I've been taking Motrin, 600mg every 8 hrs for the past 24 hrs due to severe menstrual cramps and now my tummy hurts (most likely from the motrin). My periods have been getting progressively more painful since the birth of my child, 3 years ago. I have a Dr.'s appt. in September, and yes, I will mention this to my doc. In the meantime I'm wondering if any of you use herbal remedies for the pain of menstrual cramps, even if it's in the form of compresses. I need some tips!
Yes, Shari, it feels like I'm in labor! If I knew I'd get a baby by the end of the day I wouldn't be complaining, but clearly that is not the case!
Take vitamin B6, everyday. I did that for a month straight and the next time my cycle came, I didn't have cramps at all! You have to take it daily though.
I also have used premsym pms. I find it at drugstores and it really helps with the bloating, fatigue, and crabbiness as well!
R.,
You should talk to your doctor to determine what is causing the cramps. If the pain is in the normal range and just a natural part of your cycle, then many of the suggested remedies would help. However, if you have fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, etc. then there other herbal and non-herbal remedies to consider. In any case, it will be easier to find a cure when you know what is the source.
Good luck.
I don't have any suggestions about herbal remedies, but I used to suffer AWFUL menstrual cramps and I found that Aleve worked even better than Motrin (and before Motrin there was nothing that worked. My mother's doctor used to tell her to drink. Seriously.)
If I remember, I used to take one at the beginning and then one 8-12 hours later. It was slightly higher than the recommended dose but it usually got me through that first 24 hour hump of pain. Oddly, it was after starting the Aleve that my cramps started subsiding, like it had some lingering effect, and now I mostly get by with nothing, or something minor.
Good luck. I remember hearing somewhere that having bad menstrual cramps can be like giving birth. It has been a while since I've done either, but I can believe it. And nobody is giving you an epidural for your "time of the month!"
Raspberry leaf, Cramp bark, magnesium and evening primrose oil work amazing for me during my period. That being said, the quality (or severity) of your period and cramps are largely dependant on your diet. Too much sugar, animal protein, gluten? These can all effect you. Check out Dr. Christine Northrups website(it's called women to women), it is amazing for womens Heath issues. I know it's hard, I suffer from horrible periods too, and it really depends on how I treated my body during the month! Good luck!
Angelica Root is herbal supplement for menstruation cramps or a calcium/magnesium may also help, if you have lower levels of magnesium in your body due to diet or another factor it can lead to more painful cramps during menstruation.
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Angelica Root is herbal supplement for menstruation cramps or a calcium/magnesium may also help, if you have lower levels of magnesium in your body due to diet or another factor it can lead to more painful cramps during menstruation.
A hot, hot bath, with 1/2 baking soda and 1/2 Epson salts (make sure to shower w/ soap after the bath) and a few drops of Jasmine essential oil.
Hot water bottle / hot wet compress.
Cramp Bark (boiled for ten minutes).
Like you, my periods have gotten progressively worse since I've had my children. The thermacare hot packs work for me. They stay hot for over 8hrs. You can stick them right to yout stomach. I actually use the belt one for backs & wear it on my stomach (because I'm allergic to adhesive). I've found nothing that works better & I've tried alot. I also use a regular electric hot pack when I'm sleeping because my cramps will wake me up. Good luck
What I do it's get some towels, soak them in the hottest water out of the bath tub faucet, don't wring them to much, put them is a trash liner, not like a regular Walmart or grocery bag, tie it, apply to area, lie in a fetal position, and complain to my husband he has no idea how I feel till I go to sleep.. Don't know if this helps
SoySentials from Reliv. Great for cramps, PMS, even menopausal symptoms when you get to that point. Helped a few friends of mine with frequent UTIs too. It's also very good for breast health. Another friend said her osteoporosis reversed itself in about 7-8 months of consistent use. Her doctor is thrilled.
Evening Primrose Oil capsules may help. Also, cutting way back on or eliminating sugar from your diet. This is something I stumbled upon when trying the atkins diet a few years ago. For years the first day of my period meant pain and nausea that nothing but 800 mg ibuprofen, a heating pad and sleep would help. On top of that I had some scary PMS mood swings for a week prior to flo's arrival. The pain, nausea and mood swings were gone when I cut out the sugar. When I started sugar again it all came back. Might just be my biology but it's worth a try. To me it was like a miracle. Another thought, and this is kind of extreme - could be fibroids. My sister had them and they caused extreme menstrual pain and very heavy flo. She had them removed and thankfully she's much better now. I hope you find some relief soon. Good luck.
The homeopathic remedy Colocynthis. It was AMAZING for my cramps. Also works great for charlie horses. You can get it from 1800homeopathy.com or your local health food store can order it for you. Take as directed.
Bananas, potassium is the key.
