Lifestyle and home remedies

Besides getting enough sleep and rest, things you might want to try include:

• Exercise regularly. Physical activity, including sex, helps ease menstrual cramps for some women.
• Use heat. Soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad, hot water bottle or heat patch on your lower abdomen might ease menstrual cramps.
• Try dietary supplements. A number of studies have indicated that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamin), vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplements might reduce menstrual cramps.
• Reduce stress. Psychological stress might increase your risk of menstrual cramps and their severity.