How Do You Reduce Heavy Menstrual Cramps?
• RELAX! Whenever you are nervous about something (say, a school final coming up), your cramps tend to be worse. Think about happy things. • Take ibuprofen BEFORE your period. Sounds like it won’t help, but it actually will help the stuff that causes pain and reduce it. (Two is usually plenty) • When it comes to your actual period, as soon as you realize you have it, take pain medication of some sort. Things like ibuprofen work fine, but when your cramps are heavy, Midol and Pamprin work best. Pamprin Max has been found to work the best for heavy cramps. • Consult your doctor if Midol and Pamprin do not work– some girls have to go on birth control to help the cramps and flow of your period. • For immediate relief, get a heating pad. DO NOT put it on the hottest setting– it can burn your skin and make you feel more uncomfortable. The medium-hot (or “warm”) setting does the job without burning the skin. • Also, laying on your back with your knees bent helps relax the muscles. Plus, it
