Menstrual pain including the cramps and other types of discomfort it brings along with it is no fun at all. Also referred to as dysmenorrhea, cramps are often similar to a dull, throbbing pain that makes itself known in the lower part of the abdomen before and during the monthly menstrual periods. Some women experience pain at the lower part of the back or the thigh area. Some women suffer more discomfort than do others.

Many women don't know this but menstrual cramps are broken down into two different categories- there is primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is the type that most women do not escape throughout their many years of periods. This type generally gets its start a few years after the menstrual cycle kicks into gear and is related to hormone-like substances that are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that are naturally produced by the body and they are believed to be to blame for the pain and inflammation and sometimes even fainting and nausea that accompany the monthly menstrual period. Primary dysmenorrhea is in no way connected to any type of physical dysfunction in the body. Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand is the sign of a problem and should be checked out immediately. Secondary dysmenorrhea always has a physical cause underlying it. Some of the most common causes include uterine fibroids or uterine polyps, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you suffer from menstrual cramps, whether they be mild to moderate to severe then it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor for a check up so that the source of the problem can be properly diagnosed. If you are diagnosed with regular menstrual cramps (or primary dysmenorrhea) then simply taking an ibuprofen and getting extra rest should help. Exercise is also recommended as a method of alleviating the pain associated with monthly menstruation. It is wise to cut back significantly on your intake of caffeine as you near "that time of the month."

There are a variety of holistic and alternative methods that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort that is often par for the course when it comes to menstrual periods for women. A number of studies have shown a positive correlation between increasing one's intake of omega-3 fatty acids in terms of fish oil and a reduction in menstrual cramps. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in plentiful supply in fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies and mackerel. If you are not a fish lover then do not despair, you can still get your share of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids by way of fish oil capsules which can be purchased at most health food stores and grocery stores as well as drugstores in the alternative food section of the store. Be aware that fish do contain a certain amount of mercury and pollutants such as PCB's so there are instances where it is possible to overdo a good thing. In this case capsules might be preferable as all of the impurities and pollutants are taken out of the product before it reaches the stores for consumers to purchase. Always look for the active ingredients EPA and DHA when it comes to fish oil capsules.