Always contact your doctor if you are unsure if the pain is caused by another condition. The following is "not medical advice" but assuming that you are having normal menstrual cramps these 7 tips may help you. Another name for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. ----------------------- 7 Tips To Reduce Menstrual Cramps By Van Whitsett 1. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals. A lot of food causes blood sugar to rise and fluctuate. Instead of eating three large meals, eat five or six small meals a day, each about two and a half hours apart. 2. Exercise. Exercise can help alleviate menstrual cramps by raising the level of beta-endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain associated with pain relief. Studies have shown that beta endorphins have a positive effect on mood and behavior. 3. Try an over the counter Ibuprofen. Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin IB all contain Ibuprofen, which is one of the best pain relievers around. 200 milligrams every four to six hours is the recommended dosage, or twice that if symptoms warrant. 4. Oral contraceptive pills: Have been found to decrease the amount of menstrual tissue formed and lower the pain level (amplitude) of the uterine contractions. 5. Mefenamic acid: Also found over the counter, effectively relieves severe menstrual pain while also reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, easing menstrual migraine, and easing the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 6. Reduce salt intake: To prevent water retention that causes bloating. Also, avoid liquor and other alcoholic beverages to reduce headaches. 7. Learn to relax. Rest, sleep and relaxation exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. A relaxing massage or bath with oil made with chamomile, lavender, marjoram, ginger and/or clary sage. They are aromatic and can aid in relaxation. Never surrender to pain. There are steps you can take to help alleviate the pain and discomfort. So, the next time you experience any painful menstruation symptoms, be sure to try these tips. http://www.pioneerthinking.com/vw_cramps.html

Only three things ever reduced my intense pain: A.) ibuprofen, or B.) Darvon or some other prescription pain reliever, or C.) Alcohol - about half a beer. The beer was an inconvenient remedy - I'd feel so happy and relaxed from the sudden pain relief that I usually went to sleep. Imagine the times and places that a short nap might be inappropriate, and you'll understand why alcohol is not the ideal solution. Of course, none of the three should be taken together, or combined with other pain relievers. Ibuprofen was by far the best choice, for me anyway. Common brands are Motrin IB, Advil and Nuprin. I found generic brands effective, but that's just my experience. If you've never tried ibuprofen, read the label, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most people tolerate it well, but because it's hard on the stomach, take it with food or milk. The pros: no prescription needed; it's relatively inexpensive; easy to find; not addictive; and, most important, it stops the pain. When I managed to get it in my system BEFORE the cramps began, they either never started, or, if they did, the pain was notably less intense. Sounds good, doesn't it? I'd continue with two tablets every six hours or so, through the end of the first day, and that pretty much took care of the cramps for the month. To answer your question, try the above and see if it helps, unless, of course, your doc says no, or you're sensitive to ibuprofen. I hope this, or something, proves helpful. Cramps are the worst. Good luck!!

One word. MIDOL

Yoga (BIG help for me) Walking or other light exercise Heating pad (or a warm kitty cat) Massage Avoiding caffeine Oral contraceptions Pain meds like Midol or Motrin And my mom's tip - rolling a glass coke bottle under your foot If you are having a lot of pain, see a gynocologist since it could be a sign of problems like endometriosis.

Sometimes It's Best To Take The Pain Reliever MIDOL it works well.

Taking vitamin B6 daily is an excellent preventative measure. Many women find that their cramps are drastically reduced. Only taking it during your period will not have the same effect.

I've also heard, first hand, that sex helps.

I take evening primrose oil capsules daily, this helps me

I'm a firm believer in Ibuprofen. And to combat possible stomache ache from tablets, I've found that the Advil Liqui-Gels are better. (They also start to work quicker.) Heat patches, such as thermalcare, are great, but wearing one too long is a pretty good chance of burning your skin. If the pain is really severe (like writhing in pain getting dizzy kind of severe, as mine were), then I'd reccomend the going on the pill. That's what ultimately helped me out the most, although I do use the two above methods still. I had a roommate that swears by exercising, but who wants to get up and move around when you have cramps?

