Period Pain
period pain is so bad, it interferes with your daily living, or stops you from going to school or work, please see your doctor to discuss it.In the interim, let’s discuss about period pain, what causes period pain and some possible ways to get respite from period pain. None of us knows what another woman’s pain is like, so it is useful to understand what periods should feel like and then decide if all is normal.
Period Pain (dysmenorrhea)
Some women experience nominal or mild discomfort during menstruation where as others suffer from severe, enervating pain that prevents them from doing their daily activities.In the case of, some women might have always experienced painful periods; others might develop pain. Mostly we can find Period pain in adolescents and women in their 20s, but can also occur in older women.
when the muscles in the uterus contract or tighten then the period pain happens. Period Pain can include cramping and immensity in the pelvic area, as well as pain in the lower back, stomach and legs.Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), grow outside the uterus. It used to be thought of as an uncommon problem of women in their 30s and 40s. We now know it is a common problem that usually starts in the teens.Period pain is the common cause of pelvic pain.
What is normal period pain?
Period pain is only considered ‘normal’ if:• the pain is there only on the first one or two days of your period
• the pain goes away if you take period pain medicines or use the contraceptive pill
• your ability to do your normal task is not impaired.If the pain is not like this, it is not normal.
There are two general causes of period pain: painful periods can be due to : pain in the uterine ( womb ) muscle (myometrium), especially if the pain is on the first one or two days of a period
Pain from endometriosis and or adenomyosis , especially if the pain is present for more than one to two days before the period starts.
Most of the women with strong period pain face these problems, as well as women with adenomyosis have a more painful uterus comparison to other women, even if it looks normal.Adenomyosis is a condition in which the cells that normally form a lining in the uterus also grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), grow outside the uterus. It used to be thought of as an uncommon problem of women in their 30s and 40s. We now know it is a common problem that usually starts in the teens.
Symptom relief for painful periods
Here are some options for patients that experience painful periods
Home Remedies:
Heat is the most common use. Apply heat on the belly or lower back. This helps relax muscles, which eases cramping.
– Exercise. It releases endorphins (natural feel-good hormones). Simple things like walking or yoga are good.
– Relax with rest, warm baths or meditating
– Relieves stress
– Dietary change – Discuss taking fish oils or diets rich in omega-3, fruits vegetables, nuts and lean proteins or whole grains to help stay healthy.
Other complementary therapies
1. Acupuncture this has shown to reduce inflammation in addition to releasing endorphins to help a patient relax
2. Pain Relief: e.g. ibuprofen, take period pain medications at the onset of pain, and take regularly during the days you normally have pain. All these medications can cause stomach irritation, so they are best taken with food.
3. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP), a pill with more progestogen than estrogen might be better option or perhaps reducing the frequency of your period
4. Mirena intrauterine device (IUD)
This is currently the most effective treatment for pain from the uterus; lasts up to five years. It makes periods lighter and less painful by releasing a progestin medication to the uterus. It is also a contraceptive.Having irregular bleeding and cramp pains during the first few months of use are common, but these problems usually settle. It can be inserted in the doctor’s room or under a general anesthetic.
Some women also experience paleness, diarrhea or loose bowels, Nausea, vomiting and others. Higher levels of prostaglandins are found in a woman who experience painful periods.
A person may wish to talk to a doctor if home remedies do not help reduce cramps or if they are experiencing very severe cramps.Always speak to your doctor before taking any medications and discuss the pros and cons with your specialist.A doctor can suggest other home remedies to try or prescribe medications, such as birth control pills or some types of pain reliever, to manage the symptoms.
More others symptoms that may permit a visit to the doctor are listed below:• very heavy bleeding
• cramps that get worse over time or with age
• severe pain or discomfort
• cramps that interfere with daily lifeThese symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, for which a doctor will be able to suggest an effective treatment.
