Painful Menstrual Periods Natural Solutions

Painful menstruation affects many women. For a small number of women, the discomfort makes it difficult to perform normal household, job, or school-related activities for a few days during each menstrual cycle. Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women in their teens and 20s.

The pain may begin several days before, or just at the start of your period. It generally lessens as menstrual bleeding tapers off.

Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not. The medical term for excessively painful periods is dysmenorrhea.

The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications:

• Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
• Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen (below your belly button).
• Drink warm beverages and eat light but frequent meals.
• Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower abdomen.
• Follow a diet low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Keep your legs elevated while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
• Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. Start taking it the day before your period is expected to start, and continue taking it regularly for the first few days of your period.
• Take warm showers or baths.
• Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, seek the advice of a qualified practitioner before using any herbs, supplements or other alternatives to health.