The only thing that works for me is Naproxen Sodium (the pain reliever in Aleve, but off brands work just as well). Some of the Midols have it, some don't. Ususally, however, if you take it after the cramps have gotten really bad...it doesn't help much. In the past, I have had cramps so bad that the only thing I could do was to take a sleeping pill and curl up with a heating pad on my stomach for an afternoon. I think it's funny that some people on here have said to avoid caffeine at all costs while others have said that you need it. I don't know if it helps or hurts, but if you must sleep away the cramps...it can't help :)

Depending on your circumstances, this may or may not be helpful but in my experience the single best thing for reducing menstrual cramps (and inded all symptoms of PMS) is to go on the contraceptive pill- I went from a state of monthly agony to hardly noticing I was on at all. Consult your doctor about the best type to use. If this isn't appropriate/ doesn't work for you, you could also look at your diet according to holistic nutritionist Dr Gillian McKeith (http://www.drgillianmckeith.com/, although the link doesn't seem to be working today, that's where it should be!) a diet high in salt and refined foods, and deficient in magnesium (found in nuts, seeds and dark green leafy veg such as kale and spinach) can increase the troubles associated with menstruation. Getting plenty of iron (red meat, pulses, green veg and (wonderfully) good quality dark chocolate) can also help. When the cramps do hit try a hot bath with some lavender oil before bed- it really helps.

Maximum Strength Pamprin or Midol!! Reduces the pain, the bloating AND the crabbiness. I usually take it for a day or two at the beginning of my period and it's total magic. I make sure to always have a supply ready.

I learned a long time ago that the best home remedy for menstral cramps is RASPBERRIES! Yep! Whether they be fresh or in yogurt, a nice helping of raspberries always eases my pain. I also use Pamprin or Midol. They each contain a pain reliever and a diretic to ease the bloating associated with menstrating. Try these tips. They always work for me.

Mild, OTC pain relievers, also known as analgesics, are usually effective for short-term relief of cramps. If you're at home when experiencing discomfort, it also helps to apply a heating pad. If your cramps are really a problem every month, you might ask your doctor for a prescription that's stronger than what you can buy at the drug store, but I am usually wary of the side effects of prescription meds. Another thing you might consider, that was very helpful for me, is birth control pills, which not only prevent pregnancy, but render your periods very light and usually painless. Of course, this is not recommended for everyone, especially women who suffer from other gynecological disorders, or have a history of cancer, blood clots or stroke. Also, women who take the pill should not smoke. Check with your doctor to see what kind of prescription, if any, would be best for your individual circumstances. Good luck!

When i was a young girl and suffered these cramps. My mother would dampen a cloth (big enough to cover my stomach) with methylated spirits. This worked by generating heat to the area. Then just go to bed. Never failed to get rid of the cramps.

When I have bad cramps, I usually take 2 Ibuprofin (Usually Advil Liqui-gels) or 2 extra strength pamprin for the first two days of my period (every 6 hours). Be sure to keep your feet warm. My grandmother always told me that whenever a girl doesnt take care of her feet, she will get bad cramps. I find wearing socks (even in the summer) during my period does bring down the intensity of cramps. If you do go to the beach though, try not to get ur feet too cold. The warmer your feet are, the less intense cramps you can get. Try it out, let me know how it works.

Midol or pamperin will stop cramps that are occuring now. Recurring cramps can best be managed with diet and exercise.

Try those heat-warming pads for lower back ache (obviously put them on your tummy instead) and the heat will relieve the pain. Try a microwaveable wheatbag or hot water bottle for cheaper options.

Hot bath, hot water bottle, and a couple of painkillers.

Well pain killers, a hot bath, heating pad and exercising actually helps to relieve cramps. But in the long run so you don't get them next time, reducing your salt intake, stop drinking pop, and exercising, can help eliminate them..it helped me!

I've found that Aleve(naproxen sodium) works the best for me for pain. I agree with everyone else about using heat.

I take three ibuprofen, lay on my stomach while watching TV, and sip from a cup of warm tea.

