Cramps, Cramps, GO AWAY

So, it’s that time of the month…AGAIN! You’re cramping so bad you don’t want to get out of the bed. You have a never ending headache, none of your clothes seem to fit the way they did a week ago, and all you want to do is lie in the bed and eat chunky monkey ice cream. You have tried every trick in the book to relieve this feeling…yet nothing works! Unfortunately, as women this is just an act of nature that we have to go through each month. But, the good thing about it is there are things that you can do to somewhat ease the side effects of your monthly visitor.

It is first important to understand what your period and menstrual cycle are. The period is a major stage of puberty in girls and is part of the female reproductive cycle. This means that the period is a physical sign of one becoming a woman. During the period, a female experiences bleeding along with the cramps, headaches, and bloating, etc. It usually lasts for 3-7 days. The amount of time between a girls’ period is called the menstrual cycle. The cycle is counted from the start of one period to the next. The cycle between periods may be anywhere between 21 and 45 days. Most often the cycle is either 21 or 28 days. Some females have irregular cycles and birth control pills are one method of regulating the monthly cycle. Now, that you have some information on what your period is…I’m sure you want to know the secret to it being less miserable.

Cramps are caused by a chemical that causes the muscles in the woman’s uterus to contract. There are many different methods that people use to try to combat those much dreaded cramps, but I have found a method that I like to call “The Combo” to be the all around best. I too use to experience the type of cramps that ruin your whole week, until I got a little bit of advice from my favorite doctor…my aunt (Dr.Rosilin Wright). The components of “The Combo” are as follows:

1. Start taking ibuprofen the week before your period starts. Learn how to count the days between your periods so that you will know when to start taking the medicine.

2. Use a heating pad: When at home place an electric heating pad on the lower part of your stomach. Most local convenience stores also sell the disposable heating pads that can be worn throughout the day.

3. Keep ibuprofen in your system while your period is on. For example, if you take 2 pills, be sure to take them every 4 hours.

4. Stay active: Exercise regularly, this helps to lessen the cramps.

Please note that if you still experiencing extreme cramps (even after trying this method), you should consult with your physician because there may be something else going on with your body.

I hope that you have a clear understanding of what your menstrual cycle is and how to combat those cramps! Now, take these suggestions, run with them and don’t let your time of the month keep you from doing the things you love to do! Embrace your womanhood and take it in stride!

--Nakeitra Hill, Guest Blogger

Nakeitra Hill is a graduate of Mississippi State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences along with a Master of Science degree in Health Education/ Health Promotion. Nakeitra is also a Certified Health Education Specialist and Personal Trainer who is passionate about the health of the African-American community.