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Five Easy Ways to
Reduce Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, is recognized as the single
greatest cause of lost school and working hours among women which is
estimated at 140 million hours annually in the United States alone.
Unlike before, menstrual cramps is now considered as a serious medical
condition. Thus, in addition to the usual home remedies of dysmenorrhea,
health experts and practitioners alike are giving some helpful tips that
can help women during that particular painful time every month. Here are
some that we have listed just for you.
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Try an over the counter Ibuprofen. It can be found as the active
ingredient in several OTC medications, such as Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin
IB. The OTC dose per pill is 200 milligrams. The recommended dose is one
tablet every four to six hours (or two, if one does not work), not to
exceed six in a 24-hour period. Prescription formulations come in
dosages of 400 to 800 milligrams.
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Try taking an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptive pills can be quite
useful in treating menstrual cramps because they decrease the amount of
menstrual tissue formed and lower the pain level (amplitude) of the
uterine contractions probably due to their progestin effect.
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Try an
over the counter mefenamic acid.
Mefenamic acid
effectively relieves severe menstrual pain while also reducing heavy
menstrual bleeding, easing menstrual migraine, and easing the physical
and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
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Try to
eat small frequent meals because a lot of food causes blood sugar to
swing up and down causing symptoms of PMS. Instead of eating three large
meals, eat five or six small meals a day, about two and a half hours
apart.
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Exercise can help alleviate painful menstrual cramps by raising the
level of beta-endorphins, chemicals in the brain associated with pain
relief. Exercise raises the levels of beta endorphins, which have a
positive effect on mood and behavior.
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Reduce salt intake to prevent water retention that causes bloating.
Likewise, avoid liquor and other alcoholic beverages to reduce
headaches.
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Learn
to relax. Rest,
sleep and relaxation exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort
of menstrual cramps.
At
least take time for 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.
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Visit your health care
provider if excessive pain and cramping persists.
Do not live in
pain. So next time a painful menstruation strikes, try these simple tips. |