menstrual cramps., how can you ease them? Options

[manny-the-dino]

i got my period yesterday.
and it was whatever, meaning no cramps or pain.
but then when i went to bed, i got cramps.
i was awake for like an hour & a half because the pain wouldn't let me sleep.
so i got up & took some advil which helped.
luckily i told my mom i didn't want to go to school today because i got bad cramps today.

anyways,
do you gals know what can ease the pain for cramps? i really don't like to take medication unless it is severe. i read in this topic that eating pineapple relieves cramps. & do those hot patch things work? any tips would be helpful.


thanks