Teens

Body changes during puberty

What is happening to my brain?

First periods

Talking to mom

My daily hygiene

Cramps and menstrual pain

If you never suffer from period pain or menstrual cramps then you’re a very lucky girl. Unfortunately, for many girls, it’s just a plain fact of life that before and during a period you may suffer from menstrual cramps (doctors call menstrual pain dysmenorrhea).
Usually menstrual pain is mild. But sometimes it can be severe. Menstrual pains can vary: either sharp stabs that make you double up or a nagging pain that spreads through your belly and lower back. Some girls also experience dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or even vomiting.

What causes cramps?

Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins – substances that occur naturally in your body and cause the uterus to contract. If you don’t ovulate, it’s unlikely that you’ll get cramps during your period. Doctors often prescribe the pill to ease painful periods – but these can cause abnormal bleeding in some girls.

Tackling cramps

If you’re suffering from cramps and other period pain, try a combination of these to feel better:

Ask your mom for an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. These medicines can help make the cramps less severe. Be sure to ask your mom first.
Regular exercise and stretching are very effective.
Gently rub your abdomen to help relax the muscles.
Vitamin B1 or magnesium supplements may reduce cramps, bloating and other PMS symptoms. Be sure to ask your mom first though before taking anything to help with your cramps.
Take a warm bath or ask your mom if it would be OK to apply a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back to reduce your period pain.

Sources

ACOG brochure 46 Dysmenorrhea.

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