50 Brilliant Tips That'll Make That Time Of The Month Easier On You

“If you can afford a massage, have a professional work their magic on you. If you’re flat broke, then convince your boyfriend or best friend to give you one.”

— Holly Riordan, thoughtcatalog.com

“I mean if there was any justice in the world you wouldn't even have to go to school during your period. You'd just stay home for five days and eat chocolate and cry.”

— Andrea Portes, amazon.com

“Oral contraceptives with low or moderate doses of estrogen can ease the pain from PMS. Plus, birth control can make your period shorter, your flow lighter, and your hormonal swings less severe.”

— Casey Gueren, buzzfeed.com

“Apps like Clue and Glow and Kindara help you track your cycle each month and send you reminders when it’s almost time. This way, at least you’ll know why you’re suddenly starting fights with everyone you know… and why you ate eggs with a side of brownies for breakfast.”

— Casey Gueren, buzzfeed.com

“I masturbate in the shower when I’m on my period. Multiple orgasms, no cleanup.”

— Christina Lan, buzzfeed.com

“Try different positions. Lying on your back or side will be less messy than going at it on top.”

— Diana Spechler, womenshealthmag.com

“Immersing yourself in hot water helps relieve all muscular tension, including menstrual cramping. It can also just help relax you mentally, which is important, too.”

— Chiara Atik, gurl.com

“Believe it or not, there are specific yoga poses aimed at relieving menstrual cramps, like the cobra and the bow pose. These poses target the pelvis and the lumbar region, two muscular groups that often bear the brunt of soreness and tension during period pain.”

— Chiara Atik, gurl.com

“Tea with peppermint oil may also help, Sonya Angelone says. She advises her patients with cramps to start sipping the tea that gives them relief a week or so before they expect their period.”

— Kathleen Doheny, everydayhealth.com

“Not everyone wants to turn to medicine to soothe period cramps, but moderate use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help.”

— Aldo Palmieri, everydayhealth.com

“Wearing a menstrual cup or a female condom can help reduce the amount of blood that might come out during intercourse.”

— Amanda MacMillan, news.health.com

“Avoid processed and fast foods, with their high-salt composition, and you'll help hold water retention at bay and minimize bloating. Caffeine -- found in your daily ration of coffee, tea or soda -- can irritate the stomach by increasing gastrointestinal acidity, making your cramps worse and adding t…”

— Vicki Clinebell, sheknows.com

“If you consume 1200 mg of calcium a day when your period is around, you could possibly cut your menstrual symptoms in half — including moodiness and cramping. The easiest thing to do is take some all-natural supplements when you start PMSing, rather than reaching for it when the sky is already falli…”

— Gina M. Florio, bustle.com

“Cinnamon has long been used to relieve the congestion of colds and allergies, and as a digestive aid. Cinnamon may soothe menstrual cramps.”

— George Krucik, healthline.com

“Menstrual cups are reusable, bendy, bowl-shaped devices that you insert in the same way you would a tampon. The difference? They collect blood instead of absorbing it. You can wear it for up to 12 hours without so much as a leak, so you probably won't have to worry about washing it out and reinserti…”

— Lexi Petronis, glamour.com

“He came inside you? Then he’s clearly fine with bodily excretions getting shared. There’s no reason for period blood to be any different.”

— Ellen Scott, metro.co.uk

“Ginger may alleviate symptoms of the common cold, the flu, headaches, and menstrual pain. Grate a small piece of ginger, add it to hot water, and drink for menstrual cramp relief.”

— George Krucik, healthline.com

“Date someone who will remind you of how beautiful you are, even when you feel bloated AF.”

— Holly Riordan, thoughtcatalog.com

“If you have really bad cramps, and it’s seriously affecting your quality of life, the very best thing to do is talk to your doctor. He or she might be able to recommend something you hadn’t even thought of--a different birth control pill, stronger prescription painkillers, etc.”

— Chiara Atik, gurl.com

“Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine, which involves sticking the skin with small needles to stimulate the body at certain points. Researchers from the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Center in South Korea found that acupuncture might have positive effects on…”

— Sabrina Bachai, medicaldaily.com