Scarleteen

Since the issue of cramping and pain during menstruation, as well as PMS and irregularity gets brought up a lot in other threads, especially those discussing the pill, it seems important we have a thread dedicated solely to what methods and approaches have worked for people which do NOT involve birth control pills or other hormonal methods or mega-doses of Ibuprofen and the lot.

Note: If you have extreme menstrual problems and your doctor has NOT thoroughly examined the matter with a pelvic exam, full STI screening, some basic blood tests and an ultrasound, make sure you have that done. Do NOT accept just being thrown unto the pill or being given painkillers: while either or both may work for some women, often those are temporary and still don't identify the problem, and much of the time, severe menstrual pain means something IS wrong. A doctor who tells you that's normal may not be adequately doing his/her job, or all that well-versed or invested in women's reproductive health. So, before trying anything listed here by staff or users, do be sure and do that first.

Here are a few places to start per menstrual pain and discomfort.

• Acupuncture and chinese medicine. Acupuncture is what is done for pain relief, and adjunct therapies like cupping may also be used. Your acupuncturist may also give you an herbal medication to correct any chi/ki imbalances that might be contributing to the problem. Personally, I've had an acupuncture session not only prevent cramping (I have painful cramping every other month, which has been attributed to both stress and possible scarring of a fallopian tube from an ectopic pregnancy), but also nip it right in the bud, providing me relief for days from a single session.

• Massage. You can either get a massage from a massage therapist, teach a friend or partner how, or use a back massager.

• Heat therapy. Hot tubs, hot baths, even the old hot water bottle or heating pad can be your big pal. Those stick-on or insertable self-heating pads are also really awesome.

• Exercise. Increased levels of activity increase circulation as well as providing endorphins, nature's pain reliever. Plus, stronger muscles in the back, pelvis and abdomen can provide greater resistance to pain. Even just some deep stretching and a brisk walk to school or work can make a difference.

• Dietary changes. Some foods can increase menstrual discomfort in many people: caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, meats, simple carbs and highly processed foods,

• Herbal medicines. Some herbs and compounds -- namely emmenagogues, which stimulate blood flow in the pelvis and reproductive organs -- like red raspberry leaf, blue cohosh, angelica, black cohosh, mugwort, tansy, Vitamin C and others -- can be of help. You can often find combination capsules or teas of blends of some of these specifically labeled for mesntrual discomfort at any natural foods store. You can also ask a nutritionist or naturopath/homeopath about them.

• Lifestyle changes in advance of your period. Preventing pain can often be more effective than managing it once it's present. So doing simple things like, in the week before your period, getting extra rest, cutting out caffiene and/or alchohol, eating lighter, healthier meals, getting extra exercise, reducing stresses, and using an alternative therapy BEFORE menses is nearly always beneficial.

• Ditch tampons. Because they absorb flow, rather than containing it, tampons can contribute to greater cramping: consider switching to either pads or a menstrual cup.

• Time. Sounds silly, but sometimes, it just takes some years for the menstrual cycle to settle in and calm down. This is likely a big reason why very young women who go on the pill, then come off in their twenties, attribute the pill to having regulated/calmed their cycle, even though it doesn't have the capacity to do that in any permanent way.

Feel free to post other alternatatives that have worked for you!