Periods are a pain

Herbs that rebalance hormones can also be helpful. A survey carried out in 2000 by the American Pharmaceutical Association revealed that dong quai was the most popular herb for treating period pain. It is a natural painkiller and increases circulation to the womb. Black cohosh and vitex agnus castus are often recommended for menstrual problems, though again the scientific evidence is inconclusive.

If you are in the grip of cramps, try the herbs crampbark, black haw or skullcap. Take a deep bath to which you have added two drops of lavender oil and four of marjoram oil. Make a massage oil using two teaspoons of sweet almond oil plus three drops of an essential oil such as lavender, rose otto, or clary sage and rub gently over your abdomen. A hot pack or hot water bottle can also bring relief. Some women swear by a magnet - worn under your clothes in the area of the uterus - that claims to improve circulation and reduce spasm.

Although you may not feel like moving around, there is some evidence that exercise can alleviate period pains by increasing circulation to the pelvic region. Dr Stanway suggests kneeling on all fours and rocking your lower spine repeatedly up and down in a pelvic tilt. She also advises trying deep breathing exercises. Any treatment that you find relaxing is likely to bring some relief.