7 Ways To Prevent Period Cramps, Long Before The Pain Even Starts To Attack

By Rachel Yohannan on 14 Aug 2020

Senior Digital Editor

Seeing as the monthly flow is something we’ve been living with for years, we ladies are pretty much period veterans. Still, there’s one thing that hits some of us like a truck each time: The dreaded menstrual cramps.

Prevention is better than cure, so here are some ways to stave off your monthly cramps - or at least make the discomfort more bearable - way before the pain even begins.

Read on to find out how to prevent period cramps before they happen!

#1: Lessen intake of high-sugar and carb-heavy food a week prior to your period

Photo from Pinterest

This is a tricky one. On one hand, oily, sweet, and high-carb foods are probably what you’re craving the most just before your period - basically anything that’s unhealthy and full of trans-fat. But that’s the same stuff that might contribute to menstrual cramps. This is because food that is high in sugar tends to increase inflammation in the body.

You can’t switch your cravings off with a magic button, but try your best to refrain from consuming such things a week before your period starts. Keyword: Try. The self-restraint might just be worth the reduced pain.

#2: Eat more magnesium-rich food like spinach and nuts to relax the uterine muscles

Photo from @saladstopsg

You probably saw this one coming; If your favourite sinful treats are going to make things worse, you can best expect that healthy meals on the other end of the spectrum are going to be good for you - as they always are.

In particular, magnesium-rich food like leafy greens, nuts, legumes, and tofu will help relax the uterine muscles. Get a good dose of that a week before your period - or even on a daily basis if you can.

P.S.: Read our article on signs you're not eating enough vegetables.

#3: Take evening primrose oil tablets

Photo from @v.b_store via Instagram

Evening Primrose Oil tablets work wonders in preventing and reducing menstrual pain. Pop one of these pills daily and not only will your cramps be less intense, your other PMS-related symptoms like bloatedness and irritability will also be alleviated. You might also find your skin improving!

You can easily get this from any pharmacy or wellness store in Singapore. We recommend Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil, which you can purchase on Shopee here, here, or here - all from authorised local retailers.

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#4: Do regular yoga or core exercises

Photo from @freedomyogasg via Instagram

Other than the obvious health benefits, keeping up a good exercise routine can also help rid you of your period woes. Specifically, it will be good to try yoga or core-strengthening exercises to condition and relax your abdominal and pelvic muscles.

For extra motivation, get yourself a pretty yoga mat!

#5: Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea

Photo from Pinterest

It’s no secret that some of us go cuckoo with alcohol in our systems - but it can also alter our hormone levels. Having one too many drinks - especially before your period - can make your estrogen go out of whack, causing cramps and affection your whole ovulation cycle.

Though they don’t affect your hormones, caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea can also have the same cramping effect as they stimulate the muscles.

#6: Stay hydrated with warm water even on normal days

Photo from Pinterest

You know how our Asian mothers are always telling us to drink warm water?

Turns out, it’s not baseless nagging - keeping adequately hydrated even on regular days prevents sudden water retention when the red tide does come along, which helps prevent painful bloatedness. Additionally warm water facilitates blood circulation, which in turn relaxes the muscles and staves off cramps.

To switch things up a bit, add a dash of lemon to your H20 for extra flavour and freshness. You can also consume more food that is rich in water content - such as watermelon, cucumber, and grapes.

#7: Visit the doctor for prescription medication

Photo from @livingwithhpcos

If your cramps leave you curled up in a ball of tears each time, you can visit a clinic to see if prescription medication is suitable for you. This usually comes in the form of birth control pills or hormone pills.

That said, if your menstrual cramps are horribly unbearable even after trying these methods, do visit a doctor for a checkup as it might be a sign of an underlying health problem - such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis.