Learn here what helps with cramps in your periods? In details!!!

Posted by Emma Wendy on January 25th, 2021

If your period stops you with painful cramps every month, then you have plenty of company.  About 50% of women of reproductive age suffer from menstrual pain, which is medically known as dysmenorrhea.  Doctors believe that cramps are caused by chemicals called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions that helps your body shed the uterine lining every month.

With fluctuating high hormone levels, menstrual cramps can also contribute.  And for some women with severe menstrual pain, a condition like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids can play a role.  "It's something that goes around with a lot of women, and for some women it's pretty serious," says Brett Worley, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

What helps with cramps? If the pain is this bad, it makes a big dent in your daily life, according to your healthcare provider, Dr. Talk to Worli to find out a serious underlying cause.  If you need clear and easy strategies for cramp relief that really work, try these expert-backed remedies.  Some can help you feel better temporarily, while others can reduce the level of pain you feel for a longer period of time.

What did we know so far?

What helps with cramps? The authors associated with the study say that fiber intake can lower blood estrogen levels in women and estrogen is a factor behind period-related pain.  In that sense, the foods that can help with menstrual cramps are whole grains, fruits and vegetables (especially green leafy ones), your diet can also help improve digestion in the long term, which can help reduce abdominal pain and cramps at any time of the month.

What helps with cramps? On the other hand, fatty foods have been shown to increase estrogen levels in women.  A 2005 study did not find a significant relationship between a high-fat diet and a longer duration of pain, but the authors say the connection needs to be studied further.  In a previous study, women who followed a low-fat vegetarian diet (and increased their fiber intake) reduced the duration and intensity of pain. There is some science behind this ancient remedy: In 2005, researchers from University College London demonstrated how heat applied to the skin can inhibit signs of pain, as well as neutralize painful sensations on a molecular level for up to an hour.

Doing this may be the final task when your period starts, but there is good reason to do it.  "High intensity exercises when you have really bad cramps don't necessarily make you feel better right away," said Dr. Dice Worli.  But in the long term, studies show that women who exercise regularly and stay fit have less pelvic pain overall.  In some cases, there may be some immediate benefits to increasing your heart rate and actually moving your body.  "Exercise can release endorphins, which are the body's natural pain relievers," said Dr. Worli Dice.  If it doesn't feel as intense as a kickboxing class, try yoga and deep breathing.

Other details regarding it?

What helps with cramps? Just like you need another reason to quit: Several studies have found a link between smoking, in addition to inhaling second-hand smoke, and an increased risk of period pain.  More research is needed to recommend an effective dose, the researchers say, and taking too many supplements can cause a dangerous heart arrhythmia, and any new supplements or try getting more magnesium from food sources such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy green vegetables. A 2015 report published in Tobacco Control found that the earlier women started smoking, the more likely they were to have chronic menstrual pain in adulthood. While kicking the habit may not help you feel better right away, says Worli, it can help improve your health.  You can also make exercise, another menstrual pain remedy, a little easier, respectively.

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Emma Wendy

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Emma Wendy
Joined: August 26th, 2020
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