When "that time of the month" is here, some women wish they could just yank out their uterus and be done with it. It's the worst day of the month. Men are so lucky they don't have to deal with excruciating period pain. Still, there's no need to contemplate suicide when you are having those horrible cramps. There are 10 things you can do when menstrual cramps start kicking in. I know it's a dreadful period but you will get through it.

1. Place a heating pad or a hot water bottle over your lower abdomen

This is an old school trick as the heat eases the pain by loosing up those contracting muscles and boost blood flow. It may seem unflattering to place a water bottle over your pelvic area but this simple trick works on alot of woman.  

2. Boost your endorphins

Endorphins have pain-relieving effects and it improves your mood. They are also known as happiness hormones for a reason, you know. It's the body's natural painkillers so it will definitely help soothe the pain. Having an orgasm releases endorphins but if you have sex while on your period, you're disgusting. Another way for your body to produce more endorphins is to exercise! It may be difficult to bring yourself to work out and you might not have the energy for it but it's important to get moving around. 

Here are your options :

A) Exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week

B) Do 2.5 hours of moderately intense workout or 1 hour 15 minutes of aerobics, or both each week.

Related article : Exercises You Can Do On Your Bed

3. Do an arch massage 

Still on the subject of endorphins, try out this acupressure or pressure point theraphy that is supposedly stimulate the production of endorphins. Here's a video to demonstrate how you can massage arches and points that affects your reproductive organs.

Youtube: Howcast

4. Lay off the caffeine

If you're a coffee addict with regular cramps, your daily dose of caffeine may exacerbate the symptoms of PMS. Due to the diuretic effects of caffeine, it can increase discomfort from cramps and bloating. It increases the production of urine and promotes dehydration. So it's important you drink a lot of water to keep your systems hydrated. Plus, coffee contains oils that actually constricts your vessels and cause inflamation to your intestines which will then lead to cramping.

5. Change your diet

Tweak your diet by reducing fat and eat more greens. A low-fat diet does not only improve your health overall, it decreases the level of inflammation in the body. Also, eat a healthier diet containing high fibre like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. As menstrual cramps occur because of the release of substances called prostaglandin, the high-fibre diet lessens the production of prostaglandins.  

6. Turn to pills

Not everyone wants to turn to pills because of period cramps but it really is the best pain reliever. Before the bad period cramps begin, ask your doctor to prescribe you medication or over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Some women even turn to birth control pills to help reduce or eliminate period pain. Discuss with your doctor on how you can get rid of menstrual cramps with PMS medication. 

7. Rub your belly with essential oils

Not only these natural oils smell good good, some of them even relieve menstrual cramp pain and other symptoms such as sore muscles and melting away a tension headache. There are many types of essential oils but you can try peppermint oil for starters. Peppermint oil is one of the most excellent essential oils to help ease pain, improve circulation and relax muscles. 

8. Rest

High levels of stress will cause menstrual cramps to worsen. Take a day off work if your cramps are really severe and don't be afraid to consult a doctor. If it's still bearable, do some deep breathing and get some sleep to help your body get sufficient rest. A good meditation session will work wonders as well. 

9. More calcium, not chocolate

Having your bae to pamper you with a box of chocolate while you're suffering from PMS may seem like a romantic gesture. Plus, chocolate seems like a cure to the feelings of discomfort but in actual fact, it can potentially aggravate symptoms, making your cramps much worse. I think your bae is trying to kill you. (jokes)

While PMS would increase your desire to binge on sweets and chocolatey goodness due to the higher levels of hormones triggered as insulin increases, it would be best to turn to calcium supplements rather than chocolate. Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine and a substance called theobramine which will create a nervous conditon that will accentuate the pain. Many turn to chocolate for its calcium content but taking calcium supplements combined with magnesium will be more realistically effective. 

10. Take a bath

Having a period cramp is the perfect excuse to take a long, hot bath. As mentioned in point no. 1, the heat will help relieve your cramps. Run yourself a nice bath and unwind. You need the rest.  

By the way, since we're on the topic of periods, here's another period hack that will be LIFE-CHANGING! 

Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pad ( 2 Pieces )

$15.00 USD

This cloth menstrual pad is a great alternative to disposable sanitary napkins. On average, a woman will use up to 16,800 disposable pads and tampons during her lifetime. A cloth pad is a great way to go zero waste as they are a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. Plus, going zero waste is just one perk of using these napkins. Imagine how much money you can actually save on tampons and disposable pads! These cloth pads can last for years with proper care. Unlike the dispoable pads which can last you for a few hours before it ends up in a landfill. Support disposable menstrual products and bleed with pride. 

Watch the video below on how to wear these cloth menstrual pads.

Youtube: Precious Star Pads