Menstrual Cramps - Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are ways to find relief from the pain so you can get on with your life.
ginger root
Ginger to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD
Woman sitting on edge of bathtub holding stomach
Do I Need to See My Doctor for Menstrual Cramps?
Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD
A woman laying on the couch in extreme mensural pain
What Is Mittelschmerz?
Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD
A woman holding her abdomen
Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO
Woman suffering from abdominal pain. France
How Menstrual Cramps Are Diagnosed
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
Stomach ache
Medical Marijuana for Menstrual Cramps?
Medically reviewed by Jessica Shepherd, MD
Woman hugging her knees
How to Treat and Reduce PMS Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD
A woman standing behind a treatment table
Common Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
Young woman holding a hot water bottle on her stomach
How Menstrual Cramps Are Treated
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
Woman laying on bed holding stomach
How to Make a Homemade Heating Pad for Menstrual Pain
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig
She's a little under the weather
Dealing With Menstrual Cramps and Painful Periods
By Tracee Cornforth
An Overview of Menstrual Cramps
Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD
Woman with stomach cramps in bed
Gluten Can Make Your Period Miserable
Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD, MS