What do you do for cramps?

Okay so cramps can literally be the worst, but there are definitely things you can do to make them feel better! It's all about finding what works for you and your body.

What can help right now?

• Heat is your bestie. Seriously, a heating pad or even a warm water bottle on your belly can feel like magic. It helps relax your muscles and ease the ache.
• Gentle movement. I know it sounds weird when you just want to curl up, but sometimes a little stretching or a short walk can actually help. Nothing crazy, just listen to your body.
• Pain meds. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can really take the edge off. Just make sure to check with a grown-up first about what kind and how much to take.
• Chill out. Sometimes just resting, watching a comfort show, or reading a book can help distract you and make you feel less crummy.

For the long run

Eating healthy foods, drinking enough water, and getting good sleep can help your body feel its best all month, which might make cramps less intense when your period does show up. Some people find that certain foods make their cramps worse, so you could pay attention to that too. Everyone is different, and what helps one person might not help another.

If your cramps are so bad that you can't go to school or do your normal stuff, or if they suddenly get a lot worse than they used to be, you should definitely tell a trusted grown-up. They can help you figure out if you need to talk to a doctor.