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If you’re on your period and you're experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain in your abdomen, you probably have menstrual cramps. These uncomfortable cramps are caused by your uterus contracting to shed its inner lining and help the blood flow. [1] X Research source While menstrual cramps can range from mildly unpleasant to downright painful, there are a few things you can try to reduce your cramps in the moment and over time.
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QuestionHow will I know if I am having primary or secondary dysmenorrhea?Dr. Noriega is a Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist and medical writer in Colorado. She specializes in women’s health, rheumatology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and gastroenterology. She received her MD from the Creighton School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and completed her residency at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2005.Primary dysmenorrhea means that no cause for the cramps can be found, while secondary dysmenorrhea means that a specific condition was found that is causing the cramping. If you are having tests done to look for the cause of dysmenorrhea then you will know if you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea when all of the tests are finished.
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- If your period pain disrupts your daily life, make an appointment with your doctor. [13] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to sourceThanks
- Try to distract yourself when you’re in pain to focus on something else. Reading a book, listening to a podcast, or doing art can help keep your mind elsewhere.Thanks
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you are not at home and unable to do some techniques, try carrying around pain medication. Maybe carry around a banana. Bananas are high in vitamins and are known to help with pain.
- Easy and simple techniques are using a hot water bottle, sipping peppermint tea, and doing a simple self-massage on your tummy. These are all very soothing and can help for all ages.
- Avoid tampons. They can make cramping worse, so wear a pad if you're having bad cramps.
- Try taking a nap, sometimes all you need is relaxation.
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References
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/using-foods-against-menstrual-pain
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/what-can-i-do-about-cramps-and-pms
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods
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Article Summary
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To reduce menstrual cramps, apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back, which will relax the contracting muscles that are causing your cramps. You can also try gently massaging your abdomen while lying down to help alleviate some of the pain. Even sipping on some raspberry, chamomile, or ginger tea can help, but make sure it's not caffeinated or you could make your cramps worse. If your cramps persist, try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. To learn how you can reduce menstrual cramps with birth control or hormone injections, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I have really bad cramps. I tried drinking tea and the hot bottle, it worked like magic! Thanks wikiHow!"
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"I have really bad cramps. I tried drinking tea and the hot bottle, it worked like magic! Thanks wikiHow!"
"My teenage daughter is having period pains, looked on wikiHow for help. The information about how smoking can influence period pain was very helpful, nutritional advice was good. Nice to learn new things to apply to my lifestyle, thank you."
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"I like the natural remedies and exercise best, because I feel worried about medication, since I'm only 14. I know there are many medications that are perfectly fine for me to take, but I feel better knowing that I don't have to do it."
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"I was on my period, and it was the first time I had very severe cramps. I read this article and the comments and answers; not only did it take my mind off the cramps, but it also helped me get rid of some of the pain."
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"I've been trying to get on with my life but I just got my first period and the cramps are so bad. This article helped me a lot with how to deal with the cramps, mainly the hot water bottle part - that helped the most."
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