Women of all ages who have reached child bearing age and beyond who have monthly periods have also experienced cramps.  Cramps can occur before the menstrual period, during, and even a day or two after. Cramps are uncomfortable to down-right painful and can make your once a month visit from mother nature absolutely miserable. What works to relieve those cramps can be very different for every woman. Here are some tips.

1. Rest. Many times women over exert and then wonder why they are aching and feeling worse than usual during their period. Rest during the part of the day when cramps are the worse can relieve some of the discomfort. Many women go to bed for an entire day. Don’t be embarrassed to take to the bed for a nap.

2. Heat. Apply a heat pack, heating pad, or warm wet cloth across the pelvis to help relieve cramping. Heat helps to relax smooth muscles and reduce the cramping affects.

3. Avoid foods that increase intestinal cramping during your period. Intestinal cramping is part of the experience so eating things that you know make it worse doesn’t make sense. Avoid spicy foods, dairy or alcoholic beverages that may increase your chances of loose stools and more cramping.

4. Use anti-inflammatory over the counter medications to help relieve the pain. If over the counter medications don’t give any relief, speak with your doctor for more choices that may need to be prescribed by a physician to keep you comfortable during this time.

5. Mild exercise. Mild exercise like walking can actually help relieve cramping for some women. Do what makes you feel your best.

6. Warm showers can relieve pain, but avoid hot tub experiences during this time as it may increase bleeding and make you feel light headed.

Any excessive bleeding, clotting, or pain should be discussed with your physician so a complete diagnosis and treatment plan can help you to cope with the monthly discomfort. It is a matter of your health.