Cramps Before Period vs. Cramps After Period – The Lowdown

Natural remedies for Link alternatif sbobet relieving period cramps.

Easing menstrual cramp symptoms is one way that women can come together whether they experience cramps before or after their period. There are many natural remedies that are available to help women alleviate menstrual cramp pain and discomfort:

 
Exercise.

A trip to the yoga studio or even just a brisk walk and talk session on the gym treadmills can make a big difference in your menstrual cramp symptoms. The increase in blood circulation will help make them go away, but that’s not the ringer. Menstrual cramps are usually made worse by stress and since exercise is a natural way to lower stress, you may not feel your symptoms much at all. Don’t skip the gym and stick to your normal routine.

 
Food & proper hydration.
  • Staying hydrated actually prevents your body from retaining water and avoids painful bloating. Warm water helps cramps by increasing blood flow to the skin and relaxes cramped muscles. Bring your tea thermos to work with you and sprinkle some ginger in as a digestive aid. You should also bring water-based foods such as celery, cucumbers, watermelon and berries—you can even throw them all into a salad.
  • It might be helpful to drink more milk during this time since calcium reduces depressive and anxious feelings in the brain while vitamin D regulates the enzyme that converts tryptophan into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate moods. Another great source of these vitamins is yogurt, which also contains live cultures to promote healthy digestion. Try switching your breakfast to a natural yogurt and granola parfait for the week of your period.
  • Bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes rich in potassium can help boost moods, aid sleep and regulate bowel movements. Throw a banana in your gym bag for a snack or add a few slices of avocado to your lunch or dinner.
  • Salmon and tuna are both fish that are rich in Omega 3’s and other fatty acids that are great for relaxing the muscles in your body, which may decrease the severity of your cramps.
 
Avoid tight clothing.

Avoid tight clothes, especially at the waist. They only hurt the stomach and further compressing it causes discomfort. Opt for your favorite dresses instead of jeans. When you’re not at work – feel free to bust out the yoga pants.

 
Sex & orgasms.

Orgasms relieve all kinds of pain, including our menstrual cramps. Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, which helps to relieve the cramps. Orgasms additionally relieve cramps by the release of endorphins, which instantly help you feel better. They also help to relax your whole body and induce sleep so you won’t feel any cramping at all.

According to a survey on MensHealth.com, it’s women, not men, who close up shop during their period. More than three-quarters of the guys polled said they’d love to have period sex, although 54 percent would do it only with a serious girlfriend or wife.

If you want to give it a try, here are a few tips:

  • Spread a dark towel on the bed
  • Use a latex condom so that you can easily “roll off” the blood
  • Keep a warm, wet washcloth or towel nearby
  • Try different positions. Lying on your back or side will be less messy than going at it on top.

Our advice? Go all out and deal with the sheets in the morning.

 
Heat.

Try a hot bath or a heating pad. Get in bed, relax and put something hot right over your lower abdomen for quick, soothing relief. You can buy heating pads and hot water bottles at your local drugstore, but you can make your own too. Simply get an old sock, fill it with uncooked white rice, tie it up and microwave for one or two minutes.

 
Acupuncture & massage.

Certain acupuncture points are thought to regulate blood flow through the abdominal cavity and relax the nervous system, which can help ease menstrual cramps. Studies show that acupuncture is just as effective as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines for reducing pain.

If acupuncture isn’t your thing, massage therapy is another great way to control—and in some cases, completely stop—cramps. Lie down in a comfortable place and relax your mind before smearing your hands with your favorite lotion. Then, begin to slowly move your palms over your bellybutton in small circular movements. After a minute or so, begin to apply some pressure. You will find sensitive spots around the belly button. Apply adequate pressure to these spots in order to relieve your cramps.

Listen to your body, nourish it with the proper nutrients and exercise your soul. We are unique human beings and our period cramps will not be the same as our mother’s or best friend’s, but we can treat our bodies with the same care that they all need.

What do you change in your routine before, during or after your period to help ease your cramps? Let us know in the comments.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Janet Brito.

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**We love reading your comments, but unfortunately, are unable to post or respond to comments or questions that outline specific medical issues and seek medical advice. For any medical concerns, we always advise consulting a medical professional. If you’d like to learn more about your period, we’d recommend checking out other Blood and Milk articles.**