I've studied nutritional herbology and have tried many things.   I get REALLY bad cramps during my period, but over the last few months I tried a herbal supplement by New Roots called "PMS Relief".  I took 1 every day (sometimes 2 during my period) and It wasn't until the 2nd cycle on this that there was a very noticeable difference.  I had way less cramping, less bloating, my mood was much improved and I had fewer or no heahaches.  Everyone is different, but this really worked well for me.

 I used to suffer severe menstrual cramps. I healed mine five year ago on the raw food diet and adding in medifoods and herbs. 

I would recommend hot water bottle and raw chocolate as it is full of magnesium and iron. I also take spirilina and Maca which helps with hormones. But definately hot water bottle and chocolate helps a lot. Like tami says above totally agree...chiropractor for your back to adjust your spine and also get a Maya message, I had these and they really do improve cramps. 

Ashleigh x 

Exercise has been my friend in the past.  I can speak to this seeing as I did not get much exercise in elementary school, became more active in high school, exercised often (2 hours/day, 6 days/week) my first three years of college, and have dropped off into oblivion since.  My cramps have were less noticeable during my years of activity, and I can't remember a time when they really hurt.  Just the other day, however, I was leisurely biking home and felt a searing cramp cut through my abdomen.  I'm fairly certain this wouldn't be a problem if I'd get back into a decent exercise routine.

However, if you think you might have a medical issue, you should see your OBGYN.

Hi Tami,

I just posted this as an answer for another post and thought I'd share it with you too! Hope it helps in some way! :-)

I would suggest a hot water bottle, the electricity flowing through heating pads can exaccerbate cramps for some people.  I also think you should try a good calcium/magnesium supplement. These are two very deficient minerals in modern diets and magnesium in particular is very helpful for muscle cramping. I'd suggest Natural Calm, it's well known and works very well. Here is a link: http://www.calmnatural.com/natural-calm-16oz

She can also take epsom salt baths because they are full of magnesium which is absorbed through the skin. 

You should also consider a good B-complex supplement, as B vitamins are super important for all kinds of menstrual and reproductive functions.  

She could also have a tipped/tilted uterus (I have one and have struggled with terrible cramps in the past) which could be causing the back pain.  I suggest a chiropractor who can work on adjusting the uterus into a better postion. Sometimes they can be off!  Or even seeking out a Maya abdominal massage therapist who specializes in this kind of treatment.

My absolute favortie remedies for cramps, in order, are exercise (I love to hike, or do a sweaty 5 mile walk), a long soak in a warm bath with epsom salts and lavender essential oil, and some intimate time with my fiance.  The enorphins are an amazing pain killer!  If these don't work, or I don't have time to devote to them, I love a mug of hot green tea and to curl up with a hot rice sock...