Any home remedies? **Warning girl info here**

Originally Posted by LuckyGirl

I use the heating pad too. And lots of ibuprofin...

Click to expand...

I've also heard that it helps if you start taking ibuprofin a few days before.

You know those little heating pads for people who go out hunting? You shake them or expose them to air and they heat up. They are awesome for when you are at work or school and can't have a heating pad. Just tuck them in the waistband of your pants... you do have to readjust everyonce in a while cause they can get rather warm.

I discovered this this winter as my Ffil keeps giving them to me and I needed to use them up somehow!

My cramps are so bad that I have a prescription for a muscle relaxant I pop one of those a month and they stop.

Originally Posted by lookingglass

My cramps are so bad that I have a prescription for a muscle relaxant I pop one of those a month and they stop.

Click to expand...

I get those too. They are the best. BUT...I only get my "thing" every 6 months. Dont know why. But the cramps are the WORST. I never felt anything like that before, well other than childbirth...

If they really are that bad, I would talk to your doctor about muscle relaxers. Otherwise, like Fran said...Curl up in a ball. That's what I do waiting for the pills to kick in. OH...and rock back and forth, and say "ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" over and over.
Yes, It sounds, and does look very strange. But it works..temporarily...but it works.

Brandi, I know how you feel my dear. A couple of days ago I was in your situation. I get killer cramps that I usually have to go to the doc for. I get so much pain I can't move, I throw up, I get dizzy and pass out (I have an iron deficiency). It's awful. Those therma-thingies work really well sometimes, but sometimes your darn cramps just smile at them and keep on coming strong, lol. I tend to take massive amounts of ibuprofen, way more than you should really and keep the heat thingies on. Also, like they said above, NO caffeine, it makes it worse. Back rubs and exercise help. But I think you already have a great plan of the jacuzzi! So relaxing. But be careful not to get so dizzy from the heat, almost all women's iron level dips when they have their period.

What works best for me is a bubble bath, scented candles (just because they're relaxing) warm cup of herbal tea (regular tea gives me killer cramps,so i switch to herbal a few days before my periods due) and an issue of Cosmo or any other good magazine!!! I'd suggest taking a bubble bath or use a warm heating pad--or rice sock heated up./ Some times a little moderate exercise like a light walk can help relieve cramps./ Be sure to lay off salty foods and caffine (chocolate included....it can make cramps worse....but peanut butter isn't a bad alternative) .Also, watch how much fiber you take in right before your periods because it can cause bloating,cramps and diarreah....ie..broccli,potatoes,etc.. and it isn't a bad idea to take some imodium at the slightest signs of diarreah to prevent it./ Take an over the counter pain reliever like midol or ibuprofein (sp?) and be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water. It might not be a bad idea to keep a journal of every little cramping episode you get so that you know how frequently you have symptoms and how often...i'd scale the cramps 1 to 5 so you can keep track of if it's really interfearing with your life...it might not be a bad idea to discuss your symptoms with your gynecologist....my cramps were soo horrible (i wasn't able to get up off the floor at one point) when i was younger they put me on the pill to help my periods....and it worked for me, i take Yasmine. Each woman is different, but i hope one of these suggestions is able to help you. Feel better soon!!!

http://health.ivillage.com/gyno/gyno...,,4v4t,00.html
Also, i've included a link to IVillages website that has fourms on menstral pain and topics that go along with it so you can read through it and maybe find some helpful tips.

Well now that I'm in that peri-menopause stage I'm never sure when to expect my period-surprise it came on Friday nite!!!! At the 1st twinge of cramps I pound down either aspirin or ibuprofen. Walking around a bit helps to as I seem to be a bit restless for them to subside. When you work though that can present a problem!! At home its a hot bath for me, I haven't had to resort to the heating pad though. Unfortunately for me the cramps do not end when my period starts anymore but can continue the whole time.
What I have found is regular exercise seems to diminish the cramps.
Have some chocolate or salty food on hand!!

I take primrose oil tabs sometimes, I'm not convinced they do anything.

something that works for me is getting into a hot hot shower and having it beat on my tummy then i have a hot cup of tea and lay done on my tummy and take a nap i just got over mine too and had killer cramps hope they go away soon!!!!!!! good luck

I'll see your killer cramps and raise you one back injury. Yep, in addition to my back hurting, now the front hurts!

Originally Posted by gemlady

I'll see your killer cramps and raise you one back injury. Yep, in addition to my back hurting, now the front hurts!

Click to expand...

Aww Jan!! I hope it gets better very very very soon!!

Well let me see, I did the jacuzzi and laying around reading a book with the heating bad on high. I feel better now!!!

I have had terrible cramps for years. My first gyno put me on prescription pain killers and they did nothing. The only thing that works is heat that I know of. They should be gone until next month and then I will be trying all of your remedies!! Thanks everyone!!

I have endometriosis and like someone else I used to be on the pill, for about 11 years to be exact. I went off the pill because I had similar symptoms (low sex drive, irritability, etc). I bought a great book called the Endometriosis Source Book and found a website that provides info about holistic care of endo-

http://www.endo-resolved.com/alternative.html

Treating endo means treating horrible cramps, nausea, and other tummy problems. Using herbs like red raspberry leaf and evening primrose oil helps with cramping and bleeding. Ginger helps with nausea and pain. Cramp bark helps with cramps. Horsetail treats excessive bleeding.

I mention all of this because these herbs are great for menstrual symptoms and because contrary to popular belief heavy cramping is not a normal part of having a period- you will want to get checked out for endo, fibroids, etc.