Menstrual Cramps - Who Can Suffer From Them?

Let's first get to know what are menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea or period pains are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen.Many women experience menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods.

Who gets menstrual cramps?

About half of women experience menstrual cramps and about 15% describe the pain as severe. It has been shown that women who do not exercise experience more painful menstrual cramps. Certain psychological factors such as emotional stress may also increase the likelihood of having uncomfortable menstrual cramps. Additional risk factors for these cramps include:

Being younger than 20 years of age
Starting puberty at age 11 or younger
Menorrhagia - heavy bleeding during periods
Never given birth

Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

Pain in the lower back and thighs
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Loose stools
Constipation
Bloating in the belly area
Headaches
Lightheadedness or feeling faint.

How can you 'AVOID' menstrual cramps?

Eating fruits and vegetables and limiting intake of fat, alcohol, caffeine, salt and sweets

Exercising regularly
Reducing stress
Quitting smoking
Yoga or relaxation therapy
Acupuncture or acupressure.
Apply heat to lower abdominal part.
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D.
Dietary supplements.

##10 Ways to treat period cramps:

1. Improve Your Diet to Alleviate Period Cramps
2. Pop a Safe Painkiller
3. Turn to Tea to Calm Menstrual Cramps
4. Try Fish Oil and Vitamin B1
5. Needle Away Period Cramps
6. Massage With Essential Oils for Pain Relief
7. Curl Up With a Heating Pad to Ease Period Cramps
8. Boost Endorphins Your Way
9. Up the Magnesium in Your Diet
10. Lean on Your Contraceptive