Question Posted Wednesday February 4 2009, 11:52 am
i always have the WORST cramps when im on my period. its always the same: on the first and second day, they're at their worst. and i wake up in the middle of the night in agony. and then the third-fifth day, they're kinda there, or gone completely. (my periods last 5 days.)
i use pamprin for maximum pain relief, and then i have normal pamprin. i always take two when i feel shitty, and they work in about 30-45 minutes. but up until then, im in pain and i cant stand it. its so bad up to the point where im cussing with everything i do and i want to stab myself in the stomach.
any good ideas on what to do for 30-45 minutes while im waiting for the stupid pills to work? sometimes im at school, though. so any ideas what to do besides putting my legs up on the wall? thanks for any advice.
[ Answer this question ] Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category? Maybe give some free advice about: Health? Chocolate-xox answered Friday February 6 2009, 12:44 am: Actually, your cramps sometimes depends on what you ate on your last period.
I had really bad cramps in the Summer once because I didn't care that I was on my period and ate like a bunch of Cold stuff. Like Ice cream.
So I know that it really hurts now, but then if you try and eat warm food, drinks, etc. Then the next time you get your period, it then won't hurt as much.
It worked for me :) I feel your pain, it sucks. Drink lots of warm water. And avoid the cold. (Even the cold weather! So just wear a lot, and make sure it covers your stomach).
Peeps answered Wednesday February 4 2009, 11:44 pm: Heating pads usually help relieve these sorts of pains because, in actuality, it's similar to muscle cramps. Basically, the muscle of your uterus is contracting to help shed and expel the old uterine lining. This being said, heat helps to relax those muscles for contracting so strongly.
Now, since heating pads are, obviously, not available at school...you may want to look into some of those ThermaCare patches made specifically for menstrual times. My friend used some and, as I recall, you basically just peel one side off and sticky it to your panties where they touch your lower abdomen (where the cramps are) and it releases heat for ~6+ hours.
Here is the website for the ThermaCare patches for Menstrual Cramps, which includes a listing of places that currently sell such products (Wal-Mart, CVS, RiteAid, basically any pharmacy or drug store):
So, you could carry one of these sort of patches in your purse and excuse yourself to the restroom when you're cramping a lot and waiting for the medicine to kick in, apply the patch in the bathroom, and go about your daily life without anyone knowing that you applied anything.
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):
As for other methods of relief, here are a few, listed out:
1. Start birth control pills.
Many gynecologist recommend birth control pills which regulate and sometimes decrease menstrual cramps.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 maybe even 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! :) [ Peeps's advice column | Ask Peeps A Question ]
Attention: NOTHING on this site may be reproduced in any fashion whatsoever without explicit consent (in writing) of the owner of said material, unless otherwise stated on the page where the content originated. Search engines are free to index and cache our content. Users who post their account names or personal information in their questions have no expectation of privacy beyond that point for anything they disclose. Questions are otherwise considered anonymous to the general public.