{"id":627567,"date":"2024-04-04T09:30:16","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T13:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627567"},"modified":"2025-04-24T19:50:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T23:50:46","slug":"does-exercise-help-period-cramps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-exercise-help-period-cramps\/","title":{"rendered":"Does exercise help with period cramps?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menstrual cramps are commonly described as a dull, throbbing, or spasming sensation in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. Also known as period cramps, they are caused by contractions of the uterus during menstruation and triggered by the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-intensity exercise, like walking, swimming, or yoga, can help alleviate painful periods by releasing endorphins, increasing blood flow, and reducing tension in the body. Keep reading to find out the best exercises for period cramps, plus other ways to keep them at bay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"does-working-out-help-period-cramps\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does working out help period cramps?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise boosts \u201cfeel-good chemicals\u201d in the brain called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endorphins<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which act as natural painkillers to help with period pain and boost mood, says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kecia Gaither, MD<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a double board-certified\u00a0 OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine physician and Director of Perinatal Services\/Maternal Fetal Medicine at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NYC Health + Hospitals\/Lincoln<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the Bronx. Endorphins also <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like headache, back pain, breast tenderness, fatigue and bloating, and depressed mood. This means regular exercise can go a long way toward improving symptoms if you want to relax period pains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to research, there are two types of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560834\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Greek term for \u201cpainful monthly bleeding:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Primary dysmenorrhea <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">refers to menstrual cramps that occur without any underlying medical condition that is caused by the natural uterine contractions during menstruation. It typically <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/dysmenorrhea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">begins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> one to two days before your period starts and lasts two to three days afterward.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Secondary dysmenorrhea<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to menstrual cramps caused by an underlying medical condition, including endometriosis, endometrial polyps, interstitial cystitis, uterine fibroids, cesarean scars, pelvic inflammatory disease, or adenomyosis (when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine wall). It lasts for longer periods than primary dysmenorrhea, and the condition varies. Secondary dysmenorrhea usually requires medical treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/keciagaither.com\/meet-kecia\/\">Dr. Gaither<\/a> explains that primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to the increased secretion of chemicals called prostaglandins in the uterus during the sloughing of the endometrium (uterine lining).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cProstaglandins are involved with vasoconstriction, contractions, and decreased oxygen supply, leading to uterine ischemia (restricted blood flow) and the production of anaerobic byproducts,\u201d Dr. Gaither says. In other words, period contractions can narrow the blood vessels in the uterus, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply. This lack of oxygen can lead to pain and the production of waste products, which may also cause nausea and diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During menstruation, progesterone levels <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/24613-low-progesterone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drop<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, causing the uterine lining to shed. As progesterone decreases, prostaglandins increase, resulting in pain and inflammation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0306987718308909\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may reduce the release of prostaglandins by raising levels of the hormone progesterone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-type-of-exercise-helps-with-period-cramps\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What type of exercise helps with period cramps?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have your period, it\u2019s generally recommended to engage in the following exercises to help with cramps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardio, such as light walking, swimming, or cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching, gentle yoga, and pilates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic floor exercises<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strength training<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThere is no definite time that you shouldn&#8217;t work out on your period as long as you feel up for it,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.drladydoctor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kelly Culwell, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified OB-GYN and Head of Research and Development, Women&#8217;s Health at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sebelapharma.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sebela Pharmaceuticals Inc<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. in San Diego, CA.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cEven if you are feeling tired and crampy, just getting outside and taking a walk around the block can do a lot for your mental well-being,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealth.gov\/getting-active\/physical-activity-menstrual-cycle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">according to the Office on Women&#8217;s Health,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> having your period won&#8217;t affect your ability to exercise, except for prolonged endurance events like marathons during hot and humid weather. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is little risk to engaging in physical activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"cardio\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardio<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise may improve period pain when performed consistently. One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5791467\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent clinical trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that women who engaged in regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes, three times weekly for eight weeks) experienced a reduction in period pain severity. However, this effect was not noticed after four weeks, suggesting a regular exercise routine is the best way to improve symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"stretching-yoga\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching &amp; yoga<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29037637\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">small study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that among young women with primary dysmenorrhea, those who practiced yoga for 30 minutes per day twice weekly for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in menstrual pain. According to another <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10625499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stretching the abdominal muscles for 10 to 15 minutes is also likely to cause period pain relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pelvic-floor-strengthening-exercises\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic floor-strengthening exercises<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5187401\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">randomized clinical trial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared the effects of the pain medication mefenamic acid versus exercise on female students with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea. The exercise group performed 15 minutes of belly and pelvic stretching exercises three times weekly for eight weeks. In contrast, the mefenamic acid group was given 250 mg every eight hours from the beginning of menstruation until pain relief. Researchers concluded that both groups experienced comparable levels of pain reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"strength-training\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strength training<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While little research exists into the benefits of strength training for period pain relief, it\u2019s known to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16840576\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase blood flow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/exercising-to-relax\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">release endorphins, and reduce stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. All of these factors can contribute to reduced pain symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to managing period cramps and other symptoms, your exercise intensity may not be as important as how often you exercise. According to a recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD004142.pub4\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systematic review<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, engaging in both low-intensity yoga and high-intensity cardiovascular exercise significantly reduces period pain intensity versus not exercising. Researchers found women with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea who performed 45 to 60 minutes of activity three times weekly, regardless of intensity, reduced pain levels by 25%, a significant amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/period-cramp-relief\/\"><b>What helps with period cramps?