How to get relief from menstrual cramps

When a woman has menstrual periods, the uterus contracts in an attempt to expel the lining. These uterine contractions are caused by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins are responsible for menstrual cramps and menstrual pain. Some pain at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is normal, but generally a woman should not experience any pain during menstruation. Many women are so used to feeling this type of pain that they have come to accept menstrual cramps as an unavoidable occurrence of the menstrual cycle. In reality, there is a lot that any woman can do to have a pain-free period.

The following is a simple list of natural things that any woman suffering from menstrual cramps can do to improve her situation:

1. Reduce the amount of coffee consumed every day. Even decaffeinated coffee drinks should be avoided, especially before your period arrives.

2. Eliminate daily alcohol intake and limit alcohol consumption only on special occasions.

3. Increase the amount of water. Avoid drinking tap water or bottled water as they contain high levels of xenoestrogens, which mimic the action of estrogen and cause hormonal imbalances leading to irregular cycles, painful periods, infertility, etc.

3. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

4. Eat only organically raised meat and limit the amount of red meat to once a week.

5. Eat cold-water fish that has been caught in the wild and not farmed.

6. Avoid or limit dairy products, as they increase the production of prostaglandins.

7. Don’t smoke.

8. Reduce your intake of salty foods before your period.

9. Increase circulation of blood flow to the reproductive organs by exercising, aerobics, walking or yoga.

10. Take a daily multivitamin specifically for women. Take extra magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins, especially B3 and B6.

There are a number of other important things that women sufferers can do to lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. For example, it is often necessary to avoid the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancy because they can increase cramping and menstrual bleeding, often leading to inflammation and even pelvic inflammatory disease. Many women should also consider using tampons only when necessary and using sanitary tampons most of the time instead.

There are specific vitamins that are helpful in lessening menstrual cramps related to poor nutrition and mineral deficiency. These are omega 3 and 9 fatty acids, DHA, EPA and GLA.

Homeopathic remedies for menstrual cramps

Homeopathic medicine is very safe and effective in treating menstrual cramps and can be used by girls as well as women who are trying to conceive because homeopathic medicine is non-toxic and 100% natural with no side effects. In homeopathic medicine the symptoms experienced by the patient must coincide with the indication of the homeopathic remedy. The following is a list of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies and how they can help women who suffer from menstrual cramps.

Belladonna

This remedy helps calm violent menstrual cramps that are worse on the right side. This remedy is indicated in cases of sudden onset of pain and cramping accompanied by profuse, bright red bleeding, often with hot, coagulated blood flow. The uterus feels very congested and the woman feels better by drinking cold water with lemon. She is very thirsty and prefers to rest. As the intensity of the cramps increases, she may become angry and irritated. This remedy is usually indicated in cases of heavy bleeding and cramps caused by miscarriage.

chamomile

This is one of the most prescribed remedies for the mental and emotional symptoms that accompany painful periods due to menstrual cramps. The woman is very sensitive to pain and does not tolerate it and becomes extremely irritable, almost childlike. The pain is very intense and from the uterus goes down the inner part of the thighs. The blood stream may contain large, dark-colored clots mixed with bright red blood.

Colocynthis

This remedy helps the woman who feels the pain more in the ovaries and less in the uterus. She wants to double over because this position improves her situation. She prefers strong pressure to the lower abdomen and warm applications. She can get angry easily, which makes her pain worse.

Arnica

This remedy helps those women who feel pain throughout the body with pain in the perineum as if bruised. The blood flow is abundant and the woman feels weak.

Lachesis

This remedy is used more in the premenstrual period since with this remedy the woman feels better when the flow arrives. Before the flow she is irritable, she has headaches with hot flashes. The cramps are severe and start before the flow. They are worse from the pressure and the woman wants to wear loose clothing. The discharge is scanty with little blood, often very dark in color with severe cramping. Once the flow is established, the cramps go away. She feels hot and wants cold drinks and fresh air.

phosphoric magnesia

This is the main remedy for menstrual cramps as it will work in almost all cases. If you are not sure which remedy to take, this is the one for you. The main symptom is that hot applications and hot foods and drinks improve menstrual pain. The pain is felt in the uterus, and the woman wants to lie down on the right side better.

nux vomica

This remedy has a marked symptom of menstrual cramps associated with low back pain with a feeling of needing to defecate. You may feel irritable, easily angry, and cold. During your periods you have an increased craving for fats (unhealthy foods), smoking, and a craving for alcohol. This remedy is also indicated in women whose flow lasts too long.

Pulsatilla

This remedy is for women who get very emotional and tearful before and during their periods. They change their moods easily and also their menstrual pain changes frequently without an easily identifiable pattern. She is shy, needy, and wants constant attention and support. She doesn’t want to drink and has cravings for cold, creamy dishes that make her nauseous. She feels warm and prefers fresh, open air. She constantly wants to open the window and change the air in the room when it is too stuffy.

Sepia

Sepia helps those who, during their period, have mental and physical weakness with pressure pain as if all the organs are going to fall off. The period can be late and heavy or early and scanty. The pain is felt as stabbing pains that travel into the vagina. She becomes cold, irritable, depressed and resistant to physical and mental work. You often crave sour foods and chocolate. It is better for hot applications and movement. This remedy is indicated for women who develop menstrual problems after the birth control pill or pregnancy.

Anyone suffering from severe menstrual cramps accompanied by heavy bleeding during menstruation should see their doctor to rule out gynecological conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovaries, or endometriosis.