For women, we have this time in the month that is usually inconvenient and never fun. Periods come with a lot of annoying symptoms, apart from the fact that you need to adjust your bathroom routines. These symptoms are cravings, sleep disturbances, bloating, mood swings, tiredness, and finally, cramps. If you are one of the one in eight women who experience menstrual cramps, these 5 tips for handling menstrual cramps can help you have relief during this period.

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Apply Heat

You can use heat around your abdomen or back to relax the muscles responsible for the cramps. This can bring relief to the pain. You can either use a heating pad or soak in a warm bath to relieve period pain. If you want a discreet, mobile way of getting relief, heating patches work.

Use Medications 

Medications can come as a remedy for period pains. A pain reliever is usually the preferred choice. But then, not all pain relievers are the same. Different pain relievers have their own specific functions. To relieve period pain, use NSAIDs, i.e., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can reduce prostaglandins, which is the hormone responsible for contractions leading to menstrual cramps. Examples of drugs in this category are Ibuprofen and naproxen. Make sure to take them according to prescription. Avoid some multi-symptom medications that contain several active ingredients.

Exercise 

Your first resort when you are in pain is usually to take some rest. On the contrary, exercising is a natural way to relieve pain.

During exercise, your body releases a chemical called endorphins. This chemical helps to shut down the perception of pain. Exercise helps you reduce stress, and it also changes how you feel pain.

Reduce Stress 

Stress changes your body in a number of ways. This include reducing your threshold for pain. Reducing stress is not as easy as it sounds but it is a great relief from menstrual cramps. Apart from exercising, there are other ways to reduce stress. They are yoga, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and counseling.

Read more: 6 Healthy Activities to Ward Off Fatigue

Take Vitamins And Minerals

A reassessment on your food consumption may be a great way to reduce menstrual cramps. Some foods with vitamins and minerals are recommended to help relieve menstrual cramps.

Research shows that foods that contain Vitamin B1, known as thiamin and magnesium, can help reduce menstrual cramps. A lot of adults get a lot of these minerals and vitamins through healthy diets. Foods that contain Vitamin B1 and magnesium are Nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes, spinach, cauliflower, avocado, kale, oranges, asparagus and many more.

Apart from the above 5 tips for handling menstrual cramps, there are other suggestions for those with severe cramping conditions. They can talk to an Obstetrician Gynaecologist (OB/GYN) who will inquire about your symptoms, recommend some lifestyle adjustments that can help ease the pain, carry out a pelvic exam and prescribe medications when necessary.