5 Reasons You Have Cramps — and 5 Ways to Actually Fix Them

You’ve been told your whole life that cramps are just part of being a woman. Pop an ibuprofen, power through, and pretend like everything’s fine.

But what if your period pain wasn’t just part of being a woman? What if it was your body waving a giant red flag, asking—begging—you to slow down, tune in, and give her the support she’s craving?

Periods are normal biological functions - They aren't meant to hurt!

I’m going to say something that might surprise you:

💥 Periods aren’t supposed to hurt.

Yes, you read that right.

Just like breathing, digesting, and sleeping, menstruation is a normal biological function. And normal body functions don’t come with debilitating pain. If they do? That’s your body telling you something is off.

Let’s break this down.

🔥 5 Reasons You’re Experiencing Cramps

1. Inflammation Overload. Your body is likely producing excess prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals) which cause stronger, more painful uterine contractions. This often stems from chronic, low-grade inflammation—think: blood sugar issues, poor sleep, stress, or processed foods.

Pushing too hard during the week before your period can make cramps worse

2. The Rushing Woman Syndrome. When you’re constantly pushing, doing, and grinding (especially in the luteal phase), you burn through your reserves and leave your body with no choice but to scream for rest. Cramps are often the result of not slowing down when your body needs you to.

3. Dairy Sensitivities. Some women notice a major difference in their cramp intensity after reducing or eliminating dairy. That’s because dairy can increase inflammation and disrupt hormone balance—especially if your body is already under stress.

4. Tampon Tension. Tampons (especially if scented or made with synthetic materials) can cause pelvic tension or restrict natural uterine movement. Many women report less cramping after switching to cups, pads, or period underwear.

5. Emotional and Energetic Congestion. Your womb isn’t just a physical space—it’s an emotional one too. Unprocessed grief, suppressed creativity, poor boundaries, and self-rejection can all energetically manifest as pain. (This might sound “woo,” but it’s very real.)

🌿 5 Ways to Fix Cramps Before Reaching for Pain Meds

1. Eat Vitamin E-Rich Foods. Vitamin E is an inflammation-fighter and hormone-balancer. Try almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, or avocado oil leading up to your period. Bonus: These also help support your mood!

2. Slow Down Before and During Your Bleed. The week before your period (your luteal phase) is not the time to overbook yourself. Your body is shifting inward—honor that. And when you bleed, really slow down. Move like you’re walking through water. Rest like your life depends on it—because your health might.

Meditation can help alleviate period tension and cramps

3. Try a Period Meditation. Guided visualizations or meditations can help reduce pelvic tension and connect you to your body. There are amazing free ones on Insight Timer if you’re not sure where to start.

4. Embrace Heat + Self-Soothing. Warm compresses, herbal teas, castor oil packs, or hot baths can calm your nervous system and reduce cramping. Pair this with breathwork or body gratitude and feel the shift.

5. Ask Your Body What She Needs. This one’s powerful: Instead of overriding your pain, dialogue with it. Ask:

“What are you trying to tell me?”“What needs to change?”This practice of body-listening builds trust and often leads to surprising (and healing) insights.

💬 Final Thoughts

The real takeaway is this: You don't need to "fix" your cramps. You also don’t need to “suck it up” or suffer in silence. And you also don’t need to feel ashamed for using pain relief when you need it.

But let’s stop normalizing pain as part of womanhood.

Your body isn’t broken—she’s brilliant. Cramps are just a signal, a cry from your body for support.

And if you make these changes and you are still experiencing debilitating cramps that can't be relieved by NSAIDs or lifestyle changes, please go see your healthcare provider. Your body may need a lot of help. If your doctor won't listen, shoot me an email right away. I'll help you get the resources you need to advocate for your health.

So next time your cycle rolls in with a message, maybe don’t shut her out with a pill and a to-do list. Maybe ask what she’s trying to say—and how you can respond with care.

Your body is your soulmate. Treat her like it.

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✨ What's been your experience with period pain? Leave a comment or email hello@koriraewellness.com — I’d love to hear your story.

You are SO worthy of your Vibrant Life!

💋 Kori Rae