KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

School's starting next week and dd is experiencing mentrual cramp.
Does anyone know ways to relieve it. TIA.

Give her panadol. Experience tells me to eat one dose before the cramps set in, ie when you see spotting.

Other than that, you could give her a warm water bottle to hug.

cherrygal wrote:Give her panadol. Experience tells me to eat one dose before the cramps set in, ie when you see spotting.

Other than that, you could give her a warm water bottle to hug.

There are 3 types of pain relief medication. Panadol is the mildest of the lot. Next is Ponstan followed by Synfex. You should try Panadol first, and if it is not working, then get Ponstan / Synfex from doctor. Keep some at hand in case of need during more crucial time (eg. major event). Minimise cold drink or dessert as this will worsen pain.

You should also consider other form of "preventive" medicine in the long run. Try Bai Fong pill - take after period. Also, you can also boil Tang Kwei with chicken for consumption after the period. If you do not want to try Chinese tonic, you can try evening primrose pill as that is thought to help as well.

cherrygal wrote:Give her panadol. Experience tells me to eat one dose before the cramps set in, ie when you see spotting.

Other than that, you could give her a warm water bottle to hug.

Hi cherrygal,

I'm always hesitant when it comes to painkiller or panadol, esp. dd is still so young.
In the meantime, I've given dd a warm water bag to hug. Thanks very much.

Pen88n wrote:You should also consider other form of "preventive" medicine in the long run. Try Bai Fong pill - take after period. Also, you can also boil Tang Kwei with chicken for consumption after the period. If you do not want to try Chinese tonic, you can try evening primrose pill as that is thought to help as well.

Hi Pen88n,

Thanks for your advice.
Is 13 yo too young to start taking Bai Fong/evening primrose pills?

emerald wrote:School's starting next week and dd is experiencing mentrual cramp.
Does anyone know ways to relieve it. TIA.

Panadol is ok...ponstan is a little strong for 13 year old. Try not to drink anything cold as it worsens the cramps...even for adults. Evening Primose Oil is effective by relieving the crampness a little. I get backache, bloating and have problems sleeping when my menses arrive.

I used to have bad menstrual cramp during my secondary school days. It worsen if I consume cold stuffs before the period, food such as pineapple and grass jelly, try to avoid those stuffs as much as possible a week before the period's due.

I read from somewhere a good way to reduce cramp is to do stretching exercise at the beginning of period. It has immediate effect in reducing cramps. At least it worked for me.

In standing position with both feet together, and both arms down at sides, step one leg forward putting your weight on the same leg, at the same time swing both arms up and stretch the tummy muscles. Alternate with the other leg, repeat for 10-20 times.

Tell your dd to try that, the cramps will improve over the years, I think most people like me, had bad cramps at the younger days but got better past teens. Any similar case?

thebusybee wrote:Tell your dd to try that, the cramps will improve over the years, I think most people like me, had bad cramps at the younger days but got better past teens. Any similar case?

I am the reverse. So I do believe it is health/constituion-related as my health has been steadily going downhill for the past three years.

thebusybee wrote:I used to have bad menstrual cramp during my secondary school days. It worsen if I consume cold stuffs before the period, food such as pineapple and grass jelly, try to avoid those stuffs as much as possible a week before the period's due.

When my menses first came at Sec 2, I was bloated.
Anyway, I avoid all things cold before it arrives and during those days. I have problems sleeping as well as backache when period comes...no cramps but bloated.

Yup, panadol is fine if taken once a month. Be careful of Ponstan or Synflex (NSAIDs). They can cause allergic reactions in some people. I had a bad reaction when a nurse administered Synflex to me once. Ponstan is no good coz it thins the blood and you will feel the menses flowing the whole day! Eeeew

I am not a believer of TCM so never tried Bai Fong pills. I always hesitate to give TCM pills to young children. You never know what they really contain so do get from a reliable source if you want to try.

My cramps got better slightly after my pregnancies.