Painful periods otherwise painful menstruation is also called dysmenorrhea
Periods/Menstruation is normal vaginal bleeding that happens as part of a woman’s monthly cycle and period pain usually begins one or two days before one gets their cycle or when bleeding actual starts.
Some feel pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower abdomen, back or thighs typically lasting for 12 to 72 hours, and some might even have other symptoms like nausea, dizziness and headache, loose bowels, sore breast , swollen abdomen , tiredness and fatigue.
Common menstrual cramps may become less painful as age advances and for some it may stop entirely once they have a baby.
Menstrual cramps happens when it can’t be explained by structural defect or a reproductive condition but only by chemical called prostaglandin that makes the uterus contract (tighten up). The uterus, the muscular organ where a fetus grows, contracts throughout the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to muscle tissue. One feels pain when part of the muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen. This is called primary dysmennorhea.
Secondary dysmennorhea is when period pain is caused by a disorder in the reproductive organs in conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis and infection of the female reproductive organs (sexually transmitted bacteria). Cervical stenosis when the opening of the cervix is small enough to allow menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus. Also in conditions including Crohn’s disease and urinary disorders
Are there any risk factors for getting menstrual cramps, yes if younger than age 30 and when puberty occurs at early age 11 or younger, when there is a heavy bleed during periods (menorrhagia) associated with irregularity in menstrual cycles. also when one has a family history of painfull periods and have the habit of smoking.
Are these home treatments be really of a help in relieving painful menstrual periods?
Yes, just massaging the tummy and using warm pads/warm water bottle over the pelvic area and back will help, also taking a warm shower will help.
Regular physical exercise and having a light and nutritious meals also practicing yoga, relaxation or breathing exercises
Taking anti-inflammatory medications before you expect your period They reduce the output of prostaglandins. If can’t take NSAIDs, then can take another pain reliever like acetaminophen.
Taking regular supplements and vitamins such as: vitamin B6,B1,E, OMEGA FATTY ACIDS , CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM will help.
Also raising both legs or lying with knees bent and reducing salt, alcohol, caffeine, and sugars
But on doing a scan and when it shows that the cause to be a secondary dysmenorrhea, kindly discusses with the gynec about the treatment modalities of the condition causing the pain. This might mean oral contraceptives such as the pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring, can be used to treat painful periods. Birth control methods that contain progestin only, such as the birth control implant and the injection, many women with an IUD, menstrual bleeding gets lighter the longer the IUD is in place also may reduce period pain. Or can go for surgery.
Are these menstrual cramps being prevented? The answer is “probably not.”
Take away while some pain or discomfort period is normal, severe or debilitating pain that interferes with life or daily activities is not normal. But treatment is out there. If home remedies, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to mitigate menstrual pain, talk with the doctor. They can help you get relief. Start tracking your pain, and bring your log to your appointment. A pain log can confirm your symptoms are indeed tied to your periods and provide some validation. It will also help your doctor understand what’s going on.
