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Your Guide to Getting Rid of Cramps6 tricks for wiping out PMS, cramps and bloating -- stat |
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First, where do cramps come from? Cramps occur during your period when hormones called prostaglandins trigger muscle contractions in your uterus (fun times) to help the uterus shed its lining. The result: pain and inflammation. The higher your levels of prostaglandins, the more severe your cramps. Usually, discomfort rolls in one to two days before your period and peaks within the first 24 hours of blood flow. (If menstrual cramps last longer than that and/or are very severe, see a doctor, because a secondary cause of menstrual cramping can come from conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids.)
About half of all women get menstrual cramps, and some 15 percent describe the pain as severe. Generally if you are younger than 20, have heavy bleeding, started puberty at age 11 or younger, or have never delivered a child, you get it the worst.
The jury is out on if you can prevent menstrual cramps: Some say regular exercise will help although that hasn't been proven. In fact, one study disproved the theory: Researchers at Birmingham University in England found that the amount that you work out does not impact the severity of your menstrual cramps. (To note: We're obviously not saying don't work out. Regular exercise can make you feel better during your period: endorphins are released, sleeping is improved, healthy eating is more likely. But it might not reduce your cramping.)
Instead try out these six tried and true ways to get rid of cramps.
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