Health Information
Menstrual Cramps
Home Treatment
Try the following home treatment to help relieve your menstrual cramps:
- Use heat, such as hot water bottles, heating pads, or hot baths, to relax tense muscles and relieve cramping. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Drink herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, raspberry, and blackberry, which may help soothe tense muscles and anxious moods.
- Exercise. Regular workouts decrease the severity of cramps. For more information, see the topic Reference Fitness.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you have the urge to urinate.
For more information on managing menstrual cramps, see:
| Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain: |
|---|
|
| Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: |
|---|
|
Symptoms to watch for during home treatment
Reference Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:
- You become pregnant.
- Pain is getting worse.
- Menstrual cramps are lasting longer than your period.
- Other symptoms develop, such as fever.
- Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 20, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Reference David Messenger, MD |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
