One of the best things about menopause is that I do not have to endure those dreaded horrible doubling up pure torture cramps for 2 days due to the menstrual cycle. Nothing ever helped when I was young, but it wasn’t quite as bad after I had my son although it still put me out of commission.
I was miserable until I hit 40 then my body started getting weird with the change and it was so nice not to hurt with those cramps, but then other weird things started happening. You learn to take each change as it comes, but it can drive you fricken nuts if you aren’t already.
If you are a sufferer here are a few natural remedies you can try: Ginger has been highly recommended for menstrual cramps and it can be taken in several different ways. I didn’t know about this until much later so I wasn’t able to reap the benefits. Ground up a teaspoon of ginger then follow it with a glass of water or ground up a teaspoon of ginger and add to a cup of boiling water and sip.
I have been told that you can use the cooked flowers of the banana and mix it with curd as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and according to one of my friends it also helps with a heavy flow. Why didn’t I know these things when I was young, but hopefully it can help someone else.
I could never get relief from pamprin or midol, it was horrible as I’m sure some of you must have suffered the same way so you will know exactly what I am talking about. Magnesium is also being used and they are found in whole grain foods and leafy vegetables, but can be taken in a supplement form.
Magnesium can cause side effects of muscle weakness and diarrhea if taken in large doses over a period of time so be sure to check with your doctor and he will advise you on a safe amount to take. More and more people are now looking for natural home remedies instead of prescription drugs to help in their everyday life and that’s a good thing.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids will also help with menstrual cramps and doesn’t have the side effects like magnesium. Fish is a good source or you can take a supplement, but it should be taken on a regular bases for good results not when the cramps start.
Exercise will also help relieve menstrual cramps wither you do aerobics, yoga, walking or running or simple stretching exercises will help with the pain. Of course we can’t forget our trusted heating pads, if I hadn’t had that I don’t know how I would have made it, but moist heat is also good.
I also would take an ironing board and prop it against my bed, put a pillow on the floor for my head and elevate my body and that helped. If you have any remedies that have helped you get through please leave a comment and I’ll be happy to add it to the above list with a link to your site.
I usually do some “cobra”stretching, well that’s what my coach taught me. But some people said menstrual cramp will stop once you are married. I don’t see the link?
Hi Haney,
Stretching and exercise does help and believe me the cramps do not stop when you are married. To go along with those cramps you may start developing headaches too once married because men can sometimes be so obtuse.
I started jogging and it helped perfectly, i try to jog twice a week. its not on how much you run, but hoe relaxed you run.
great article. Thumbs up!!
I agree! The great thing about menopause is not having cramps anymore!
i know everyone says that exercise helps, but for me it seems to make my cramps worse. i have terrible cramps on the rare occassion that i do get my period.. i have troubling walking and i always end up vomiting. everything i’ve tried doesn’t help me.
I feel your pain Laurel that’s one great benefit of growing older and going through the change.