Relieving Menstrual Pain
To help relieve menstrual cramps:
- Apply heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle, or take a warm bath. You might find that heat relieves the pain as well as medicine does.
- Lie down and elevate your legs by putting a pillow under your knees.
- Lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest. This will help relieve back pressure.
- Try using sanitary napkins instead of tampons.
- Get regular exercise. You might find that it helps relieve pain.
Over-the-counter medicine usually relieves menstrual pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help relieve menstrual cramps and pain.
- Start taking the recommended dose of pain reliever when discomfort begins or 1 day before your menstrual period starts.
- Take the medicine for as long as the symptoms would normally last if you did not take the medicine.
- If an NSAID does not relieve the pain, try acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
Be sure to follow all labels and instructions. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your health professional before using any medicine. Do not take aspirin if you are younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
SOURCE:
Healthwise. Relieving Menstrual Pain