Laugh if you will, but this works!! Go to the drug store and purchase from the vitamin section a bottle of oyster shell calcium. It has to be 'oyster shell' calcium and not some other kind like coral calcium or whatever. I have no idea why, but it will reduce the severity of cramps better than anything else. And believe me, back in the day, I tried everything!! I used to suffer extremely debilitating cramps at least every other month, to the point of having to just go to bed for a day or two. The oyster shell calcium was my remedy!

Sometimes when I'm having particularly bad cramps, I'll breathe really heavily, like how you'll see women in labor breathe. It works pretty well, maybe it's just the extra oxygen. I'll also use advil if I'll be having a busy day.

I'm NOT a physician or any kind of therapist. If you're referring to cramps from your cycle, I don't have any idea what to do. If you heard about using a bar of soap to relieve them, it might be an "old wives' tale". When I did constant, consistent physical exercises, this is what I learned and was told: I'll share with you what might cause them. Then I'll share what possibly to do and how you might be able to do it. Leg cramps and/or shin splints MAY BE caused by failing to properly warm up. SUGGESTION: Take the time to properly stretch. AND/OR Walking on hard surfaces ALL the time - such as the street and/or sidewalks. SUGGESTION: Use a treadmill OR walk on a school's track. AND/OR Lack of potassium. BELIEVE ME, you aren't alone. I get cramps because of one of the medications I take: "water pills", lasix or furosemide. AND when I get the cramps, I get them on BOTH legs: On top of the thighs, ham strings, inside AND outside of both legs AND YES, BOTH calves - at the same time!!!!!!!!! They ARE BRUTAL!!!! What to do? Take a potassium supplement. Eat bananas, DARK veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc; dark leafed lettuces such as endive, romaine lettuce, etc. For relief: In the beginning it's going to be strange or awkward, but this is what you should do: This is what I LEARNED THE HARD WAY about cramps: Self-massaging gives very little relief. When the cramp is in the calf, DON'T point the toe away from you - as though you were a ballet dancer. Pull the toe back to you or stand on the floor and keeping the foot flat, lean forward toward the toe. As soon as you start lifting the heel, the cramp might return. For cramps on the inside of the thigh - the groin area - spread your legs away from each other. You might have to raise your legs in the air and spread them. For hamstrings: Pull your knee toward your chest. On the outside of the thigh: lay on your side and cross one leg over the other - as though you are sort of trying to pivot on your toes - to do an about-face. You might have to this in a jerking motion. Thanks for your kind words AND those points! You REALLY helped to make my day A WHOLE LOT better! Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it! VTY, Ron Berue Yes, that is my real last name! Sources: Sharing some info from my physicians. Personal observations and practices. "THE University of Hard Knocks" Also known as ("a/k/a") "life's valuable lessons".

Stretch before exercising

Get up and walk around while holding a hot water bottle on your stomach. i get cramps so bad that it is painful to breath, but if i get up walk 10-15 min. the cramps minimize. Take an ibprofun, stay moving, but take it easy until the cramps subside. I have noticed that my cramps are worse during the winter when i am not riding horses, so to avoid cramps excerise is key.

Well im from the U.K so we dont have Midol but i use Ibrufem, its a high strength pain reliever just for period pain :)

As you know, there have been tons of useful tips here. But once I had such strong cramps I felt close to vomiting, and my stepmom grabbed some coke (as in the drink!) and stirred it so it was warm and with no fizziness in it, and then I drank it, and sure enough, it quietened my stomache down. I can't remember who told her about it but she said it works for her and well I don't know the science behind it, some may say it's postive thinking as in you expect it to work, so you cause yourself to feel better. All I can say is, it worked for me! But all I really need is painkiller's, and I keep exercising as usual, so I feel fit and don't ge as grumpy; I just don't push myself as hard as in the first few days of my period I can get quite tired.

There's an answer on here that you should drink pennyroyal tea to help with cramps. Don't do that unless you are 100 percent sure that you're not pregnant. Pennyroyal tea is commonly used to induce abortion, and you don't want to take the risk. (and even if you are looking at using it for that reason, please be careful, because it's easy to mess it up and seriously hurt yourself)

A warm bath.