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bad cramps
oh my gosh! whenever I get my period,I get bad cramps and I just wanna scream so loud!sometimes I even hug my cat tight. they just really really hurt.is there any way to help them be less painful?HELP please!
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i'd suggest advil or tylenol
also, i use a heating pad
and just lie back on a couch
with the heating pad on high
it usually soothes your stomache
'cause the advil doesn't always help
hope i helped :)
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First of all, stop hugging your cat and hug a teddy bear =)
I suffer from the same thing. The only thing that helps me is to take ibuprofen. Some people may recommend Advil, but for me personally it doesn't seem to be as effective. Ibuprofen you can start taking right before you get your period, so you won't have to suffer any cramps. But you should keep the pills to the bare minimum because they aren't exactly good for you and can cause nasty things like stomach ulcers.
Another option is to take birth control. It helps your period be less heavy which equals less cramps. It can even shorten your period by a few days, but it depends on what birth control you're taking and also it effects everyone differently. To get birth control you have to go to the doctor.
It really helps to stay up and moving. If the cramps are just too horrible to do even that, lying stomach down on a heating pad helps a bit.
Also, remember to stay hydrated!! And eating will help you feel less miserable.
~Maria, 17
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If you are having debilitating cramps you really should talk with your doctor about this. Dysmenorrhea, or cramping and pain during menstruation, is serious. This is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women.
There could be an underlying issue within or outside the uterus (for example, pelvic inflammatory disease, leiomyoma, endometriosis, adhesions, adenomyosis, uterine displacement, or a retroverted uterus). Endometriosis is the most common cause of dysmenorrhea.
Endometriosis is a serious condition and can leave you infertile if left alone since it results in scar tissue. This means, the lining of the uterus is growing outside of the uterus, where it's suppose to be. This causes the body to be unable to expel it properly. The tissue still detaches and bleeds but is left in your body.
Endometriosis occurs in one in every 5 females. Usually diagnosed between ages 30 and 40; however, it is not unheard of at younger ages. Here is the Wikipedia page about it (which has the symptoms listed):
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
In the meantime, to relieve menstrual cramps try what works best for you:
1. Take ibuprofen (like Advil), or some over-the-counter painkiller such as Midol or Pamprin.
Remember, ibuprofen should always be taken with food or milk. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.
2. Start birth control pills.
Many gynecologist recommend birth control pills which regulate and sometimes decrease menstrual cramps.
3. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad on the cramping area. You can now buy ThermaCare HeatWraps for Menstrual Cramp Relief that warms up and is stickied to the front side of your panties so you can go about your day. I've had friends that tried the HeatWraps and they really loved them.
4. Start an exercise routine.
During menstrual cramps, the last thing on your mind is exercise. However, many women find that after they establish an exercise regimen, cramps are lessened. After several months, your menstrual flow may be lighter and less painful.
Try light aerobic exercise, swimming, meditating, or a short jog.
5. Change to a healthier diet.
Try to stay away from eating only junk food or food that does not make you feel better. During or right before your period, make an effort to eat more balanced meals, iron-rich foods (eggs, meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts), fresh fruit, vegetables, and vitamin supplements.
Taking a calcium supplement daily (all through the month) has helped many women lessen menstrual cramps.
6. Drink lots of liquids (hot and cold).
Most women don't drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water (or juice) a day. Try and cut down on soda and coffee. If you feel bloated, lethargic, or if you have constipation or diarrhea, be sure to drink lots of water.
Abstain from alcohol. If you tend to retain water during your period, alcohol will only add to your problems.
Cut out caffeine. The caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate can contribute to menstrual discomfort by making you nervous. Go caffeine-free. The oils in coffee also may irritate your intestines.
7. Have an orgasm or two.
Achieving orgasm through masturbation or other means temporarily reduces painful cramps for some women. The vigorous muscle action moves blood and other fluids away from the area, relieving pain. If you don't feel comfortable with this method, that's okay. Just do what works for you.
8. Get your feet rubbed.
The foot contains acupressure or trigger points that are believed to be connected along internal energy pathways to your pelvic area. Feel for these spots (which will be sensitive during your period) in the depressions above either side of your heel. Gently press in with your thumb and fingertips. Do the same along the sides of your Achilles tendon, moving up toward your calf muscle.
Try this acupressure technique for a few minutes on each foot. In my experience, this always works for me, especially when I'm having trouble falling asleep because of the cramping.
I hope you find some relief for your killer cramps and get checked out by a doctor. It's better to be safe than to find out years later you may be unable to have children because you let this problem go on too long. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me! :)
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