Simple natural solutions for women suffering from PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, or other discomfort during their period.
It seems that more women suffer from menstrual problems – cramping, bloating, mood swings and grumpiness around their period – than don’t. Many accept PMS, menstrual cramps, and a day or two off from work each month as the reality of a woman’s life. Others try prescription or over-the-counter medications knowing that most are useless and that even if they do work, they only dull the pain and do not address the underlying hormonal issues.
Menstrual symptoms may seem universal, but they should not be ignored. They are symptomatic of hormone imbalance and may affect, or be affected by, other aspects of your health.
First Question: ENDOCRINE HEALTH
PMS, cramps, and other menstrual symptoms are worsened if your thyroid or other endocrine glands are stressed. Having your doctor run blood tests to check your levels of reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone) may also highlight problems.
Natural Solutions: BALANCE HORMONES AND RESTORE HEALTH
Boost Your Immune System
For many women, their immune system takes a hit before and during their monthly period. Supplementing your diet with a good source of vitamin C, oregano oil, or other natural immune system boosters for the week before you expect your next period can have a significant impact on how you feel once you’re menstruating. Some women benefit from dosing themselves as if they have a cold or flu.
Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin E
Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E have all been shown to help relieve menstrual cramping, pain, and breast tenderness. Magnesium also relieves anxiety and calcium may help you sleep. These supplements can be taken before bed or as needed when cramps occur (for a short period of time).
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage is loaded with natural chemicals that the human body can easily modify to produce hormones. It supports hormone balance and for many women it relieves menstrual pain, PMS, and soreness as well as regulating timing and flow.
Clary sage can be used in massage, or applied directly to the reflexology points on the feet that correspond to the ovaries and uterus – points on either side of both ankles.
If you have a pure source for therapeutic-grade essential oils, it may also be taken internally in capsules to support hormonal balance. (Please exercise caution and consult with your doctor or naturopath before using any product internally.)
Sleep, Exercise, and Good Nutrition
Are you getting enough sleep? Moderate daily exercise? A sedentary lifestyle or chronic shortage of sleep puts stress on your system that can affect hormonal balance.
A diet high in caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, unhealthy fats – or a diet lacking sufficient protein or any vital nutrient – can also contribute in a significant way to menstrual cramps, fatigue, and other symptoms during a woman’s period. Soy (tofu, soy milk, veggie burgers, TVP) may also have a detrimental effect on hormonal health.
Consider changing your diet for one month to avoid artificial sweeteners, coffee, soy, or whatever the culprit might be in your case. Assess after your next period (or two, or three) whether it has made a difference. Keep in mind that it can take up to three months to see results with any dietary change, but that most people do begin to see results within a month or two of making changes in their diet or routines.
The copyright of the article Women's Menstrual Period Cramps in Natural Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Women's Menstrual Period Cramps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I hate cramps and im only 16 what kind of medicin should and when do my
period stop 4 the rest of my life
Dec 10, 2008 11:48 AM
Guest :
I hate menstrual cramps, i hate them and im only 18
Jan 2, 2009 9:49 PM
Guest :
hey im 13 and im pissed at my cramps :(
Jan 11, 2009 10:19 AM
Guest :
I am 16 and i get the worst cramps.It helps sometimes when i use a heating
pad.I read somewhere that heat unties the cramp and makes the blood flow
faster and easier.Just some brain food for ya.
Jan 16, 2009 5:02 PM
Guest :
im only 15, and i get horrible cramps, I usually like have to miss 2 days
of school and I throw up all the time, don't feel like eating, it's just a
nightmare. But sometimes, to keep the pain where I can handle it, I put a
really hot water bottle on my lower abdomen and take Tylenol.
Jan 24, 2009 9:29 PM
Guest :
heat helps!!! im laying with my laptop on my stomach and because its
so hot its helping
Jan 27, 2009 6:09 AM
Guest :
I'm in work and wish I could go home! :( I hate cramps!! They're evil!!
Feb 1, 2009 6:02 PM
Guest :
Good article.
Cramps are horrible. I used to get them severe but
now they are mild from eating a low fat vegan diet heavy in produce. I also
avoid smoking, booze, fake sugar, and trans fats.I also drink cinnamon,
mint, chamomile, fennel,raspberry leaf tea.What a relief.
