{"id":51342,"date":"2022-05-16T09:30:30","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T13:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=51342"},"modified":"2022-05-16T10:41:54","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T14:41:54","slug":"period-cramp-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/period-cramp-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"12 ways to get rid of period cramps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your menstrual period is a painful, uncomfortable experience, you are far from alone. Over<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half of all women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during their reproductive years experience painful period cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual cramps range from mildly to extremely painful. The pain usually lasts between one to two days\u2014sometimes more. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When severe, menstrual cramps hinder the performance of daily activities, often leading to absenteeism or decreased productivity involving school, work, and other responsibilities. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s no wonder that many women are looking for period cramp relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, find helpful tips to stop period cramps\u2014including home remedies, lifestyle changes, and provider-recommended period cramp medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes period cramps?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can blame period cramps on prostaglandins, chemicals produced in your body during menstrual lining shedding. Prostaglandins \u201care released by the uterus and cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract, which causes menstrual cramps,\u201d explains<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/find-care\/find-a-doctor\/obstetrics-and-gynecology\/dr-linda-anne-bahouth-md-11369335\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linda Bahouth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, the director of Simulation Program in OB-GYN at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/siuh.northwell.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staten Island University Hospital Center for Women&#8217;s Health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In other words, nothing you\u2019re doing\u2014like using a tampon\u2014is making them worse, since that doesn\u2019t affect prostaglandins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually period cramps start a day or two before menstrual bleeding and continue through the first day or two of your period.\u00a0 This is when prostaglandins are at their highest<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Certain conditions may cause longer-lasting, more severe period cramps<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uterine fibroids (benign growths inside the uterus)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic inflammatory disease (a sexually transmitted infection of the reproductive organs)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cervical stenosis (narrowed cervix that impedes menstrual flow)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adenomyosis (tissue embedded in uterine walls)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/endometriosis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometriosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (uterine lining outside the uterus)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes women have cramps but no menstrual bleeding. This can be due to hormone imbalances, pregnancy (intrauterine or ectopic), gastrointestinal problems, or another health issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to get rid of period cramps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What helps with period cramps can vary from person to person and may change over time. That\u2019s why it\u2019s good to have options. Often, combining treatments can be immensely beneficial. Try these period cramp remedies and medications to find relief:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#exercise\">Light exercise<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#yoga\">Yoga<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#pain-meds\">Pain relief medication<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#acupuncture\">Acupuncture<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#birth-control\">Birth control<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#heat\">Heat therapy<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#tea\">Tea<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#decrease\">Decreasing alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#vitamins\">Vitamins<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#omega-3\">Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#diet-changes\">Diet changes<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#aromatherapy\">Aromatherapy<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"exercise\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Light exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercising may be the last thing you want to do while you are having period cramps, but light to moderate exercise during your period can provide much-needed relief. \u201cExercise releases natural endorphins, which not only boost mood but also have a pain-relieving effect,\u201d Dr. Bahouth says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD004142.pub4\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that regular exercise throughout the month\u2014about 45-60 minutes three times a week\u2014can lead to a significant reduction in pain during menstruation. And you don\u2019t have to exercise intensively\u2014even light exercise has similar benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"yoga\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Yoga<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All types of exercise can be beneficial for reducing period pain, but yoga in particular<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31383452\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has been found to be effective<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in reducing menstrual discomfort. Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fusionwellnesspt.com\/about-fusion-wellness\/about-heather\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Femina Physical Therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Los Angeles, shared her favorite yoga sequence for managing menstrual cramp pain:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with a child\u2019s pose stretch over a pillow<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lie on your back and put your calves up on a couch for support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From here, try a modified \u201chappy baby pose,\u201d keeping your hands on your ribs and taking a deep inhalation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">End with a \u201cfigure 4\u201d stretch with your legs supported by the couch<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to hold all stretches for eight slow, deep breaths for maximum benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pain-meds\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Pain relief medication<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If natural period cramp relief methods aren\u2019t cutting it, over-the-counter medications can reduce prostaglandins. The pain relievers that most effectively do this are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/advil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/motrin-ib\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motrin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aleve\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve (naproxen)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSAIDs can sometimes have mild<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Gastrointestinal effects are the most common and can be decreased by taking the medication with food. If that\u2019s a concern for you, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tylenol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol (acetaminophen)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also help with pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"acupuncture\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Acupuncture<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acupuncture can be a powerful tool to help with menstrual cramps. \u201cAcupuncture reduces inflammation and regulates hormones as well as changing how the brain perceives pain,\u201d Dr. Bahouth explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indeed,<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5999465\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have found that, compared with no treatment, acupuncture can reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps and may do so even more effectively than NSAIDs. A<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0180177\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PLOS ONE<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that acupuncture treatment produced positive results for three months\u2014and as long as one year. Seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist and clear the treatment with your primary healthcare provider as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"birth-control\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Birth control<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-options\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also helps decrease period cramps. Any contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin reduce pain by making your period light and reducing prostaglandins, explains Dr. Bahouth. That includes birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, implants, injections and even certain intrauterine devices (IUDs). Many forms of contraception can be used continuously and avoid menstrual periods (and the associated pain) altogether. Talk to your physician about the frequency of menstruation you desire and the method of contraception you want.