Leora F.

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How To Deal

Killer Cramps

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THE CAUSE

Every month, the inner lining of the uterus builds up to prep for a possible pregnancy. If no fertilized egg appears, the uterus sheds its lining and starts from scratch for the next month. When that happens, hormones called prostaglandins are released. They help the uterus squeeze out the old lining—and all that squeezing adds up to serious cramps. Not so much fun.

THE CURE

You might feel like curling up on the couch with a bag of Cheetos, but try to get off your butt—exercise can lower prostaglandin levels. Can’t bear the thought of hitting the treadmill? A warm bath can do the trick. “Also, try a heating pad or warm compresses,” suggests Dr. Larissa Hirsch, a medical expert for TeensHealth.org. “Anything with heat can relax the muscles and make you feel better.”

If your cycle is pretty regular and predictable, pop an ibuprofen the day before you expect your period to ward off cramps before they hit. If nothing helps, talk to your doctor—she might prescribe pills to keep cramp-causing hormones in check.

BY ANDREA T. ON 10/12/2009 7:01:00 AM 140 COMMENTS

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-fairywingz i feel the same way mine aren't that bad but they kill me , and i look weird holding my stomach in the middle of class!

Ladybug863 on 1/27/2010 11:04:02 PM

when i get cramps for bloating, i just lightly rub my belly. it usually helps.

purplexperfect on 1/16/2010 4:07:47 PM

***MOD**
i dont get stomach cramps, but i get back cramps, and this is awk but my butt hurts! i cant swallow pills...what to do?
thanks

psp95 on 1/15/2010 4:09:46 PM

MOD HELP.I have cramps.HORRIBLE ONES!!! O joy ; (. I have all the signs of PMS.No period yet tho. How do I get these cramps to feel better??? TNX

Hi doll, try putting a heating pad on your stomach. It ALWAYS makes me feel better xo JANA

jana k.

lilcaycay101 on 1/14/2010 11:29:41 PM

eurgh, i get UUUUUBBBBBBEEEEERRRR bad cramps, and nothing seems to work, like when i get up and walk around, it just gets worse! sometimes it sucks to be a girl

faiirywinqz on 1/6/2010 1:20:55 PM

Hey,
is it normal for it to hurt to use cardboard applicaters for tampons cu they kill me I usually use plastic but I've heard cardboard ones can be flushed which would be alot less embarassing when I go somewhere without those convinent little baskets in the stall or relatives and im the only one capable of having a period so when they see the stuff in the waste basket they automatcally know it is me, it's reallly embarrassing. I guEss what I am asking is is there a type of tampon with a plasic applicaters that are flushable?

Kora on 1/2/2010 12:27:28 PM

Hey girlie, I would recomend not "touching yourself down there" it's true it can temporarilly relieve your cramps but it can also make your back hurt more. Also it can form a Babbitt that in the long run will negatively affect your life. I get pretty bad cramps too on my period. Try some 7- Up and a heating pad. Pop in a movie, and try to distract yourself. If you have to regularly miss school, like I do, just try to get your assignments ahead if time and keep up. Also don't over eat it can make you more bloated and make your cramps and back pain worse. Good luck
Come together<>

Kora on 1/2/2010 12:17:37 PM

So when im on my period i get horribke cramps and my tummy is all like im on a rollercoaster i am like ino this is weird but i don't like to talk to my mom about this stuff so doees anyone have any advice?

Sydney34 on 12/19/2009 11:25:28 AM

MOD MOD MOD
If you have a light or heavy flow, how often should you change a tampon or pad???

Hey girl, check out this page and see if it helps:

http://www.girlslife.com/hub/periods-period.aspx

Sammy d.

bluesea98 on 12/18/2009 6:16:49 PM

It doesn't seem fair that gals have to have all the pain! I mean, womans rights weren't allowed until someone smart thought gals should be equal to men. Still, guys treat us like nothing!!! Someone NEEDS to change something! Right???

FeartheFork on 12/12/2009 11:00:12 PM

thank you, mod

I love how I always get a reply on here, most websites for magazines don't do that

No prob, babe! Glad we could help ya out!

