drinking alcohol
  • Massaging your lower back and abdomen
  • Exercising regularly

If your period cramps are not relieved by these steps or you have severe period cramps, consult a doctor.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/women/menstrual-cramps#1. Accessed 19 March 2020
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms. Accessed 19 March 2020
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/29108. Accessed 19 March 2020

 

Get your health, beauty and wellness product online! Shop now at Watsons. Click here to start shopping.

Related Articles

Obesity: A Serious Threat to Health

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass […]

Prevent and control obesity to protect your heart health

Around 27 million Filipino adults are overweight or obese, according to the latest National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food […]

What you can do for better heart health

Advances in scientific and technological knowledge have provided unprecedented advantages in terms of immeasurable convenience in our daily living, lightning-fast […]