Have you ever suffered from really bad period cramps? I’m not talking about the occasional twinge or PMS-related grumpiness. I’m talking about debilitating pain that has kept you in bed for a day or two and caused you to seriously contemplate whether or not having a period is worth it?
For me, this was a regular occurrence. For years, I tried everything – heating pads, massages, prescription medications – but nothing worked. Finally, I decided to take action and figure out how to cure my period cramps. And it worked!
Here’s what I did…
Step 1: I Understood My Symptoms
To understand period cramps better, you need to step back and consider first why women have a monthly menstrual period.
The menstrual cycle prepares the woman’s body for pregnancy each month. Menstruation or period happens when the uterus sheds its lining. The primary purpose of this natural process is to help prepare the uterus for both receiving and nourishing a fertilized egg.
The shedding of uterine linings results in the release of tissue and blood from inside the uterus. However, menstruation also comes with several symptoms, including severe menstrual cramps and period pain.
Menstrual cramps happen in the lower back and abdomen as the blood vessels and muscles of the uterus contract to shed its lining.
Period cramps feel differently for women. Some can feel mild discomfort. But mine includes severe period pain, making each task difficult.
After red days, which can last from 3-7 days, the uterine lining regrows. As time passes, ovulation happens – and the monthly cycle continues!
Identifying My Symptoms
The US Department of HHS offices on Women’s Health emphasized the importance of tracking the following:
- when your menstruation starts
- the amount of bleeding
- how long does it last
- any discomfort you feel
Tracking your monthly cycle is a great way to feel more in control and stay aware of any changes that could indicate an imbalance.
Tracking can also help you notice if there are other aspects related to your health, like noticing when you have hormonal problems.
While some women rely on apps to track their periods, I prefer using calendars and note-taking methods. I keep notes of the dates of my period as well as any noticeable symptoms.
Hormone Testing
Hormones are chemicals in our body that control various processes. During the menstrual cycle, your hormones tell cells how much estrogen or progesterone to make and where they should go if you have too little of one type.
When the body is in balance, it functions more efficiently. But even a minor hormonal imbalance can cause significant effects on your menstrual cycle.
That is why I underwent hormone testing to figure out if imbalances in my hormones trigger my period cramps.
And when it comes to hormone testing, the DUTCH Hormone test is a gold standard.
What is the DUTCH Hormone Test?
The DUTCH test, which stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones, involves collecting a small amount of your urine on filtered paper 4 times a day to measure hormone metabolites.
This test measures:
- Several hormones, including progesterone, estrone, estriol, melatonin, and testosterone
- Cortisol and Cortisone levels and rhythms
- Estrogen metabolism pathways
The DUTCH test is a great alternative to blood or saliva tests because it provides comprehensive information in one convenient kit. The ease-of collection and detailed reporting make this option stand out from other options on the market today.
Results from the hormone test will be analyzed by a doctor who determines the best plan of action for you. This may include using supplementation, herbs, and low-dose bioidentical hormones, as well as dietary changes or lifestyle adjustments.
Documenting my Desired Results
Every woman wants to have a painless monthly cycle. This means not having to take any pharmaceutical medications and solely relying on natural remedies to cure period cramps and even chronic pelvic pain. It might seem impossible, but I want to eradicate the symptoms associated with menstruation completely. If not, I want to feel fewer menstrual cramps and painful periods every time my red days pay me a visit each month.
Step 2: I Did a Thorough Research on All Possible Options
It is very important to know and understand all your options for dealing with menstrual cramps. Here are the choices I picked from:
Magnesium
For years, magnesium has been known as “nature’s relaxant.” And there’s a good reason for that.
Magnesium relaxes muscles and eases tension. It’s also known to be helpful in addressing anxiety and insomnia.
But did you know that magnesium can also help with cramps? That’s right! If you suffer from bad menstrual cramps, magnesium could be your new best friend.
Magnesium is known to help calm symptoms of PMS. As a result, it can treat menstrual cramps and make your menstrual cycle more bearable.
Yoga
If you have excruciating cramps, it might feel like not going to work. But instead of missing your shift, try stretching and moderate-intensity exercises.
A study found that a specialized yoga program can be a complementary treatment for dysmenorrhea. Participants reported a significant improvement in their quality of life and menstrual pain after practicing yoga.
A systematic review on the effect of yoga on menstrual disorders concluded that yoga was linked to pain relief and reduced severity of symptoms for women suffering from menstrual cramps and PMS. Some of the studies also found that yoga reduces bloating and breast tenderness and promotes better moods, regularity in menstruation, and more concentration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that there should be a balance between yin and yang to maintain good health. Illnesses may strike due to an imbalance or disturbance in qi (the life energy).
