

"Different classes of pain relievers work differently. Since period cramps are painful, it's probably fairly obvious that pain relievers make the list of remedies.īut, when it comes to period cramps, are all pain reliever options created equal?

Using a heating pad or soaking in a warm bath are great ways to ease period pain, but you can also use heating patches if you're looking for a discrete, on-the-go way to get relief.

"Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping, so applying heat to your abdomen or back can help relieve your pain," says Dr. Here are five ways to help get relief from menstrual cramps: 1. How to relieve period cramps fast at home "If no fertilized egg is present after ovulation, it's a signal to your body that it's time to start the menstrual cycle over again," adds Dr. Some have only mild discomfort, while others experience severe pain that can make everyday tasks difficult."Īfter menstruation - which lasts anywhere from three to seven days - your uterine lining regrows and thickens. "Period cramping can feel differently for different women. These contractions can cause cramping in the lower abdomen and back," says Dr.

"In order to shed its lining, the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus contract. With this shedding comes the release of blood and tissue from inside the uterus.īut periods also come with symptoms ranging from annoying to painful, including cramps. "The purpose of this is to help prepare the uterus for receiving and nourishing a fertilized egg." Perhaps the most well-known part of this process is menstruation, also called a period, which is when the uterus sheds its lining," explains Dr. "As part of the normal reproductive cycle, a woman's body prepares for pregnancy every month. To understand why period cramps happen, it helps to take a step back and consider why we even have a period in the first place. Mae Kathleen Borchardt, OB-GYN at Houston Methodist, is here to explain why we even get menstrual cramps and help you find some period pain relief. If you're one of the one in eight women who experience period cramps during your menstrual cycle, your time of the month is probably the worst time of the month.įortunately, Dr. Food cravings, sleep disturbances, bloating, mood changes (usually irritability), fatigue, tender breasts and more - most of which start before your cycle even hits, serving as ominous signs of what's soon to come. That time of the month is always inconvenient and never fun.Īdjustments to your bathroom routine aside, there are several other annoying symptoms of periods.