Taeler L.

HelloImKelly on 12/6/2009 9:12:51 PM

MOD
Thanks for answering my question And I just want to know, how irregular is TOO irregular? Is there even a such thing?

Its different for everyone.

Eryn G.

HelloImKelly on 12/6/2009 8:39:28 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
Ok so I had my first period on Halloween, then again in mid-November, then again just a few days ago. Is this a normal cycle? My last ones were about 1 week apart. I mean, I know they can be irregular at first, but are they TOO irregular? Sorry I'm just really afraid of medical problems

Hey girl! its normal to have an irregular period for the first year you have it.

Eryn G.

HelloImKelly on 12/6/2009 7:47:09 PM

mod mod mod killer cramp about 5 min ago like i almost fell over it hurt so bad i started walking to the kitchen and it just hit i was like omg that hurt i wanted to curl up in a ball and cry and i dont have my period is that a good sighn

Hey girl! Could be. Usually you get cramps that are pretty constant when you get your period. Keep you eyes out for more signs though. It could be starting in the next few months!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

girlzrock123 on 12/4/2009 11:49:59 PM

MOD
hey ive had my period for a year but lately it has been pretty terrible. I woke up at 4 am screaming and then my mom gave me some painkillers but it didnt work for a couple of hours durring which i puked. Then i woke up later and no one was there to help me so i managed to take some more meds and then i kinda fainted. My cramps are really bad and the medicine takes really long to work. Are there any ways to get rid of cramps? by the way if i stand up i WILL puke

Hey girl! You need to talk to a doc about this because you might be sick and have your period. He might have some suggestions for you.

Eryn G.

relly_rox on 12/4/2009 12:53:10 PM

Hey girl! No, I wouldn't be too worried. It sounds pretty normal for the first year or so of your period beginning!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

luckygal_415 on 11/30/2009 12:50:07 AM

MOD! i get THE WORST cramps. i have tried baths and heating pads and just about everything else too. the cramps are so bad that i cant walk but i am in high school now and cant afford to miss school for it. i have also tried perscription pills for cramps and they havent worked. any other ideas??? thanks!

Hey girl! You should see a doc if they are that bad. They will be able to better help you get rid of the crazy pain and help you feel better!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

shanwow95 on 11/24/2009 7:47:08 PM

MOD! My period is regular and it comes at the end of every month but the problem is i just started it in June! Is this normal??? And the cramps are severe but i can't swallow a pill so I've been taking the drinkabable kind. Can all 12 year old swallow pills?

Hey girl! Completely normal. And I think most 12 year olds can swallow pills. Eventually, you are going to have to learn how. A lot of medicine as you get older only comes in pill form, so it's important to learn how to take them now.

xoxo

Liz

Liz L.

dinkaba11 on 11/23/2009 2:01:20 AM

I'm 21 and haven't gotten my period i am worried do i have a health issue HELP

mathgirl1234 on 11/18/2009 8:33:30 PM

mod mod mod I was at my BFFAF's house on sunday and all of a sudden I got a cramp. It was bareble, but it hurt. Now just today, my period started again and I haven't been having cramps before, but now I do. Is that ok?

Hey girl! Perfectly normal!!!

xoxo

Liz

Liz L.

alljonas on 11/11/2009 9:10:49 AM

I have gotten brown marks on my panties is that a sign that I will get my period soon?
-Haylee

hdlouhy on 11/2/2009 1:22:29 PM

What does getting your period feel like? It feels like pinches down there? Will I get my period soon?

hdlouhy on 11/2/2009 12:53:08 PM

Dear Carol,
I think I had my period but i'm not sure just the other day I saw brown marks on my panties I was'nt sure if it was my period so I went and asked my mom she said no it was'nt but I have'nt gotten it yet... Will it come soon?
-Haylee

hdlouhy on 11/2/2009 10:47:22 AM

hdlouhy on 11/2/2009 10:41:56 AM

Hey girl! Yep, you can!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

girlzrock123 on 11/1/2009 9:58:28 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD ************************************************** does when your mom or sisters have their periods happen to have anything to do with yours.?? just wondering Thank you so much you are great help.

