What a girl should do during menses? What are the steps to be taken to reduce stomach pain?

As women, we all know it, dread it, and are sometimes even thankful that we get it- Yes, I'm talking about our monthly period! We all know the constant throbbing and cramping pains that come with it. Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life, but painful menstrual cramps are a very annoying problem for many. 

While menstrual cramps are rarely a cause for concern, if severe they can disrupt regular activities. Menstrual cramps are due to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin that causes the uterine muscles to contract during menstruation. 

Cramping can cause a dull or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, and radiate pain to the lower back and thighs. Cramps generally subside after the first two to three days of the period. Some women feel cramps just before the onset of their cycle, too.

More than half of women who menstruate report some pain from period cramps for a day or two each month. While menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are usually not a sign of a serious health condition, they can put a crimp in your lifestyle.

To help you get through the monthly visit, here are some home remedies that ease menstrual cramps.

Exercise: 

This might sound a little crazy and you might be thinking to yourself, I can barely move, let alone exercise. However, brisk walking, or any type of physical activity, can help to ease your belly pain. When you're doing any type of aerobic exercise, your body is pumping more blood; this helps to release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins and reduce your cramps. Exercising three to four times a week is good for the overall health of your body, but it is especially important if you're prone to painful menstrual cramps.

Heat: (កំដៅ)

Applying heat on the lower abdomen is the easiest way to control menstrual cramps. Heat helps relax the contracting muscles in the uterus.

1. Place a heating pad over the lower part of your abdomen and lower back. You can even use a regular plastic bottle filled with hot water. Apply the heat until you feel more comfortable.
2. Alternatively, soak a towel in water, wring out the excess water and then heat it in the microwave for one minute. Place it on the lower abdomen until the towel cools. Repeat every few minutes until the pain is gone.
3. Even taking a hot shower may relieve pain and make you feel more relaxed

Cinnamon ស៊ីណាមុន

Cinnamon has antispasmodic, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve menstrual pain. Plus, cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron and manganese.

1. Make cinnamon tea by stirring one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for up to five minutes, add a little honey and then sip it slowly. Drink two to three cups of cinnamon tea one to two days before your period starts to prevent cramps.
2. Add one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water. Drink it three times during the first day of your period to relieve pain.

Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D: វីតាមីន D

Prevention is always better than the cure, which is why making sure your body has enough vitamin D is important in preventing menstrual cramps. A study found that high doses of vitamin D3 led to a significant decrease in menstrual cramps.

Blackstrap Molasses:

Another time-tested remedy for menstrual cramps is blackstrap molasses. Being rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6 and selenium, blackstrap molasses helps reduce blood clots and soothe the muscles of the uterine walls. This in turn lessens cramps during menstruation.

1. Add one to two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses to a cup of warm milk.
2. Drink it as soon as you start having cramps and continue as long as needed.

If your period cramps seem severe or you don't get relief despite trying some of these options, check with a doctor to rule out more serious health issues.