Women are tasked with the weighty job of bearing children.
Biologically, our bodiesprepare for it every month.
Realistically, many women actively avoid becoming pregnant.
Javier Pardina / Stocksy
No matterhow you do it, if you succeed, youll get your period.
And with it, some gut-wrenching cramps as a reminder of your uteruss vacancy.
Many women get cramps, but how frequent and severe they are varies so widely.
Its tough to say whats normal, but ob/gyns can say what isnt.
This then triggers muscle contractions, aka cramps, in the uterus.
Pain is really subjective, Shepherd says.
Cramping usually happens anywhere from 24 hours before your monthly period starts to two or three days into it.
If youve had bad cramps ever since you first started menstruating, that might just be your bodys normal.
For some, the pain can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, ordiarrhea.
(Becausebleeding isnt enough, right?)
You shouldnt have to put your life on hold during your period every month.
If you ever experience cramping regularly outside of your period, thats also not normal.
Often, its paired withheavy bleeding, but not always.
These things often cause pelvic pain and excruciating cramping during menstruation.
Your uterus contracts and cramps more in response to get rid of the buildup.
Miscarriage:If youre miscarrying and dont know it, it can present as a really painful period.
Fibroids can be removed.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis can be managed with things like hormonal medications, pain medication, and minimally invasive surgery.
When youre self-treating, the key is to do it before it gets too painful.
Dont wait until bleeding starts and it ramps up to take an anti-inflammatory medication, Shepherd says.
You want to pre-medicate so it’s possible for you to decrease inflammation and pain.
Try taking your go-to over-the-counter pain meds before the prostaglandins get your uterus kicking.
Shepherd also suggests heat to calm down cramping, like a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Theres a lot of research about that andPMS symptoms, he tells SELF.
Talk with your doctor beforesupplementingto ensure its OK for you and wont interfere with any other medications you take.
That endorphin release and increased oxygenation to the uterus will help with relieving the pain, says Shepherd.
A monthly period is never going to be enjoyable, but it can and should be totally bearable.
