When a woman has menstrual periods, the uterus contracts in an attempt to expel the lining. These uterine contractions are caused by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins are responsible for menstrual cramps and menstrual pain. Some pain at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is normal, but generally a woman should not experience any pain during menstruation. Many women are so used to feeling this type of pain that they have come to accept menstrual cramps as an inevitable occurrence of the menstrual cycle. Actually, there’s a lot any woman can do to have a pain-free period.

The following is a simple list of natural things that any woman suffering from menstrual cramps can do to improve their situation:

1. Reduce the amount of coffee consumed every day. Even decaffeinated coffee drinks should be avoided, especially before your period arrives.

2. Eliminate daily alcohol intake and limit alcohol consumption only on special occasions.

3. Increase the amount of water. Avoid drinking tap water or water contained in water bottles, as they contain high levels of xenoestrogens, which mimic the action of estrogens and cause hormonal imbalances leading to irregular cycles, painful periods, infertility, etc.

3. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

4. Eat only organically raised meat and limit the amount of red meat to once a week.

5. Eat cold-water fish that have been caught in the wild and not farmed.

6. Avoid or limit dairy products, as they increase the production of prostaglandins.

7. Don’t smoke.

8. Cut down on salty foods before your period.

9. Increase circulation of blood flow to the reproductive organs by exercising, aerobics, walking or doing yoga.

10. Take a daily women’s specific multivitamin. Take extra magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins, especially B3 and B6.

There are a number of other important things that suffering women can do to lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. For example, it is often necessary to avoid using intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent pregnancy because they can increase cramping and menstrual bleeding, often leading to inflammation and even pelvic inflammatory disease. Many women should also consider using tampons only when necessary and instead using sanitary tampons most of the time.

There are specific vitamins that are helpful in decreasing menstrual cramps related to poor nutrition and mineral deficiency. These are omega 3 and 9 fatty acids, DHA, EPA and GLA.

homeopathic remedies for menstrual cramps

Homeopathic medicine is very safe and effective in treating menstrual cramps and can be used by both girls and women who are trying to conceive because homeopathic medicine is non-toxic and 100% natural with no reported side effects. In homeopathic medicine the symptoms experienced by the patient must coincide with the indication of the homeopathic remedy. The following is a list of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies and how they can help women suffering from menstrual cramps.

Belladonna

This remedy helps calm violent menstrual cramps that worsen on the right side. This remedy is indicated in cases of sudden onset of pain and cramps accompanied by profuse, bright red bleeding, often with a flow of hot, clotted blood. The uterus feels very congested and the woman feels better drinking cold water with lemon. She is very thirsty and prefers to rest. As the intensity of the cramps increases, she may become angry and irritable. This remedy is usually indicated in cases of heavy bleeding and cramps caused by a miscarriage.

chamomile

This is one of the most prescribed remedies for the mental and emotional symptoms that accompany painful periods due to menstrual cramps. The woman is very sensitive to pain and does not tolerate it and becomes extremely irritable, almost childish. The pain is very intense and from the uterus descends through the inner part of the thighs. The blood stream may have large, dark-colored clots mixed with bright red blood.

colocynthis

This remedy helps the woman who feels the pain more in the ovaries and less in the uterus. She wants to double up because this position improves her situation. She prefers strong pressure on the lower abdomen and warm applications. She can get angry easily, which makes her pain worse.

Arnica

This remedy helps those women who feel pain throughout the body with pain in the perineum as if they were bruised. The flow of blood is abundant and the woman feels weak.

lachesis

This remedy is used more in the premenstrual period since with this remedy the woman feels better when the discharge arrives. Before the flow she is irritable, she has hot flushing headaches. The cramps are severe and begin before the flow. They are worse from the pressure and the woman wants to wear baggy clothes. The discharge is scanty with little blood, often very dark in color with severe cramping. Once the flow is established, the cramps go away. She feels hot and wants cold drinks and fresh air.

phosphoric magnesia

This is the main remedy for menstrual cramps, as it will work in almost all cases. If you are not sure which remedy to take, this is the one for you. The main symptom is that hot applications and hot food and drinks improve menstrual pain. The pain is felt in the uterus and the woman wants to lie better on the right side.

nux vomica

This remedy has a marked symptom of menstrual cramps associated with lower back pain with a feeling of needing to defecate. You may feel irritable, easily angered, and cold. During your periods you have an increased desire for fats (unhealthy foods), smoking, and a desire for alcohol. This remedy is also indicated in women whose flow lasts too long.

pulsatilla

This remedy is for women who become very emotional and tearful before and during their periods. They change their mood easily and also their menstrual pain changes frequently without an easily identifiable pattern. She is shy, needy, and wants constant attention and support. She doesn’t want to drink and craves cold, creamy dishes that make her nauseous. She feels warm and prefers fresh, open air. She constantly wants to open the window and change the air in the room when it is too stuffy.

Sepia

Sepia helps those who, during their period, have mental and physical weakness with pressure pain as if all the organs were going to fall out. The period can be late and heavy or early and scanty. The pain feels like shooting pains that travel into the vagina. It becomes cold, irritable, depressed and reluctant to physical and mental work. You often crave sour foods and chocolate. It is better by warm applications and by movement. This remedy is indicated for women who develop menstrual problems after the contraceptive pill or pregnancy.

Anyone who suffers from very strong menstrual cramps accompanied by heavy bleeding during menstruation should see their doctor to rule out gynecological conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovaries, or endometriosis.