Most young women experience monthly menstrual cramps as uterine contractions occur to facilitate the sloughing and extrusion of dead endometrial tissue. Women whose menstrual cramps and accompanying symptoms are so severe that they require either medications or modifications in their daily activities have a condition called dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is particularly common in teens and nulliparous young women. The severity of menstrual cramps decreases with increasing age and childbearing. How should women get rid of menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea?

Add fish or flax seed oil to get rid of menstrual cramps. These homeopathic supplements contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Reduce the amount of meat, eggs and milk you consume or at least attempt to go organic to get rid of menstrual cramps. Though organic products still contain animal hormones they tend to have reduced levels of hormones and no additives or antibiotics.

Stop smoking to get rid of menstrual cramps.

Consider taking magnesium supplements to get rid of menstrual cramps. Magnesium works to relax smooth muscles which can reduce the intensity of uterine contractions and get rid of menstrual cramps.

Minimize dietary salt and caffeine consumption to help get rid of menstrual cramps.

Engage in regular aerobic exercise to reduce circulating levels of prostaglandin hormones. Prostaglandins control and mediate levels of inflammation in the body. Lower levels can help get rid of menstrual cramps.

Use OTC anti-inflammatory agents such as naproxen or ibuprofen to decrease the inflammatory response associated with menses and get rid of menstrual cramps. The critical point to using these medications effectively is to begin taking them two to three days prior to the onset of withdraw menstrual bleeding and continuing them for the first three to five days of the new menstrual cycle.

*  Some studies suggest that common vitamin supplements such as thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin D and vitamin E may help to get rid of menstrual cramps though their mechanisms of action are unclear.
*  Anecdotal reports suggest that massage, acupressure and acupuncture may help to get rid of menstrual cramps though scientific evidence is lacking.

*  Speak with your doctor about hormonal contraceptive therapies if these simple measures fail to get rid of menstrual cramps. A variety of methods including the oral contraceptive pill, Depoprovera injection and the Mirena IUD have all been demonstrated to improve dysmenorrhea and get rid of menstrual cramps.