Feb 9, 2009 1:16 PM
Guest :
i hate it!!!!!!!!1 ive tried heating pads...little help some say
chocolate but i cant eat it it says sleep but i stay up at night
because of the pain.... i dont want to trouble my mom with it, i mean
it only lasts 2-3 days...and she gets so tired durring the day plz ell
me of a really effective treatment,..its getting worse as i age
Feb 17, 2009 12:51 PM
Guest :
I used to get TERRIBLE cramps and migraines around that horrible time of
the month. My doctor put me on yasmin, a birth control. They aren't
completely gone. But I rarely get migraines and my cramps aren't as bad at
all. (:
Feb 26, 2009 9:22 AM
Guest :
GOSHHHH CAN I TAKE A PILL AND MY PERIOD WOULD STOP FOREVER! my cramps are
the worst at the first 3 days of my period the pain is horrible I dont
sleep and sometimes I cry, sometimes I am pale, I hate it when i have
classes and there's pain sometimes i just skip univ. i cant handle it
without meedication i just hate it :(
Mar 5, 2009 1:56 PM
Guest :
Taking the Pill usually helps stem heavy and long periods, and eases the
cramping. My periods are now only 3-4 days long, and are quite light. I
would suggest speaking to your doctor as heavy period pain is usually a
sign of an underlying disorder such as endometriosis. From personal
experience, don't even bother with paracetamol for pain relief, go straight
for the anti-inflammatories such as Naproxen or Voltaren. Apply heat, and
remove caffeine, sugar and other junk food. Be especially kind to your body
and don't be afraid to ask for help when you feel something is not quite
right - Abnormally periods are NOT normal! Hope this helps :)
Mar 10, 2009 8:49 AM
Guest :
I take Pamprin and it works really well! Also, when your on the pill, even
if your not sexually active, it helps greatly with cramps. When i'm not
taking the pill they are devastating almost, but on the pill I forget i'm
even on!
Apr 28, 2009 12:47 PM
Guest :
I just got back from school, a friend had to drive me home because I
couldn't sit in class anymore I hurt so bad. Someone gave me some
medicine before the start of class, but that only made me feel like I had
to throw up. I ended up hobbling to the bathroom accompanied by
another friend and sat on the toilet moaning and crying for a good 10
minutes. Moral: Don't take random medicine during school if you've
never had it before. And if you start to feel bad, don't try to truck it
out. Just go home and make everything a lot easier. Friends are the best
thing ever. My friend told me to try putting something warm on my
lower abdomen; it hurt at first but slowly the pain is fading. Although I'm
not sure if the medicine is kicking in or if the heat is working - either
way I've stopping moaning and crying. :)
May 18, 2009 11:57 PM
Guest :
I know where you're coming from. It's after midnight here and I'm moaning
and crying with a hot pack on my belly because the cramps are so painful.
I've been taking crampbark but it's not helping tonight. I can't stand up
without doubling over. May have to go to the ER. It hurts so much!!
Jun 2, 2009 3:37 AM
Guest :
Well, I'm 41 and still have HORRIBLE CRAMPS!!! When does this end???
Jun 7, 2009 1:38 PM
Guest :
i have tried heating pads, warm baths, sleeping, ginger, midol and alot of
other stuff and i am on the verge of tears.
Jun 18, 2009 3:29 PM
Guest :
Well I am only 13 and I have only had my period right now for the 5th time!
that is not that many times and I already hate it!!!!! I don't see why
women have to go through this... I mean... we do everything! what do men
ever get that is as painful as a period?!?! anyways... I get TERRIBLE
cramps and I get sooo mad because I guess it runs in my family but I always
seem to get it the worst! The only thing I have tried that works is heating
pads... I need some advice cuz I heard that birth control helps and I would
be ready to try anything... but then again I am only 13 so idk if that is
really such a great idea cuz i know someone who took those and whenever she
forgot she got her period and it lasted like 3 weeks so I am nervous to try
it!!
Jun 30, 2009 7:26 PM
Guest :
we all may hate cramps but its the way of life...no matter how painful it
is. "note that im only 15."
Jul 26, 2009 5:22 PM
Guest :
I'm thinking about adoption because I can hardly stand my cramps and labor
for me would probably be hell...I guess it is for all women...but besides
the point does anyone have asome natural remidies for these dreadful
cramps?