In TCM, period pain and severe cramps are triggered by three causes:
| Causes | Description/Characteristic | Possible Cure/Treatment |
| Qi stagnation | Dull achy pain | Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder) |
| Blood stagnation | Sharp stabbing pain
Dark menstrual blood with clots |
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Tea with Peach and Safflower) |
| Blood deficiency | Dull pain that gets worse at the end of the period or when the period is over
Pallor and fatigue |
Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Tea) |
Here are other TCM treatments to try:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing method used for thousands of years. It involves inserting thin needles into some areas of the body called acupoints.
Acupuncture aims to rebalance the Qi in a person’s body, which helps regulate menstrual cycles and prevent cramps by allowing blood flow through acupoints.
A systematic review on the efficacy of acupuncture in treating dysmenorrhea concluded that acupuncture might reduce period pain and associated symptoms more effectively than NSAIDs or no treatment.
Chinese Herbs
The amazing healing properties of Chinese herbs are well documented. They can be incorporated into teas or soups to help improve your body’s Qi and blood flow, possibly relieving period cramps.
Here are some of the Chinese herbs that can help with period cramps, including how they work:
| Herbs | How It Works |
| Ginger | Warms the body by expelling cold |
| Safflower | Clears blood blockages and promotes blood circulation in reproductive organs |
| Fennel | Relieves pain caused by coldness |
| Angelica Sinensis | Prevents blood stagnation by promoting blood flow around the body |
| Sichuan Lovage Rhizome | Helps with blood flow and circulation |
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable from Peru’s Andes Mountains. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca is a nutrient-rich food high in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
Maca is a natural remedy that helps relieve pain during menstruation by soothing painful menstrual cramps, body aches, and other symptoms. It may also improve energy levels, mood, and well-being during menstruation.
Progesterone Cream
Progesterone cream is topical progesterone that you can apply to your skin. It’s often used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But it can also be used to treat conditions such as PMS and endometriosis.
Period cramps are caused by constriction of the muscles in the uterus, which is controlled by the hormone progesterone. By increasing levels of progesterone, progesterone cream may help to relax these muscles and reduce cramping.
Step 3: I Tried Several Period Cramps/Pain Relief Options
Keeping my eyes on the cost, I decided to try the simplest options first.
Magnesium
I started taking magnesium twice per day 1 week before my period.
Also, I started applying magnesium cream to my body 1 x per day after my daily shower.
Recently, I tried a Magnesium bath using Epsom salts. For an extra relaxing ambiance, I added soothing music and some candles.
I noticed around a 5-10% reduction in pain.
Yoga
I started doing 30 mins of hatha yoga 1 week before my period. It helped relax tension in my abdomen and pelvis and increase blood circulation to the area.
On the day my period was due, I went to a 1 x hour Iyengar yoga class.
I noticed a 30% improvement on the day my period came and the following days. I noticed that yoga only worked when I actually did yoga exercises on the day or the day before.
The key to using yoga for period pain relief is to discover the poses and practices that help you and those that are comfortable to do during your period.
Progesterone Cream
After my hormone tests came back, my doctor prescribed me Progesterone Cream as my levels were very low. I started using this from the first day of ovulation, which for me is day 12, but your hormone tests will tell you what your day is.
After 2 months of applying this cream, I noticed no improvement in cramps. But it did help a lot with my PMS!
Mighty Maca
I started taking this from my ovulation day every day and took a 5-day break when my period came.
I used Mighty Maca Plus. I added 1 scoop to 4 oz. of juice, smoothie, water, or your favorite beverage. I had at least one serving daily.
After just 2 weeks of taking this product, I noticed around a 30% improvement. And I really vouch for it!
TCM and Acupuncture
I tried several Chinese medicine herbs, such as ginger and saffron. It indeed reduced my period discomforts.
Acupuncture was my last option because it was so expensive ($150 x 2 for the first month). But in the end, I wish I did this first because it worked so well.
I started this on week 2 of my cycle. Each treatment lasted about 20-30 minutes. I felt significant improvement in my menstrual cramps after 2 months of treatment.
I am currently undergoing weekly acupuncture treatments to maintain regular, painless menstrual cycles.
Step 4: Repeat and Refine
There is no surefire way of managing period cramps. But fortunately, there are several treatment options you can try.
You can try my treatment plan. But if it does not work, try the other options or make some dosage adjustments. Make sure to document what you’ve been trying so as not to repeat the same mistakes and waste time and other resources.
Key Takeaways
If you are currently experiencing period cramps, there is a long list of treatment options to consider. From magnesium, maca, and progesterone cream to yoga and traditional Chinese medicines, you’ll never run out of choices. You just need to determine which option suits you best.
I hope the information in this post will help you find relief. I also encourage you to check with your doctor if these tips don’t provide the relief you need. An OB-GYN or a specialist can make a thorough diagnosis and provide a tailored treatment plan.
And if you have questions or would like to share your own tips for relieving period cramps, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
