Many people report having abdominal or pelvic pain at the beginning of their menstrual cycle. In some cases, remedies can help a person get relief.
During a period, the uterus contracts to squeeze the lining away from the uterine wall and allow it to exit the body through the vagina. These contractions can cause pain or discomfort. Many people refer to them as cramps.
During menstruation, most people experience cramps in the lower abdomen, although the pain can also radiate to the lower back, groin, or upper thighs. Menstrual cramps tend to be worst at the beginning of a period and become less uncomfortable as the days go on.
Many home remedies can help relieve menstrual cramps, including the following:
Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad against the abdomen can relax the muscles and relieve cramps.
Heat helps the uterine muscle and those around it relax, which may ease cramping and discomfort.
A person can also place a heating pad on the lower back to get rid of back pain. Another option is to soak in a warm bath, which can help relax the muscles in the abdomen, back, and legs.
Read about five heating pads to consider here.
Although exercise might be the last thing many people feel like doing when they have cramps, it may provide pain relief.
Strenuous exercise might not be beneficial if a person is in pain, but gentle stretching, going for a walk, or doing yoga may help. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are nature’s natural pain relievers.
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Learn more about some of the top workout mats here.
An orgasm may help alleviate menstrual cramps. During orgasm, the uterus contracts but then releases. This may help lessen the impact of menstrual contractions.
Like exercise, having an orgasm also releases endorphins and other hormones that relieve pain, helping a person feel good.
Learn more about sex during menstruation here.
A person is more likely to benefit from an ongoing course of acupuncture than a single session.
Getting a massage or performing self-massage over the abdomen can also relax the pelvic muscles and alleviate cramping. People can gently rub a massage oil, body lotion, or coconut oil into their skin to help this process.
Shop the 10 best stress-relief lotions here.
Massaging the abdomen with essential oils may provide additional benefits for those experiencing menstrual cramps.
According to a 2015 review, the following oils may help a person manage cramp symptoms:
People can try adding a few drops of at least one of these essential oils to a carrier oil for an effective abdominal self-massage.
Learn more about essential oils for muscle cramps and shop for them here.
Making some changes to the diet may reduce menstrual cramping.
Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and whole grains helps the body stay healthy.
Shop for omega-3 supplements here.
Increasing the intake of fluids will help the body stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of muscle cramps.
Herbal teas are warm and soothing, and in some cases, the herbs themselves can be beneficial as well.
Some manufacturers suggest that specific teas, such as chamomile, dandelion, red raspberry, and fennel teas, provide relief from menstrual cramps. However, there is little evidence to support this.
Shop 10 of the best teas for menopause symptoms here.
Hormonal changes that affect a person’s digestive tract can cause menstrual cramps. Short-term dietary changes can often alleviate these symptoms.
Prioritizing a diet rich in fiber and low in oils and refined sugars can help improve digestion and lessen abdominal discomfort.
Learn more about how periods affect the digestive system.
If natural home remedies do not relieve pain, a person can try using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
These medications can relieve inflammation, pain, and menstrual cramps. It is essential to follow the dosage directions on the bottle and speak with a doctor if the recommended dose is insufficient to relieve menstrual cramps.
During menstruation, the muscular walls of the womb contract and relax to help the womb shed its internal lining. This results in discomfort that can range from mild to severe in some people.
These pains typically last 48–72 hours and may become milder as a person grows older.
Learn more about menstrual cramps here.
A person may wish to speak with a doctor if home remedies do not help reduce cramps or if they are experiencing very severe cramping.
A doctor can suggest other home remedies to try or prescribe medications, such as birth control pills or some types of pain reliever, to manage the symptoms.
Other symptoms that may warrant contacting a doctor include:
These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, for which a doctor will be able to suggest an effective treatment.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about home remedies for menstrual cramps.
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that any specific herbal tea can treat menstrual cramps. However, limited research suggests that consuming ginger and
Eating more fruits and vegetables
Several factors and underlying conditions may increase a person’s risk of experiencing severe menstrual cramps, including:
Menstrual cramps are a common symptom before and during a period. In most cases, cramps are normal, but some situations may indicate something more serious.
If these home remedies are not successful in relieving menstrual cramps, it is important to speak with a doctor.
Last medically reviewed on January 16, 2022
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