Jul 29, 2009 9:30 AM
Guest :
I am about to rip my uterus out! It hurts so bad! I'm at work and can't
leave because I really need the money but I need something. i took advil
and it doesn't work. I'm going to get some tea during my break and hope
that it works :/
Jul 31, 2009 5:10 AM
Guest :
My symptoms: lack of appetite, trouble sleeping, extreme sweating, cramps
that make me cry so much, I get cold on the outside and hot on the inside.
Hummmm, is that normal? I'm 16
Aug 2, 2009 11:34 AM
Guest :
I have a cyst on my left ovarie. Assuming the ovaries release eggs
simultaniously i can't understand why it hurts only on my left side every
period. I've always had rough cramps that are sustainable but i in turn
have a high tolerence for pain. I jus threw up and passed out in walmart.
I'm done. I'm tellin my doctor tommorow to remove all organs n send me
through menopause. Although i'm only 19 i'm already infertile. Screw my
life
Aug 5, 2009 5:17 PM
Guest :
I used to have the worst cramps ever. I couldn't even sit down anywhere,
they hurt so bad. The only relief I got was from walking around for hours
on end. But doing that every month for days wasn't always so convenient,
so I looked into some other things to help. I've discovered that
because blood pools in the abdomen during your menstrual cycle, it causes
more pain. By placing an ice pack on the area, it helps move the blood
along and lessen the cramps. Trust me, I tried this and it worked in
seconds for me. Also by laying on the left side of the body (drape
your right leg over the left and in front so your body is just slightly
tilted forward) takes the pressure off the uterus and places it onto the
stomach, which helps to ease cramps. And one last thing is to lay on
your back with your knees bent in front of you, feet flat on the ground.
With the your knees together, move your legs left to right as far as you
can go. Do this slowly though. This helps by rocking the pelvis and
relieving pain. I hope those help for all of you! Menstrual cramps
are the worst things in the world. However, if that doesn't help you
should talk to your doctor about Sarafem. It's an anti depressant, (much
like Prozac) used to treat menstrual conditions. My doctor put me on it
and it has done wonders. But remember, these are all just suggestions that
have worked for me. They're not guaranteed to work for anyone else.
Aug 19, 2009 8:59 AM
Guest :
15 and my cramps suck at first i never got cramps now there horrible. to
help deal with pain i drink a lot of Orange Juice vitamin C helps cramps. I
love being a woman. I love being a woman. ... just keep telling yourself
that.
Aug 28, 2009 11:45 AM
Guest :
I am fifteen years old, and my period pain get's so bad that I either fall
on the floor and lay there (doing absolutely nothing other than groaning)
or pass out. To tell the truth I am soooo happy when I pass out because
then I don't feel the pain :P . But, the problem is is that the blood does
not come out - occasionally I roll over and I feel a sudden gush and some
blood get out. But otherwise, it doesn't. So it lasts a long time. The last
one I had, the serious pain (which made me pass out in the end) lasted
about two and a half hours.....me just lying on the floor. It was
HORRIBLE.
Aug 29, 2009 7:44 PM
Guest :
Well Ladies It Seems Like We Have really Bad Cases Of Cramps. Ive Noticed
How Some Of You Guys Said I Can't Get Rid Of The Pain With out Taking
Medication. Well Thats Not Necessarily True. Thats What You've Made
Yourself Think. So My Best Advice To You Ladies Would Be Natural remedies
like a microwavable warm pack or a heating pad placed on your abdomen
(lower belly) may help. Soaking in a warm bath may also relieve
uncomfortable cramps. Some teens find that increasing their physical
activity helps; others find that resting quietly for short periods of time
helps. Well I Myself Have The Worst Cramps Ever I Can't Even Move An inch
When i get them UGH and I feel like i wanna rip my hair out Still Haven't
Seen A Doctor. Im 19 and My Boyfriend Tells Me To See A Doc ASAP. He
Doesn't Even Live With Me But He Gets Tired of My Mood Swings. But I guess
We have to live with them.
Aug 31, 2009 7:41 PM
Guest :
I took Silver Centrum for a month, I will be fifty this January, I wish I
knew about this vitamin before now, it has helped me tremendously, no pain
at all. Good luck! Glad to get rid of the pressure I had all my life!
