This ancient Asian healing method is thought to relax the nervous system, allow more blood to flow to internal organs, and quell inflammation, Bianchi says. In a review published in April in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews experts looked at 42 studies that observed the effects of acupuncture on period cramps.
Each compared acupuncture with no treatment, conventional treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs , or a sham acupuncture procedure. Many of the studies found that the acupuncture group had less period pain and no side effects.
The researchers emphasize, however, that the quality of all of the studies was poor. Certain teas may help relieve menstrual cramps, says Sonya Angelone , a registered dietitian nutritionist in the San Francisco Bay area. Research on herbal teas for menstrual pain relief is scarce, but teas have been used by menstruating women in numerous cultures for centuries. Chamomile and peppermint teas are often recommended for menstrual pain because they are calming to the body. Other teas associated with dysmenorrhea are those made from cramp bark, ginger , or fennel.
Magnesium is found in many foods , including almonds , black beans, spinach, yogurt, and peanut butter. If you want to take a magnesium supplement , Dr. Sims suggests speaking with your doctor, since the dose you need depends on the severity of your cramps along with other factors.
Massaging your skin with certain aromatic essential oils can relieve menstrual cramp pain, according to research published in The J ournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. Investigators asked 48 women with menstrual cramps and other symptoms to massage either essential oils or a synthetic fragrance into their lower abdomen between periods.
Women in both groups reported less pain, but the essential oils group did better. Exercise can also help in reducing stress, which can contribute to pain. If doing yoga , you might try focusing on poses that stretch and stimulate the abdomen, like the cobra, cat and fish poses There is anecdotal evidence that sex and orgasms can help with menstrual cramp relief. Subjects of sex research pioneers Masters and Johnson reported using masturbation to relieve their cramps, and a survey of American women found that 1 in 10 reported the same Talking about your cramps with a parent, friend, or healthcare provider seems to bring a lot of comfort for people.
Other coping strategies people use are staying in bed, watching television, and other distractions like special foods, drinks, and exercise Having a trusted friend or partner give you an abdominal or back massage with a good-smelling oil lavender, perhaps? If your cramps are bad enough that they are not eased by a typical painkiller, and if they affect your ability to work, study or do any other everyday activities, it is best to talk to a healthcare provider.
You should also see your healthcare provider if your cramping is suddenly or unusually severe, or lasts more than a few days. Severe menstrual cramps or chronic pelvic pain could be a symptom of a health conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis.
The pain experienced by people with endometriosis is different from normal menstrual cramping. Advocating for yourself about pain can be tough, but will help you to feel heard and to get the treatment you need.
Tracking pain with Clue throughout the cycle for several cycles will help you determine which symptoms, if any, recur at specific times. Article was originally published on March 18, Are vaginal fluids really all that different? In this article, we explain how to identify vaginal discharge, arousal fluid, and cervical fluid. Science is evolving each day on how coronavirus affects pregnancy, lactation, and postpartum. When you subscribe to Clue Plus, you don't only get new features: you also fund important research, support data privacy, Clue Birth Control.
Close main menu Homepage Encyclopedia. Menstrual Cycle. Birth Control. About Clue. App Store Play Store. Top things to know Menstrual cramps are most likely caused by an excess of prostaglandins —compounds that are released from the uterine lining as it prepares to be shed. Take the edge off with a heat compress and a common anti-inflammatory pain medication, like ibuprofen For prevention, consider a magnesium supplement.
Here's how to make one. Not your average kitchen herb! It's definitely that time of the month, but for some reason, your period has yet to make its appearance. Are you pregnant, or is it merely late? Bloating is a common premenstrual symptom. Here are tips for managing and reducing the effects of period bloating.
In women, fluctuating hormone levels are a major contributing factor in chronic headaches and menstrual migraines. Learn about causes, treatment, and…. Premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness are common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
You've suspected that your asthma symptoms might be worsening around your period. And you're not crazy. Here's what science says about it. Migraine can be painful. You may be looking for natural remedies. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why menstrual cramps happen. Taking over-the-counter OTC medications. Applying heat. Massaging with essential oils. Having an orgasm. Avoiding certain foods. Adding herbs to your diet. Herb or supplement Dosage Does it work?
You may benefit more if you drink it every month. A review of studies reports chamomile tea increases urinary levels of glycine , which helps relieve muscle spasms. Glycine also acts as a nerve relaxant. A study looked at girls and women 15 to 24 years old. The group that took the extract reported feeling relief. The placebo group reported none. In , women who took cinnamon capsules in a study reported less bleeding, pain, nausea, and vomiting compared to the placebo group.
One study suggests that, like aerobic exercise, yoga can also be helpful at reducing period cramps. In this study, experts found that women who participated in a minute yoga class once a week for 12 weeks showed significant reductions in their period pain.
Research suggests this combination is most effective at reducing pain from period cramps. Some supplements that show promise in reducing period pain include:. You can find dietary supplements at your local drugstore or online. Some types of foods to stay away from when you have cramps include:. According to a study , a low-fat, vegetarian diet can help reduce period pain and premenstrual syndrome PMS symptoms.
Aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. This treatment involves using your fingers to apply firm pressure to specific body parts to help ease various symptoms. According to a study , rubbing circles on your calf at a point above your ankle can relieve period pain.
Period cramps are caused by contractions in your uterus. When you menstruate, your uterus contracts and sheds its lining, which is released as blood through your vagina. Extreme pain before or during your period can be a sign of a more serious health condition that needs treatment, such as:.
Period cramps are very common, but there are times when they can interfere with your day-to-day life. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ease the pain and discomfort caused by these pesky cramps. The process of your uterus shedding its lining every month is called menstruation. Some discomfort during your period is common, but intense or….
During menstruation, hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins trigger the uterus to contract to help your body get rid of the uterine lining.
0コメント