Menstrual Cramps and How to Avoid Them

Menstrual cramps. There's probably no woman in the world who hasn't experienced them. They're among the most common problems women experience during their periods. Our recent survey of more than a thousand women shows that a staggering 65% experience them.

Sometimes they're mild and a bit annoying. But for others, menstrual cramps are intense and so severe that women can no longer go to work or go about their daily lives.

And guess what? Most women think it's just part of life, or that there's little you can do about it. But, surprise surprise, that's not true! You can treat the cramps in the moment with a beanbag or painkillers, but with a few small lifestyle changes and the right supplements, you can help manage your symptoms. Next month, you'll be rocking your period!

What do menstrual cramps feel like?

Perhaps you're one of the lucky ones who's never experienced menstrual cramps. Or maybe you're not quite sure what it is you're experiencing. It feels different for everyone, but generally, menstrual cramps are small contractions in your lower abdomen.

Menstrual cramps begin about one to two days before your period. They are most painful 24 hours after they begin, and they can last two to three days.

For some women, the cramps can be so intense that they feel nauseous, experience abdominal pain, dizziness, pain in their lower back or legs, and sometimes even faint. Sound like you? We feel you, and we can help. Send us a message via the chat on our website, or via Instagram or Facebook .

Note: Do you feel twinges, but you're not on your period? Some women feel ovulation . This can also be an unpleasant sensation, but these cramps are located in the lower left or right side of your abdomen and are less intense. And, if you track your cycle, you'll notice that you feel these cramps during ovulation.

Why do you have cramps?

During your period, your body produces substances (prostaglandins) that cause your uterus to contract. This helps your body expel the built-up lining. This contraction can cause cramps.

If you produce more prostaglandin, you're likely to experience more cramps. The pain varies for everyone, but the cramps often subside as you get older or after giving birth.

Because the uterine lining sheds from our bodies and we can't do much about it, the cramps are often considered normal. But perhaps it's worth asking yourself if that's really the case. Is it truly part of your cycle? Or could it indicate something else?

There are several conditions, such as endometriosis (tissue resembling the uterine lining outside your uterus), uterine fibroids (benign tumors), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), that cause cramping. Treatment for these conditions helps relieve the pain.

Are you sure you don't have an underlying condition, but are still experiencing a lot of cramps? Then it's time to do something about it, because your period shouldn't be this unpleasant.

Why should I do anything about it? I could just take some painkillers, right?

Painkillers can certainly ease your cramps. But long-term use isn't always recommended, and most importantly, they don't address the problem. And painkillers like ibuprofen can even worsen PMS symptoms over time.

Can I take the pill then?

If you experience frequent cramps, it's wise to see a doctor. Many doctors consider hormonal contraception a solution for menstrual problems. But what many doctors don't mention, or don't know, is that using hormonal contraception can cause quite a few side effects.

It also suppresses your natural hormone production. If you're really suffering from cramps, it certainly sounds like a good solution. But in the long run, a hormonal imbalance can cause many symptoms, such as hair loss, weight gain, and mood swings.

More about the effects of the pill on your body: On the pill? This is why it's a good idea to take supplements.

Reduce menstrual cramps

We've already discussed two options for managing your cramps: hormonal contraception and painkillers. Both options have side effects, so we recommend trying other options first.

We have listed our four best tips for you:

Tip 1: Yoga against cramps 🧘🏻‍♀️

Exercise helps your body in countless ways. But did you know that some yoga poses can also help with menstrual cramps? You don't have to be a pro yogi, we promise.

These poses can help, and aren't too difficult:

• Child's Pose
• Goddess Pose
• Cobbler's Pose

Hold each position for as long as it feels comfortable. There are more poses to try. Just Google "yoga for menstrual cramps." Try a few and see which one works for you.

Tip 2: Dark chocolate against menstrual cramps 🍫

Chocolate is magical. You already knew this, of course, but did you know that dark chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa) can help soothe your menstrual cramps?

This is because dark chocolate contains magnesium . Magnesium is an important mineral that can prevent painful cramps. You can find magnesium in dark chocolate, bananas, nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, and supplements. Make sure you choose supplements with easily absorbable magnesium, such as magnesium citrate and bisglycinate.

Tip 3: Orgasms against menstrual cramps 😮

Skeptical about this one? Don't be. When you climax, endorphins are released. Endorphins are also known as the happiness hormone. These hormones act as natural painkillers and increase your pain tolerance.

Scientists still don't fully understand the role endorphins play in our bodies, but we do know they're important in reducing pain and increasing pleasure. And that's all we need to know for now. 😉

Orgasms also increase blood flow to your uterus, which can relieve menstrual cramps. It also helps you combat stress, relax more, and sleep better.

And you know what, it doesn't even have to be sex. Masturbation counts too – as long as you have an orgasm!

Want to know more about this topic? Check out our blog post about how orgasms can relieve period pain.

Tip 4: Healthy lifestyle

Cramps are one of the most common PMS symptoms. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to reduce PMS. A healthy lifestyle can make a big difference. Think about getting enough exercise, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. Read more about easing PMS symptoms here.

Are your cramps significantly affecting your daily life? Do you feel like yoga and chocolate aren't enough? Talk to us . We can help!