I am 14 and I have the worst cramps ever. Every time I have my period they seem to get more painful and last longer. I have tried aspirin and other painkillers. How do I deal with these cramps? There are times they are so painful I can't walk. My mom said I could get on birth control, but would that even help for cramps?
– Shaniqua*

Lots of girls get cramps at the beginning of their periods. Sometimes, medicine like ibuprofen may help. Getting regular exercise can also help reduce cramps in some women. Soaking in a warm bath or putting a warm compress on your stomach won't make cramps disappear, but may help your muscles relax a little.

It may sound strange, but when these methods don't work, birth control pills can actually help with cramps.

Birth control pills work because they stop ovulation. This decreases the amount of prostglandins — chemicals your body produces to make the muscles of the uterus contract. Birth control pills can also decrease the amount of blood flow with a girl's period.

Doctors sometimes prescribe birth control pills for girls with heavy periods or bad cramps. Even if you don't think you're interested in birth control pills, if you have severe cramps that keep you home from school or from doing stuff with your friends, visit your doctor for advice. That way you can find out what's going on and the best way to handle it.

For more information and ideas on how to deal with cramps, check out these articles:
Coping With Common Period Problems
All About Menstruation
Female Reproductive System
Birth Control Pill

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.