FloridaHealthFinder.gov | Health Encyclopedia | Menstrual cramp relief
Graphical top of the content well

Health Encyclopedia

Home | List of Topics | Women's Health | Premenstrual Syndrome

Search health encyclopedia
Go

Menstrual cramp relief

Information

Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are common over-the-counter medications that can help relieve menstrual cramps. A heating pad or hot water bottle may also make you feel better.

Other measures to reduce or prevent cramps include:

  • Get regular exercise, such as walk and pelvic rocking exercises.
  • Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables -- but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
  • Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

Review Date:9/13/2008
Reviewed By:Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.

Florida Health Finder - Health Outcome Data
No data available for this condition/procedure.
Florida Health Finder - Health Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia Home
Symptom Navigator
Images
Relief of menstrual cramps
Relief of menstr...
 
More Features
Printer-friendly version
end of graphical look of the webpage