Menstrual Cramps Causes, Natural Remedies for Bad Period Cramping, Severe Dysmenorrhea Pain Relief

CRAMPS ~ UGH!

Normal menstrual cramps may best be described as a dull, cramping, aching, throbbing feeling in the lower abdominal area.  Some pain during menstruation is considered normal, but excessive pain is not.

Painfully severe menstrual cramping is medically referred to as dysmenorrhea.   The discomfort of this condition can be so bad for some that it disrupts the performance of their everyday activity.

Lower back pain often accompanies the dull, throbbing lower abdomen ache of dysmenorrhea.  You may also experience other menstrual cramps complaint symptoms, like:

There are two general types of dysmenorrhea:

  • primary dysmenorrhea ~ not related to any specific reproductive problems
  • secondary dysmenorrhea ~ attributable to some underlying disease or structural abnormality

The cause for primary dysmenorrhea is theorized to be endometrial overproduction of series-two prostaglandins.  These prostaglandins trigger strong smooth muscle contractions by way of frequency, duration and intensity.

Series-two prostaglandins are derived from animal fat, as in meat, dairy and eggs.  Therefore, a suggested natural remedy for relief is to drastically cut back your consumption of these fats.

Reportedly, this single dietary adjustment has a measurable impact on bad period cramps.  Like surprisingly gone in some cases.

The underlying causes for secondary dysmenorrhea are:

Treatment for relief of secondary dysmenorrhea focuses in on redressing the fundamental problem.

OTC and prescriptions medications are available to assist in treating your severe cramps.  However, prior to embarking down that road, it is suggested you try some natural health remedies steps to ease your pain.

Assessing and adjusting your diet is an ideal natural remedies place to start.  Recommended nutritional modifications involve reducing your consumption of:

Dietary fats high in linoleic and liblenic acids found in vegetables and fish is preferred over animal fats.

Consume a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, highlighted by a dietary intake increase of:

Other natural pain relief remedies include:

  • acupuncture
  • having an orgasm
  • don’t use tampons
  • drink a warm beverage
  • eat light, frequent meals
  • take a warm shower/bath
  • elevate legs when lying down
  • lie on your side with your knees bent
  • apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen
  • maintain a regular regime of aerobic exercise
  • practice relaxation techniques ~  meditation, yoga
  • light circular fingertip massage around your lower belly

Another self care measure is taking OTC ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.  The key to your success using this anti-cramping method is they need to be taken prior to the onslaught of your cramps.

The basic premise of taking these NSAIDs for bad period cramping is to reduce prostaglandin production.  If you wait until your initial cramp is noticed, the production process is already in full swing.

Therefore, if you start taking them a couple days ahead of your projected period date, you will glean much better results.  This may help explain why they haven’t worked.

If none of these natural, or otherwise, remedies don’t do the trick, then prescription birth control, anti-inflammation or pain relievers may be required. This relief measure may only be necessary for a brief period, as many women remain symptom free after they stop taking the prescribed medication.

Healthy diet and regular aerobic exercise gives nature a helping hand in its pursuit of our species preservation.  Menstruation is necessary, cramping isn’t.

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