Menstrual Abdominal Pain

Menstrual abdominal pain happens due to menstrual cramps. And cramps are actually muscle spasms. Like muscle spasms, menstrual cramps hurt and the degree of pain varies from woman to woman.

If your menstrual cramps are very painful, we suggest that you see a doctor, who can tell you whether the cramps are naturally painful or if the pain is caused by medical conditions like endometriosis or pelvic infection. If the doctor says that you are perfectly fine and the pain you suffer is perfectly normal or natural, then you might like to try out a few home remedies to get relief from the pain.

Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps:

• You might like to try some reliable over-the-counter medicines for the pain. Your doctor might recommend some medicines that would give you relief from painful cramps. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen are known to relive pain. Experts say that the medicine inhibits the formation of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause the pain and the cramps. Apart from this, the medicine can reduce breast pain, back pain and diarrhea that often accompany the cramps. Try to take ibuprofen with milk or food to prevent stomach irritation. Speak with your doctor before taking any medication. Also remember that you might feel better if you take the medicine before the pain becomes severe.

• While this might seem difficult when you are menstruating, staying physically active can ease the pain to a certain extent.

• Exercising is also recommended because it can reduce the muscle tension as well as improve the blood circulation in the pelvic region, and this can decrease the intensity of the cramps. You might like to do some simple yoga or stretching exercises, go for a walk, or hit the gym. You don’t have to push yourself hard to exercise but some form of gentle exercise will help you feel better.

• You can use an infra-red lamp or a hot water bottle to heat up your abdominal area as this will ease the cramps, increase blood circulation, and relax the pelvic muscles. You can even take a warm water bath, drink a bowl of hot soup or use a heating pad on your stomach.

• Drink herbal tea made with lemon balm or ginger.

• Warm some olive oil and then let it cool. Rub this on your tummy and rest for a while.

• Swallow a glass of arrack and a spoonful of cumin to reduce the pain.

• Some believe that eating a banana can ease the pain too.