Dr. Sims says the dose you
may need depends on the
severity of your cramps and
other factors. Ask your
doctor about the best
magnesium intake for you.
Lean on Your
Contraceptive
The odds are that your birth
control pills may help relieve
painful cramps, as reported in
a Cochrane review of 10
studies that was published in
October 2009. Experts didn’t
find any difference between
HOW TO PIERCE YOUR EARS
low- or medium-dose
estrogen contraceptives in
producing pain relief for
period cramps. But oral
contraceptives come with
side effects for some, which
may include spotting, breast
tenderness, nausea, and low
sex drive — in addition to a
higher risk of blood clots.