Dealing with Period Cramps: Home Remedies and OTC Options to Manage Menstrual Pain or Period Cramp

Over half of women who menstruate experience period pain (dysmenorrhea) for one to two days every month. And even though period pain can mean headaches or general discomfort, the pain is typically caused by menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps happen when your uterus contracts to shed its lining, also known as the uterine lining. It's common to feel discomfort around your abdomen, lower back, and thighs when you're menstruating. During your period, the muscles of your womb contract and relax to help shed built-up lining. Sometimes you'll experience cramps, which means your muscles are at work. Some people may also experience:

• nausea
• vomiting
• headaches
• diarrhea

There can be many reasons for period pain, and if you experience chronic painful periods, it's only natural to wonder why. Maybe you're the only woman in your family who gets severe cramps. Maybe your painful periods didn't start until your 20s. Whatever your situation, a doctor can help you understand why you get painful cramps every month. Some of the most common causes of painful periods are:

• PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
• PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis

Dealing with menstrual cramps every month can be as frustrating as it is painful. The good news is there are many remedies that might help you relieve period cramps. It's important to remember that these techniques won't always work, especially for chronic conditions, but they can offer relief for mild to moderate period pain.

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