Sep 8, 2009 8:20 AM
Guest :
The first day of my period is TERRIBLE! I seriously don't think this
much pain is normal. It is the worst pain ever, I can't even describe it.
It just hurts soooo bad and no matter what I do, it won't go away. I've
tried over the counter meds but they don't help at all! I get nausea but I
never puke. My period used to be normal. Its just been probably the
last 5 months that have been a nightmare, and the pain only lasts through
the first day. What is wrong with my period???
Sep 8, 2009 3:05 PM
Guest :
what did women ever do to deserve this? the only thing that helps my cramps
are chicken noodle soup n heat pads
Sep 25, 2009 1:23 AM
Guest :
It is 2:30 in the morning right now and it is a school night. I am dying
ofpain right now that I can't even sleep. I don't want to wake up my mom or
dad but omg
Oct 5, 2009 3:51 PM
Guest :
I totally understand all your pain ladies! I used to get severe
pain...from the time I was 11 or 12 until sometime after I graduated from
high school. At one point I tried the pill, but for the little amount of
difference it made it wasn't worth all the other long term effects it has
on the body. Did you know that birth control pills are the only medications
on the market that actually works against your body's natural cycle and
prevents it from doing what it's supposed to? It tricks your body into
thinking you're pregnant EVERY month...what a way to mess up your hormones
and reproductive system! I'm 23 now and since I discovered the following
natural remedies (around the age of 19) my pain has been significantly less
and less frequent. Anyways, this may sound a little out there, but this is
what works for me. On the days leading up to my period and for about 2-3
days after I drink lots of cranberry juice and eat bananas. It helps
immensely! I am not supposed to take anything with ibuprofen because of
other health conditions I had in the past, so I'll only take it if I'm
desperate. Tylenol does absolutely nothing for me - and that's not just in
terms of my cramps - it doesn't help with any pain I have at any time. I
also use a hot water bottle at the very first signs of my stomach feeling
upset. It does relax the pain, but will not usually get rid of it all on
it's own. Avoid sugar, salt, caffeine, and anything acidic at all costs!!!
That will only make things worse. Today my cramps were really bad...bent
over the toilet for over an hour and I was sweating to the point that it
was dripping off of me and I had to change my shirt because it was soaked -
but at the same time I was freezing! Worse than having a flu by far! But
guess what - I didn't have bananas. One of my housemates went out and
bought me some...after 3 bites I am already feeling a significant
difference. I've also been sipping on ginger tea and cranberry juice and I
think they are helping as well. I haven't had any today because I want to
keep a very light diet, but in the past rice has also helped buy giving me
more of the nutrition I need to be getting but also there is something in
rice that will relieve cramps...don't try and substitute pasta for it
though...you'll regret it! That's about all the advice I can offer...hope
it helps you as much as it helps me!
Oct 6, 2009 11:52 AM
Guest :
I am 29 I have had the worst time with my periods I go from haveing
debilitating cramps and missing work(school when i was younger) to no
cramps and flowing 4 to 9 months strait. I have had DNC,s and the works.
and all my docotors have told me that there is nothing wrong with my. I
have done my own research and there is a disease call Von willie brand
disease but I have not found a doctor yet that will test me for it because
I have no way to pay for it no medical insurance or any thing. but the best
thing I have found for my cramps is lots of weight (for you girls in school
use your school books) and a heating pad on high heat adn lots of sleep. or
if you ahve a dog let it lie on your stomach for relief. good luck to you
all. MJG of arkansas
Oct 9, 2009 8:58 AM
Guest :
I'm 20 and started at 12 and have been diagnosed with a tilted uterus. side
effects are cramps from hell. Long hot baths help. Also, about a week
before you're supposed to start you should take asprin, tylenol or whatever
you prefer, every morning and night until your period starts. It's a trick
my mom's doctor told her about, and it helps me.
Oct 12, 2009 1:32 PM
Guest :
i have cramps so bad sometimes that i sweat all over, even though i feel
cold. I go pale and feel like passing out. My legs will give out and ill
start to stumble.. this doesnt seem too normal. but bad cramps run in my
family.
Aug 25, 2007
