6 Easy Ways to Overcome Stomach Cramps during Menstruation

You may have experienced stomach cramps before and during menstruation. This condition, which is medically known as dysmenorrhea, is quite common. In fact, the discomfort is almost experienced by all women who are menstruating. The effects of abdominal cramps experienced by women during menstruation vary. There are those who feel mediocre and there are also those who feel pain to disturb their daily activities. But don't worry too much, because you can cramp your stomach during menstruation easily by yourself.

Recognize the Causes of Stomach Cramps during Menstruation

Abdominal cramps can occur because the body experiences changes during menstruation. During this period, uterine wall contractions are stronger than usual. This contraction occurs so that the lining of the uterus can drain menstrual blood. When the uterine wall is contracting, the uterus will also compress the blood vessels lining the uterus, so that it can cut off the flow of blood that is delivering oxygen to the uterus. A drop in blood flow will cause low oxygen levels in the uterus, this condition then makes the tissue in the uterus begin to produce a chemical called prostaglandin, which triggers pain.

6 Easy Ways to Overcome Stomach Cramps during Menstruation

To overcome this discomfort, there are several easy ways you can do, namely:

1. Drink lots of water

During menstruation, you can prepare a bottle of water that is easy to carry for traveling. You can add lemon juice to it to taste and arouse your taste. Drinking water does not reduce the feeling of cramps directly, but can overcome flatulence which can aggravate the stomach cramps you experience.

2. Consumption of suitable types of food

When experiencing cramps during menstruation, you can eat foods that are low in fat and rich in fiber, such as fruits, green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It is recommended to avoid fatty foods, fried foods, or fast food.

3. Warm compresses on cramped parts

Then you can compress and put a warm towel or bottle of warm water into the cramped abdominal area. In addition to easing pain, this warm sensation can also make you more relaxed.

4. Pamper the body with a massage

To overcome stomach cramps during menstruation, you can gently massage the lower abdominal area with a circular motion slowly. You can add aromatherapy oils when massaging, which can make you feel more relaxed.

5. Active moves

Discomfort during menstruation might make you lazy to move aka ‘mager’. But, you have to fight it by actively moving or exercising, such as running, relaxing walking, or aerobics. By actively moving and exercising, the body can produce endorphins which can reduce pain while improving mood.

6. Take pain medication

When you feel unbearable stomach cramps, you may take pain medications, such as paracetamol. But remember, first read the rules of use. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor so that you can be given the right medicine and dosage. Abdominal cramps during menstruation are normal. But if menstrual cramps feel very severe, this could be due to health problems, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and uterine fibroids. You can try the methods above to reduce cramps when menstruating. But if you experience abdominal cramps very heavy, come suddenly, accompanied by fever, there is a large amount of blood clots, or vaginal discharge that is thick and foul-smelling, you should do a doctor's examination.