This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Kenyon chapter.

As much as I love taking ownership of female sexuality and celebrating all things feminine, I would be the first to admit periods suck. Unfortunately, due to the natural hormones that cause menstrual cramps and other period-induced pain, there is not much we can do to stop it. However, here are ten things I do to make period week suck a little less.

1. Pop a Safe Anti-Inflammatory Pill

I usually begin moderately using anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, a day or two before I know I’m getting my period. It will help a lot with soreness, inflammation, and cramps.

2. Know Which Foods to Avoid…

Unfortunately, that extra cheesy pizza, french fries, and sugary cereal you’re craving is probably not the best thing you can eat, as foods that are high in sugar, saturated fats, or salt often aggravate period symptoms. My gyno always recommended a low-fat, vegetarian diet during my period in order to decrease overall levels of inflammation in the body, decrease cramps, and boost general health too!

3. …And Which Foods to Enjoy

Like dark chocolate! It’s high in magnesium, which can help alleviate cramps and increase energy, as well as endorphins, which boost your mood! Besides that lovely go-to, foods with healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds, are also great, since they lower hormones that cause bloating. Potassium also regulates your body fluids so go ahead and grab bananas, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes! Does banana ice cream count though?

4. Heating Pads! Heating Pads! Heating Pads!

As someone who gets hit hard with menstrual cramps, I swear by this one. My gyno once told me that applying heat can alleviate period cramps faster and more effectively than taking ibuprofen alone.

5. Boost Your Endorphins

Or, what I call your “happy hormones!” Exercise is shown to help with all PMS symptoms, as working out gets your digestive system going and increases your blood circulation. In addition, these hormones boost your mood and overall health!

6. Orgasm!

You heard right! Whether it’s alone or with a partner, your uterus is the most relaxed before an orgasm. At the moment of climax, the blood flow increases, helping to relieve cramps, and while orgasming the uterine muscles contract, which releases chemicals in the brain that act as a natural pain reliever. Realizing its benefits, think twice before you say no to sex on your period. It shouldn’t be shameful!

7. Drink Water

This one may be obvious, but if you don’t have enough water in your system, it can cause your body to panic and hold onto the water in your system, instead of letting it flow through normally, which causes bloating and excess discomfort.

8. Get Enough Sleep

Or more than enough! Sleep is important for lots of bodily functioning, such as moving excess fluids from your stomach to removal which helps with bloating and health. Who would want to pass this one up, anyways?

9. Turn to Tea

Certain teas have been used traditionally to help with menstrual cramps, especially peppermint, ginger, or cinnamon teas.

10. Lean On Your Contraceptive

Odds are that your oral contraceptive helps decrease period induced pain and flow. So go ahead and rely on them for safe sex and an added bonus in making your period suck a little less!

Considering I am writing this while curled in a ball with a heating pad, I understand cramps, back pain, cravings, and overall discomfort way too well. Unfortunately, too many women can relate. So go ahead and try a couple of these out, and hopefully period pains decrease one piece of dark chocolate and cup of tea at a time!

Sources: Featured Image, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

10 Ways to Make Your Period Suck Less