Hey girl! Sometimes girls who are around each other a lot will have similar period cycles. You might all start getting it at the same time of the month.

-Taeler

Taeler L.

hiphop_dancer878 on 10/29/2009 1:05:44 AM

Mod Mod Mod Mod Mod Mod Mod MOd Mod Mod Mod Mod
ok so ive had discharge for about a year now and i have hair "down there" and everything and last week i had brown in my underwear and i thought it was my period my step mom said it wasnt though i had it 5 days to does this mean its coming soon? its the next week since that hapened. Thanks

Hey girl, it sounds like you were either spotting or did have your period. My suggestion next time is to wear a pantyliner or pad to keep your undies clean. Be prepared, girlie, and congrats. You're that much closer to being a woman.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

hiphop_dancer878 on 10/29/2009 12:55:26 AM

ok so ive had discharge for about a year now and i have hair "down there" and everything and last week i had brown in my underwear and i thought it was my period my step mom said it wasnt though i had it 5 days to does this mean its coming soon? its the next week since that hapened. Thanks

hiphop_dancer878 on 10/29/2009 12:49:52 AM

MOD: i seem to get menstrual cramps between period as well as during them. is this normal?

Hey girl! This is completely normal. Sometimes you can get cramps while ovulating, which is in between your actual period. In my experience, I get cramps right before my period, during my period and for a few days while ovulating. It sucks, but just take some pain medicine and you will feel better!

xoxo

Liz

Liz L.

erin_girl on 10/28/2009 12:47:35 AM

Hey, is it normal Not to get cramps? I just got my period like 2 days ago and i have never really had ANY cramps! .. which i am glad.. but is that just cuz im just getting started? or is it different for some girls?! Thank you

bball_luver32 on 10/27/2009 4:54:40 PM

i get terrible cramps. i use midol and sometimes a heating pad. sometimes they don't help. I wouldn't exercise when I have my period. I'd probably fall to the ground in pain

wolfgirl13 on 10/24/2009 2:10:34 PM

mod mod mod mod
ok so ive had my period and i get bad cramps but i cant walk or even stand when i have them ive been to the doctor thosand of times and she cant help me
thanks bye

Hey girl,

Lie down, take a breather and some aspirin if you're allowed (ask mama first). Distract yourself with a good movie and don't think about it. It'll be over soon, promise

Caitlin R.

bruinsgirl38 on 10/23/2009 3:55:53 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
When I get my period I get SERVER Killer cramps like so bad I start crying. Midol helps a little bit what can I do?? And anyway to not have that bad smell..?
Thanks
Kayla

Hey babe,

Try odor blocking pads for the smell. For cramps you can try a heating pad or a hot bath. Birth control can also help make your cramps less severe too. Talk to your doc and see what she/he thinks.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

Paramore_247 on 10/21/2009 7:25:58 PM

I have a guy doctor and he is really nice. I am embaressed to talk to him about puberty and stuff though. When ever he brings it up to my mom i want to hide in the corner! I really want a girl doctor but i don't think my mom will let me! PLZ PLZ help.

orangekisses on 10/20/2009 7:57:36 PM

ugh gosh i hate having a period! u cant do anything! female dogs who have'nt been fixed get theirs every 6 months lol dogs are lucky

fluffy kittenz on 10/18/2009 3:35:49 PM

mod mod mod i have my period but i have not had a single cramp yet. is that normal?

Of course! Usually exercise eliminates cramps. So good for you, lucky girl! Best, Miliana

Miliana B.

alljonas on 10/18/2009 12:51:11 PM

yeah I have been having bad cramps too they hurt me like really bad I even have one right now

mckenzdun on 10/17/2009 10:00:19 PM

MOD*MOD*MOD* Sometimes exercising GIVES me cramps, because I'm a swimmer! I usually get them in my feet and ankles from kicking... Kinda weird but it really hurts! how can I prevent it, and FIX it when it does happen?