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"safety-precautions-for-exercise-during-your-period\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety precautions for exercise during your period<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When working out during your period, there are a few precautions to keep in mind to ensure a safe experience. First and foremost, listening to your body and adjusting your workout intensity accordingly is essential. What\u2019s more, menstrual symptoms vary from person to person, so while some women may feel energized by exercise, others may feel fatigue or discomfort during their period.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cListen to your body and do what feels right for you,\u201d says Dr. Culwell. For example, on your heaviest bleeding days,\u00a0 intense weight lifting or cardio exercise may increase your menstrual flow. In that case, she says you may want to save those activities for later in your cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exercise your body is up for can vary throughout the menstrual cycle because of hormonal fluctuations that affect your energy levels. That\u2019s why it is a good idea to vary your exercise intensity throughout the month. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Menstruation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some women experience increased energy during their period, while others feel more easily fatigued. Light to moderate-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga may be particularly beneficial during menstrual periods, while high-intensity workouts should generally be avoided.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follicular phase:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The week after your period ends, estrogen levels rise, typically leading to increased energy levels. This phase is a good time to engage in high-intensity exercise like running, heavy weightlifting, and other vigorous activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ovulation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estrogen levels peak right before ovulation, which occurs about two weeks before your next period. After ovulation, they quickly drop off, which may mean you feel more sluggish than usual. You can still exercise, but you may benefit from working out first thing in the morning before your energy levels start to drop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Luteal phase: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This phase occurs the week before your period and may be accompanied by PMS symptoms. Due to falling estrogen and progesterone levels, you may experience reduced energy levels, but exercising can help improve symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-make-your-period-end-faster\/\"><b>How to make your period end faster<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"alternatives-for-period-cramp-relief\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatives for period cramp relief<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, exercise alone isn\u2019t enough to manage period cramps. In that case, the following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4148-dysmenorrhea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may provide relief:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/nsaids\"><b>Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><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\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aleve\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aleve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen sodium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">block the production of prostaglandin, which decreases the source of menstrual cramps, says Dr. Culwell. She says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tylenol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tylenol <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acetaminophen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) helps too, but it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK279323\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less effective<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than NSAIDs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Period medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/midol-complete\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Midol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pamprin-max\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pamprin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> relieve pain and bloating and increase energy. It is important to review the ingredients in these medications\u2014some preparations contain caffeine and\/or aspirin, which can be a problem for people who have hypertension, heart conditions, or are taking blood-thinning medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hormonal contraceptives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-birth-control-pill-contraceptive-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control pills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, vaginal rings, injections, skin patches, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/iud-birth-control-contraceptive-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">intrauterine devices (IUDs)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to prevent ovulation and decrease period pain, says Dr. Gaither.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-to-take-for-period-cramps\/\"><b>What to take for period cramps<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several home remedies and lifestyle modifications may also help <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4148-dysmenorrhea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">alleviate period symptoms<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a heating pad can help reduce abdominal pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting extra rest can help decrease period-related fatigue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massaging your lower back may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35556238\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relieve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> period cramps. Having a partner apply gentle, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560529\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rocking pressure on the sacrum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help with symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching the abdominal and pelvic muscles can have similar effects to pain medication.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7159229\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cigarettes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can reduce the risk of period pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding alcohol, which contributes to dehydration and worsens cramping, can make a big difference.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12905-021-01184-w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking plenty of water <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can lessen period symptoms by preventing dehydration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3287417\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acupressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5999465\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acupuncture<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may help reduce menstrual pain severity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing and yoga can ease pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplementing with vitamin D or magnesium may help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/foods-that-help-with-period-cramps\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rich in anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, nuts, and leafy green vegetables and drinking green tea can help with period pain management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">essential oils<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as sage, lavender, and marjoram may reduce symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line? While regular exercise can help reduce the severity of period cramps and enhance your overall quality of life, you may not always be up for a workout during your period. Lifestyle modifications and alternative treatments can help, but for stubborn symptoms, over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs and prescription birth control may be your best bet. For severe symptoms, seek medical advice from your primary care provider or OB-GYN.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-heavy-periods\/\"><b>5 home remedies for heavy periods<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Menstrual cramps are commonly described as a dull, throbbing, or spasming sensation in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. Also known as period cramps, they are caused by contractions of the uterus during menstruation and triggered by the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation. Low-intensity exercise, like walking, swimming, or yoga, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":627407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[12674,8670],"coauthors":[20608],"class_list":["post-627567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-exercise","tag-womens-health","franchise-workout-rx","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>Does exercise help with period cramps?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Manage period cramps with light exercise, hydration, and diet changes. 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