Menstrual cramps: what are they and how to deal with them?

Have you ever experienced pain during menstruation? If so, you probably suffered from the so-called menstrual pain, which is colloquially called menstrual cramps.

These unpleasant ailments affect many women and can significantly affect the quality of life during menstruation. In this article, we will discuss what menstrual pain is, what can cause it and how to deal with it effectively.

What are menstrual pain and what causes it?

Menstrual pain, also called menstrual cramps, is discomfort in the lower abdomen that usually appears a few days before the start of menstruation and lasts for the first few days of bleeding. These cramps are the result of uterine muscles contracting, which help to shed the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, during menstruation. However, not all women experience equally strong and painful contractions.

The causes of period pain are not fully understood, but there are several factors that can influence their severity:

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, especially increases in prostaglandin levels, can lead to stronger uterine muscle contractions and more pain.
• Heredity: If your mother or sisters had menstrual pain, you are more likely to experience it too.
• Reproductive system diseases: Some diseases, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, can cause more painful periods.
• Stress and diet: Stress and an unhealthy diet can make menstrual pain worse.

Lower abdominal cramps and period. when to see a doctor?

Most cases of menstrual pain can be relieved with home remedies, but there are situations in which it is worth consulting a doctor. If you experience intense period pain that doesn’t go away with home remedies, or if the pain significantly affects your quality of life, it’s worth seeing a specialist.

Other situations that require medical consultation include:

• Regular changes in the intensity of menstrual pain.
• Menstrual pain after the age of 25, if it did not occur before.
• The presence of other symptoms, such as intermenstrual bleeding, severe pain during intercourse, or problems with urination.

The doctor may order additional tests, such as ultrasound or laparoscopy, to rule out more serious diseases of the reproductive system.

How to relieve menstrual pain: exercises, diet, home remedies

There are many ways that can help relieve menstrual pain without having to resort to medications. Here are some effective methods:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially yoga and stretching, can help loosen your abdominal muscles and reduce painful cramps.
• Diet: A healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, can reduce the severity of menstrual pain.
• Heat: Applying a warm hot water bottle to the lower abdomen can provide relief and reduce contractions of the uterine muscles.
• Relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and pain.

It’s worth experimenting with different methods to find the ones that work best for you.

Medications for menstrual pain: types, effects, your suggestions

If home remedies do not provide relief or the menstrual pain is very severe, it is worth considering the use of painkillers. There are many types of medications that can help relieve period pain:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing uterine muscle contractions and the amount of prostaglandins secreted.
• Hormonal medications: Some women may benefit from hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, to control menstrual pain.
• Prescription Medications: If your period pain is very severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or antispasmodics.

Before starting any medication, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor to choose the right treatment option.

Application:

Menstrual pain can be bothersome, but there are different ways to deal with it. It’s worth experimenting with different methods to find the ones that work best for you. However, if menstrual pain is very severe or there are sudden changes in its intensity, it is always worth consulting a doctor to rule out more serious conditions. Remember that every woman is different, so it is important to find an individual approach to relieving menstrual pain.