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Heat therapy<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using heat therapy to relieve menstrual pain isn\u2019t just an old wives\u2019 tale. There is<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6214933\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that it can really soothe period cramps and lower back pain. Curl up with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Or, try a stick-on heat patch when you have cramps and are on-the-go. If you don\u2019t have any of those things\u2014make a homemade hot pack by filling a cotton bag or sock with rice then microwaving it. You can combine heat therapy with medication for period cramps, or other methods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"tea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Tea<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you aren\u2019t feeling 100%, drinking a pot of hot tea can be comforting. But during your monthly cycle, there is evidence that a cuppa can actually help relieve cramps, especially certain types.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6970572\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A systematic review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Pharmacopuncture<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that chamomile tea can reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms\u2014and that its anti-spasmodic characteristics can help with period cramps. Ginger, which can be consumed in pill form or as a tea,<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1472-6882-12-92\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has been shown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to have strong mitigating effects on period pain as well. If you\u2019re experiencing other period problems, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/bloating-remedies\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bloating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, peppermint tea may ease gas along with pain in your lower abdomen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most herbal teas are safe to consume and don\u2019t have adverse side effects, but it\u2019s always a safe bet to talk to your healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of herbal teas or before taking herbal supplements in pill form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"decrease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Decreasing alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, there are things you should avoid, rather than add: There\u2019s<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY\/tools\/dysmenorrhea-menstrual-cramping.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">evidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that reducing alcohol and tobacco usage can decrease menstrual cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6454168\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pointing to a connection between consuming large amounts of caffeine and painful periods. Still, many women who drink caffeinated beverages don\u2019t have painful cramps. If you drink a lot of caffeine and experience intense period pain, it may be worth it to reduce your caffeine consumption, especially while on your period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"vitamins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Vitamins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain nutrients may have a positive effect on reducing period pain and taking these nutrients in supplemental form may help with period cramps. For example, according to<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY\/tools\/dysmenorrhea-menstrual-cramping.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs\u2019 Whole Health Library<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the following vitamin supplements may reduce period cramps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vitamin-b1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin B1 (thiamine)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vitamin-b6\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/vitamin-e\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/magnesium\">Magnesium<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of these vitamins have few risks and minimal side effects, but it\u2019s worth discussing these supplements with your physician before moving forward. Your healthcare team can advise you on dosage and frequency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"omega-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Found in flaxseeds and fish (or supplement form), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/fatty-acids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, may have a moderating effect on menstrual cramps.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3770499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study from 2011<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that consuming fish oil had a stronger effect on severe menstrual cramps than a placebo and may even be better at soothing cramps than ibuprofen. There is also evidence that eating a diet high in fatty acids can reduce the production of prostaglandins and decrease menstrual cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consuming foods rich with omega-3 fatty acids is usually low risk, but you should talk to your provider about taking omega-3 supplements and the amount that\u2019s advisable for you to take.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"diet-changes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11. Dietary changes<\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to decreasing caffeine and adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, there are a few other dietary tweaks you can make to reduce the intensity of your period cramps. These<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/11-diet-changes-that-help-you-fight-pms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">include<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing sugar and salt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating more green leafy vegetables and fruits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating more lean meats and iron-rich foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing carbs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing your water intake<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are all healthy dietary choices, so even if they don\u2019t work on your menstrual pain, they could improve your health in other ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"aromatherapy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12. Aromatherapy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soaking in a warm bath with lavender oil can help to reduce menstrual cramps. It\u2019s not just the heat that may be soothing: The lavender oil can be helpful, too. That\u2019s right\u2014there\u2019s some evidence that aromatherapy can help with painful period cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6262530\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Clinical Medicine<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found a moderate amount of evidence that aromatherapy is more powerful than a placebo when it comes to reducing painful period cramps. Another<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29729556\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, published in <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Journal of Nursing Studies<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showed similar favorable results for the use of aromatherapy for menstrual cramps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aromatherapy isn\u2019t generally harmful (though essential oils should never be consumed orally), so it\u2019s worth a shot, and can be combined with other methods.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see a doctor for menstrual cramps<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that most cases of period cramps resolve within a day or two of your period arriving. If your abdominal pain lasts longer than the duration of your period, if you have cramps without a period, or if you are missing school or work because of severe pain, visit your healthcare provider. You may need a pelvic exam or ultrasound to diagnose what\u2019s causing your painful periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pmdd-stories\/\"><b>Living with PMDD<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious period cramps aren\u2019t something to \u201cput up with.\u201d Take them seriously. Seek help. You deserve to have a more manageable monthly cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your menstrual period is a painful, uncomfortable experience, you are far from alone. Over half of all women during their reproductive years experience painful period cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual cramps range from mildly to extremely painful. The pain usually lasts between one to two days\u2014sometimes more. When severe, menstrual cramps hinder [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":51114,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[808,8670],"coauthors":[20899],"class_list":["post-51342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-pain-management","tag-womens-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What helps with period cramps? 12 pain relievers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"More than half of women experience menstrual cramps. 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