Pamprin used to work like a charm for me until halfway through college, so I had to figure out some alternate methods!
- Heating pads my beloved <3
- Raspberry Leaf reduces cramps! There's a lot of teas that use it :)
- Ginger! Helps the other stomach movements/pains that come along with the cramps. I like getting candied ginger than I can just eat on its own, but teas work as well.
- STAY HYDRATED (I always forget this one.)
- AVOID CAFFEINE - This one is hard to remember, but I do feel a noticeable difference when I avoid caffieine on my period. Apparently it can constrict blood vessels/the uterus more and cause more inflammation, which worsens cramps. Definitely recommend trying this.
- Pain meditation videos help if the cramps are really really bad. They talk about being present in the pain and letting it come through you in waves, because sometimes trying to ignore it makes it worse.
- Free-Bleeding in the Bath/Shower: TMI & kinda gross, only do it if you feel comfortable! I've noticed the hot water acts as a heating pad and my muscles can fully relax without feeling like they have to hold anything in.
Worst-case scenario, you can get on birth control to lessen the severity of the cramps. I was very hestitant about BC for a long time because of its other crazy side-effects. But turns out the birth control PATCH has very little side-effects for most people, including me! I was on the patch for a while and never had any problems. Just something to think about if your insurance can cover it.
Sep 9, 2024
Related Recs
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I drink a mug of this every night about a week before my period is supposed to start, then double-strength the day before/day of… and ZERO cramps. (If I lose track of time and forget to drink any until after it starts, I’m usually doubled over in pain for at least a day and/or have to take naproxen.) It may not taste like raspberry but it sure is magic 😭☕️
Mar 9, 2024
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for years i tried to find relief until i just couldn’t take it anymore and went to the gyno looking for answers. they put me on a birth control patch that i change once a week with one week having no patch (and then comes the period that week) and it‘s like night and day. my period’s a little longer but the pain is almost completely gone and my PMS symptoms are almost nonexistent. i’m so happy with it so i definitely recommend!!
Feb 12, 2024
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Magnesium, vitamin e, omega 3, high fiber foods. Ginger, peppermint, chamomile tea. Red raspberry leaf tea is that bitch!!!
It’s helpful to supplement throughout the whole month, but you can really treat yourself to dishes that include these right before and during your cycle.
I also have the Internet that there has been a correlation with PMDD and people having a low tolerance for histamine. They state that taking an allergy pill helps. I can’t speak more on this, but that’s something you can look into.
Feb 8, 2025
Top Recs from @gforce2001
I love doing collages, cuz all you really need are magazine cutouts and glue. There's a very low barrier to entry, skill-wise AND supply-wise, unlike painting. Digital collages are fun too, but I try to have less screentime by doing the paper ones. If I want to re-use pieces instead of gluing them down permanently, sometimes I'll just take a picture of the current arrangement to immortalize it, and then start over on a new composition. That way, I don't have to constantly buy new magazines to get new cutouts. This is one of my favorite ones I've done so far:
Aug 22, 2024
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This is the only thing that keeps me sane at work. It's so slow right now. If anyone is wondering why I've posted like 9 times today.
Mar 9, 2025
I used to look at it as a kid and feel transported into it. And then one day I was in the National Gallery in DC & I turned the corner and the physical original was right there !! FAUVISM FTW !!
Feb 8, 2024