What makes pms cramps go away

A girl's periods can cause some uncomfortable symptoms. Most of the time, there's no reason for concern. But some problems need care from your doctor. Premenstrual syndrome PMS is when a girl has mood and body changes before or during her period. It's usually at its worst during the 4 days before a period. PMS usually goes away 2 to 3 days after the period begins. If your PMS is severe, your doctor can help with treatments, including medicine. Call the doctor if you:.

Period cramps are pain in the lower belly during a girl's period. Many girls have cramps during the first few days of their periods. Period cramps are caused by prostaglandin, a chemical in the body that makes the muscle in the uterus contract. But in some cases they can be a symptom of a medical condition:. Pain from these conditions may seem like period pain, but it typically lasts longer and can be more severe than your usual menstrual cramps.

You might need medicines that are only available by prescription or some other treatment to help. To help reduce period pain, here are 10 safe and effective home remedies for menstrual cramp relief.

Whether it's the stretching of your muscles or the relaxing effect of the poses, a regular yoga practice can indeed help your cramps. The Journal of Physiotherapy review that sanctioned heating pads also found benefits for yoga. You can practice during your period or between them, but some instructors advise women against doing inverted poses like a shoulder stand in the midst of menstruation, so as not interfere with your natural flow.

Indeed, research published in Evidence-Based Nursing found that topically applied heat was just as effective as ibuprofen for period cramps. Over the two study days, the women used heat alone, heat plus ibuprofen, ibuprofen alone, or a placebo. The best results were in the heat plus ibuprofen group; adding heat led to faster improvements. Moderate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAID medication like ibuprofen Advil, Motrin or naproxen Aleve is one of the best ways to curb period pain, Thielen says.

For this reason, taking a pill just before you get your period can keep the level of pain-causing prostaglandins from rising, she says. As with any medicine, you should first check with your doctor to be sure NSAIDs are a good choice for you, especially if you have a history of bleeding or stomach or kidney issues. Acupuncture can help relieve cramps, says Jeannie Bianchi , a licensed acupuncturist in San Francisco. This ancient Asian healing method is thought to relax the nervous system, allow more blood to flow to internal organs, and quell inflammation, Bianchi says.

In a review published in April in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews experts looked at 42 studies that observed the effects of acupuncture on period cramps. Each compared acupuncture with no treatment, conventional treatment such as anti-inflammatory drugs , or a sham acupuncture procedure. Many of the studies found that the acupuncture group had less period pain and no side effects.

The researchers emphasize, however, that the quality of all of the studies was poor. Certain teas may help relieve menstrual cramps, says Sonya Angelone , a registered dietitian nutritionist in the San Francisco Bay area. Research on herbal teas for menstrual pain relief is scarce, but teas have been used by menstruating women in numerous cultures for centuries.

According to a study , wearing a heat wrap for cramps is actually more effective than taking an over-the-counter OTC pain reliever, like acetaminophen. Besides being effective at easing pain and cramps, the research also showed that participants who used a heat wrap had less fatigue and mood swings.

You can find abdominal heat patches at your local drugstore and online. Just peel and stick them on your abdomen. Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of oils. Oils that seem to be most effective at reducing period cramps, due to their ability to boost circulation, include:.

You can find essential oils online, or at your local health food store. Some drugstores may sell them, too. Once your oil mixture is ready to use, rub a few drops between your hands and then give your tummy a gentle massage.

Experts say massaging in a circular motion for just five minutes a day before and during your period may help lessen cramps and boost circulation in your abdomen. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , naproxen Aleve , and aspirin Bufferin are effective treatments for period cramps.

You can find ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, at any drugstore. Be sure to take only as directed, and talk to your doctor first if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you have asthma, ulcers, or bleeding disorders. According to a recent study , low-to-medium intensity aerobic exercise can help reduce pain caused by period cramps. In this study, scientists found that women who did 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week, for eight weeks, showed significant reductions in period cramps.

To fit an aerobic workout into your schedule, consider biking to work, going for a brisk walk at lunchtime, dancing to your favorite tunes, or playing a sport you enjoy. Soaking in a warm bathtub is another way to surround your pelvic muscles with the warmth they need to relax. You can enhance the pain-relieving power of a good soak by adding a few drops of essential oils — like lavender, sage, or rose — to your bathwater. One study suggests that, like aerobic exercise, yoga can also be helpful at reducing period cramps.

In this study, experts found that women who participated in a minute yoga class once a week for 12 weeks showed significant reductions in their period pain. Research suggests this combination is most effective at reducing pain from period cramps. Some supplements that show promise in reducing period pain include:. You can find dietary supplements at your local drugstore or online.

Some types of foods to stay away from when you have cramps include:.