This time of month is never enjoyable and always inconvenient.

Aside from the changes you make to your bathroom routine, there are other symptoms that can be annoying. There are many other symptoms of periods, including food cravings, sleep disruptions, bloating and mood changes, usually irritability.

Then there are the cramps.

The worst part of your month will probably be if you are one of eight women who suffer from period cramps.

What causes menstrual cramps

It is important to understand the reasons why period cramps occur.

As part of a normal reproductive cycle, the body prepares a woman for pregnancy each month. Menstruation (also called a period) is the most common part of the process. It is the time when the uterus sheds the lining. The purpose is to prepare the uterus so that it can receive and nourish a fertilized ovary.

This shedding of tissue and blood from the uterus is accompanied by the release of blood.

Periods can also cause symptoms that range from painful to annoying, such as cramps.

The muscles and blood vessels of the uterus contract to shed the lining. “These contractions can cause pain in the lower abdominal and back,” says Borchardt. Period cramping can affect women differently. “Some women experience mild discomfort while others suffer severe pain, which can make daily tasks difficult.”

Your uterine lining grows and thickens after menstruation, which can last anywhere between three to seven day. Ovulation happens as time goes on.

Dr. Borchardt says that if no fertilized eggs are present after ovulation it is a sign to the body to restart your menstrual cycle.

The cycle continues.

Home remedies for period cramps

Menstrual cramps can be relieved in five different ways.

1. Use heat

Dr. Borchardt says that heat can relieve pain by relaxing the muscles that cause cramps.

Heating patches can be used to provide relief on the go.

2. Take a pain reliever

Pain relievers should be on the list since period cramps can be painful.

Are all period pain relievers created equal when it comes down to the fact that they are used for cramps?

Different pain relievers have different effects. Dr. Borchardt explains that NSAIDs are the most likely to be effective for period pain since they reduce prostaglandins, the hormones responsible for menstrual cramps.

NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and aleve. Take these medications as directed on the label.

Dr. Borchardt adds that while Tylenol (Acetaminophen) can help ease your cramps, it does not address the inflammation which may be contributing to their severity.

3. Exercise

You may feel that it is best to rest and relax when you are in pain. Physical activity can actually relieve pain.

Dr. Borchardt says that exercise stimulates the release endorphins. These chemicals are produced by the human body and help to block the perception pain.

Exercise is also an excellent way to reduce your stress levels, which can also affect the way you feel pain.

4. Reduce stress by taking steps

Stress affects the body in a number of ways, one being a lower threshold for pain.

Reduce stress. It’s easier said than accomplished, but you can find relief for period cramps by taking the necessary steps.

Here are some other ways to reduce stress besides exercise:

• Yoga
• Deep breathing exercises
• If you want to know more about this, please visit:
• Counseling

5. Take vitamins and minerals

A healthy diet can also help relieve cramps, as certain vitamins and minerals are known to reduce them.

More research is required, but there are some indications that magnesium and vitamin B1, or thiamin as it’s also known, may reduce period cramps. Most adults get enough of these vitamins and minerals through a healthy lifestyle, says Dr. Borchardt.

Vitamin B1 and magnesium-rich foods include:

• Nuts, seeds and other nuts
• Whole grains
• Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are all legumes
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Oranges

What to do if menstrual cramps are severe

These period cramp relief tips are a great place to begin, but may not be effective for all women especially those with very painful cramps.

It’s important that you speak to your OB/GYN if you are experiencing severe pain during your cycle. Your OB-GYN will ask about your symptoms and your cycle. She or he can then recommend lifestyle changes to help relieve your pain. They may also perform a pelvic examination and prescribe medication, if necessary.

Dr. Borchardt adds that hormonal birth control medication is sometimes used to treat cramps during menstruation and pain associated with a period.

In some cases, severe discomfort can be an indication of something worse.

Dr. Borchardt says that, despite the impact period pain has on daily life, cramps are not a serious medical issue. However, severe menstrual pain can be caused by more serious gynecologic conditions.

In some cases, severe cramps during your period can be an indication of:

• Endometriosis: uterine tissue is implanted into your ovaries, fallopian tubes or pelvic lining.
• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous uterine growths which can cause pain
• Adenomyosis: Uterine tissue grows in the muscle wall of the uterus
• Pelvic inflammation disease: Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries

Borchardt says that if you are experiencing severe pain, it is important to consult an OB/GYN.