Menstrual cramps are a monthly reality for many and for some they are disabling.

What advice would you give a young woman who expresses her menstrual pain as “I’m trying to walk, this really hurts. I feel like I’m in labor. This hurts! Contraction!”

If you think of the uterus as a muscle (which it is) and menstrual cramps as a “charlie horse” of the uterus (muscle contracts strongly/cramps up, cutting off blood flow to the muscle, causing pain, soreness, etc) then it makes sense to treat menstrual cramps as uterine charlie horses. Period cramps are just that – cramps.  And, cramps are exaggerated/strong contractions. One of the functions of the uterus is to expel by contracting (that’s how babies are born and it also aids in expulsion of menstrual fluid).

Take 47 seconds and view Alexis Chaffin’s “Cramp vlog” below. Then join me afterward and let’s provide a list of known helps for menstrual cramps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=eUfx0Suz7bE

Tips for relieving menstrual cramps/uterine charlie horses:

1. Massage (more information)
2. Ibuprofen (take as soon as your period begins, or just prior to its start)
3. Heat to lower abdomen or lower back
4. Rest
5. Gentle exercise (many find activity helps)
6. Calcium/potassium (chocolate milk and a banana – which many crave during their period)
7. (Please continue the list with your suggestion(s) in the comment section.)