07/12/2025
My Favorite Tricks for Menstrual Cramps (That Actually Work š)
Letās talk about those fun little uterine contractions we all know and donāt love: menstrual cramps. Over the years (and many cycles later), Iāve found a few go-to tricks that truly help ā and no, you donāt have to just ātough it out.ā
Hereās what I swear by:
š Start NSAIDs before the cramps start.
This is a game-changer. Meds like ibuprofen or naproxen work best if you start them 1ā2 days before your period begins ā especially if you tend to be regular. They block prostaglandins (those pesky chemicals that cause cramping), and can reduce both the pain and the flow. Donāt wait until youāre curled up in a ball!
š„ Heat is your bestie.
Heating pads, warm baths, those stick-on heat patches ā they all help relax the muscles of the uterus and ease pain.
š§āāļø Movement, not just rest.
Light exercise (like walking or yoga) increases blood flow and releases endorphins. I know itās the last thing you feel like doing, but it really can help.
ā Watch the caffeine.
Too much coffee can make cramps worse for some people. If youāre super sensitive, try herbal tea (ginger and peppermint are faves).
šæ Magnesium + Omega-3s.
Thereās some evidence that magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce cramps and inflammation. Worth adding to your routine if cramps are a monthly struggle.
You donāt have to suffer. If your cramps are severe or interfering with your life, talk to your doc ā there are more options (like birth control, or treating underlying causes like endometriosis).
Whatās your go-to cramp remedy? Drop it below!š
