Dear nevahevah,

Getting cramps during your period is normal. Here's how it works:

Once a month, a woman's ovary releases an egg, which travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus. This is called ovulation. If a sperm unites with the egg while in the tube, the fertilized egg may travel on and attach itself to the lining of the uterus. Pregnancy begins when the egg completely implants in the lining of the uterus.

Before ovulation, a woman's uterus builds up a lining made of blood and tissue. The lining is like a nest for the egg if pregnancy happens. If pregnancy doesn't happen, the egg breaks apart, and the lining of blood and tissue isn't needed. The lining flows out of your uterus, through your cervix, through your vagina, and out of your body. The cramps that you feel are the uterus squeezing out its lining, and they're actually making your period go by faster.

Many girls experience mild or moderate pain and discomfort during their periods, including menstrual cramps, bloating, back pain, and changes in mood. These symptoms can usually be treated by using over-the-counter pain medication, exercising, and following a healthy diet. Talk with your health care provider if your pain interferes with your daily activities.

If you don't want to take medicine, or you want some relief while waiting for medicine to kick in, try putting a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen. Having someone massage your lower back might also help. Some health care providers also prescribe the birth control pill to help ease menstrual discomfort.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.