Those cramps might be happening because you need to keep working out to get used to it. However if you keep getting cramps, i suggest you go to your doctor and ask. But if you want them to go away, keep working out and hopefully the cramps will lessen. Good luck! xoxo kerra

Kerra S.

frostybunny9 on 10/17/2009 9:56:14 PM

Cramps are bad for a lot of us and can even be unbearable when they are very bad. I have read and heard there are a number of ways to to to help with the real bad kind such as taking and soaking in a warm bath, putting a heating pad over the area and taking special pills.

They even say that touching ourselves down there, the way we do it that feels good and when we are in private, yes I know its embarrassing to talk about and admit doing, but they say when doing that it releases chemicals in our bodies and makes the cramps go away.

luckykel on 10/15/2009 9:20:10 PM

MOD when my period happens i cant go to school sometimes cuz it hurts alot so i have to take pills is pills bad or normal thing...

Hey girl! A few ibuprofens are totally normal. Cramps usually come every month unfortunately, so take a few pain reducers before you head off to school!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

rose_lover_227 on 10/15/2009 2:52:53 AM

Hey is it normal to be 13 and not have your period yet?

Hairtoad on 10/12/2009 8:34:05 PM

I hate cramps. I get huge curl-up-in-a-ball-and-die cramps. I've tried exercising but as soon as I stop I hurt some more. Ugh.

neon-glitter on 9/26/2009 12:19:14 PM

lol so last year in health my teacher was trying to explain periods cuz some of the guys were not really understanding how they work and one guy asked why girls make a such big deal about cramps, because 'duh they can't possibly hurt THAT bad' so she was like 'well the uterus has to get the bloody lining out so it SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEZES really hard and voila, u get cramps' it was so hilarious to see the look on his face all the girls were laughing sooooo hard and the boys were just like shocked! and then when we were leaving class this one guy was like 'OW MY FALLOPIAN TUBES!!!!!!!!!!!' really loud and yea it was weird.

eki_dancer13 on 9/18/2009 9:52:03 PM

Mod..!
Sometimes on the 1st day of my period i am sick, had have quite bad cramp..
But how can it make me sick..?
Thanks

Hey girl, having your period can effect everyone differently, just try taking something to help reduce the symptoms. *Cara T*

Cara T.

sportygirl! on 8/10/2009 7:30:45 PM

I get cramps AND back pain!! It's awful but heating pads really work. Also, exercising helps for sum reason.

ShopperSoccerGurl on 7/28/2009 12:19:47 PM

MOD! Please help! when i first got my period, 2 years ago, i never had cramps and i was never sick during my period. when i got my last couple periods, i have been getting these terrible cramps that make me feel like im going to puke. i can barely even walk when i get them. nothing will help them, i take ibuprofin and lay down but it doesn't help at all. i just end up falling asleep for a long time because my stomach hurts so bad! they only last for one day though. what is wrong with me?

Cramps are normal even the dreadfully bad ones that you seem to be getting. I would ask Mom to take you to the doc. He or she can probably prescribe you some medication to take away the excruciating pain!

Brooke E.

Ladyvols2726 on 7/24/2009 12:48:03 PM

I sometimes get cramps, but they aren't that bad.

supersingershannon on 7/21/2009 10:51:26 AM

MODMODMODMODMODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
every time i think i get a cramp i have to do #2. does that mean that aunt flow is coming please answer because idk.

Hey babe,

That can mean that, or it might mean that you're eating something that's not good for you. Try eating more leafy green veggies!

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

breapierce614 on 7/10/2009 4:09:50 PM

I started my period in 5th grade. My cramps were getting so bad this year, my doctor actually put me on birth control to stop the cramps from getting so bad. They would be so bad, I'd wake up curled in a ball, in a puddle of blood, and my mom would have to pick me up outta bed and change my bed sheets for me. she also had to give me a bath. Very uncomfortable for the 15 year old and her mom. Lol.

RainCloudsLovePotions on 7/8/2009 5:43:58 PM