how does birth control reduce cramps?
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Birth control pills work because they decrease the amount of prostaglandins — chemicals your body produces to make the muscles of the uterus contract. With fewer contractions, there is less pain. Birth control pills also can decrease the amount of blood flow with a girl's period.
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Not only do birth control pills make your period regular, but they help with menstrual cramps and often make periods lighter, too. And your local Planned Parenthood can definitely help you find the right pill for you. It's as simple as calling them to make an appointment, or making an appointment online.
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Negative side effects caused by taking birth control pills, including a headache, generally lessen or go away in a few months. Positive side effects may include relief from common menstrual symptoms such as cramps or heavy bleeding, improved skin, and a lower risk of certain cancers.
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['Hormonal birth control. Using hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills or the ring, is the only reliable method of taking control of the menstrual cycle. ... ', 'Exercise. Gentle exercise may loosen the muscles and help a period come a little faster. ... ', 'Relaxation. ... ', 'Orgasm. ... ', 'Diet and weight.']
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There is some evidence that taking a daily capsule containing eight B vitamins—B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12—may prevent cramps.
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1. Take hormonal birth control. Oral birth control pills and birth control injections can be used to regulate your cycle. Hormonal birth control can also decrease cramping and shorten the number of days you menstruate each month.
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When to worry about cramping Most women experience little to no cramping while taking birth control pills. Some have mild cramping for a cycle or two as their bodies adjust to hormone changes, but this often decreases or stops completely. Call your doctor if you have sudden or severe cramping or pelvic pain.
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Pain relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve) are excellent drugs for menstrual cramps. They not only decrease the pain but also decrease contractions of the uterus. You do not need a prescription to get ibuprofen in 200 mg tablets or naproxen in 220-mg tablets.
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Help With Cramps, PMS, and Anemia A lighter period lowers your risk of iron-deficiency anemia, which results from heavy bleeding. The pill may also ease painful cramps because it prevents ovulation and lightens your period.
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Hormonal birth control can be taken continuously to prevent a period from happening for months at a time. Taking the birth control pill or NuvaRing continually can help you increase your iron stores and find relief from debilitating anemia symptoms.
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The best way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are available without a prescription and are effective at blocking the effects of prostaglandins.
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Help With Cramps, PMS, and Anemia If you have PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), birth control pills may ease symptoms like mood swings, breast soreness, weight gain, bloating, and acne by evening out hormone levels during your cycle.
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Medications for Menstrual Pain The best way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are available without a prescription and are effective at blocking the effects of prostaglandins.
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Over-the-counter medication for period cramps These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen (Aleve), and even acetaminophen (Tylenol). You should start taking a pain reliever when you begin feeling symptoms of period cramps and continue taking the medicine for two or three days, or until your symptoms are gone.
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While birth control won't shrink a fibroid, it can alleviate the following symptoms: Birth control pills can decrease menstrual bleeding, preventing iron-deficiency anemia from happening in women with fibroids.
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Most hormonal birth control prevents ovulation Hormonal birth control pills prevent ovulation, so in theory, they can improve PMS/PMDD symptoms by preventing ovulation-related hormone changes.
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The pill has health benefits. Both combination and progestin-only pills reduce menstrual cramps, lighten periods, and lower your risk of ectopic pregnancy. The combination pill can also help prevent or lessen: acne.