How to make cramps stop

Period cramps are caused by womb muscle contractions as the uterine lining leaves the body. Pain may spread to the lower back or thighs and can come with nausea, loose stools or headache. Pain that is severe, worsening, newly different, or present outside periods can have another cause, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Place a warm pack on the lower abdomen or back, take a warm bath, and try gentle walking, stretching or massage. Rest if movement makes symptoms worse. An anti-inflammatory painkiller may work best when taken at the beginning of symptoms, but check the label and ask a pharmacist or clinician if you are pregnant, have stomach or kidney problems, take blood thinners, or are unsure which medicine is suitable. Hormonal contraception can reduce recurring cramps for some people after a clinician reviews it.

Arrange an appointment if cramps stop you attending work or school, do not respond to usual measures, begin after years of comfortable periods, or occur with heavy bleeding, pain during sex, bowel or bladder symptoms, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, fainting, fever, vomiting, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding.

Bring a record of pain timing, bleeding and associated symptoms. Ask whether examination or imaging is needed, whether endometriosis or fibroids should be considered, and which treatment fits your health history and pregnancy plans.