RISK FACTORS You might be at risk of menstrual cramps if: You're younger than age 30 You started puberty early, at age 11 or younger You bleed heavily during periods (menorrhagia) You have irregular menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) You have a family history of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) You smoke TREATMENT To relieve mild menstrual cramps: First-line therapies for primary dysmenorrhea generally involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Simple analgesics (specifically NSAIDs) reduce primary dysmenorrhea pain via inhibition of PG synthesis and have been the mainstay of therapy for decades.The drugs used are, 1) Ibuprofen 2) Naproxen 3)Ketoprofen 4) Mefenemic acid The optimal control of menstrual cramps, a woman should start taking a NSAID before the onset of her pain becomes difficult to control. This might mean starting medication 1 to 2 days before the onset of her period and continuing the medication for the first 1 to 2 days of her period. The best results are obtained by taking one of the NSAIDs on a regular schedule rather than on an as needed basis. Therefore, ibuprofen should be taken every 4-6 hours, ketoprofen every 4-8 hours, and naproxen every 8-12 hours for the first few days of the menstrual flow. For mild pain Crocin pain relieving tablet can be taken. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.If your DYSMENORRHOEA is severe you may be prescribed birth contol pills provided you are not planning an immediate pregnancy. SURGERY  If your menstrual cramps are caused by a disorder such as endometriosis or fibroids, surgery to correct the problem might help your symptoms. Surgical removal of the uterus( if you are above 45years and have completed your family) also might be an option if other approaches fail to ease your symptoms. LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES Besides getting enough sleep and rest, things you might want to try include: Exercise regularly. Physical activity, including sex, helps ease menstrual cramps for some women. Use heat. Soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad, hot water bottle might ease menstrual cramps. Try dietary supplements. A number of studies have indicated that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamin), vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplements might reduce menstrual cramps. Reduce stress. Psychological stress might increase your risk of menstrual cramps and their severity Avoid foods that contain caffeine. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Next topic: premenstrual syndrome