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Painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, are a condition that affects many women around the world. In this article, we will look at this problem from different perspectives, starting with the menstrual cycle, through the causes of painful menstruation, diagnosis, treatment, to home remedies for relieving pain during periods.
Painful periods – a few words about the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the periodic process in which a woman’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy. A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and is divided into two main phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. During the follicular phase, the ovaries prepare to release an egg, and after ovulation, in the luteal phase, the uterus prepares to receive a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine mucosa sheds, which results in bleeding, i.e. menstruation.
Painful periods – causes of painful menstruation
Period pain can have various causes. One of the main ones is the contraction of the uterus, which helps expel blood and tissue, which can be painful. Other causes are:
- Endometriosis – a condition in which tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Uterine fibroids – tumors of the uterine muscles that may cause pain.
- Hormonal imbalance – Hormone imbalance can affect the intensity of pain.
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases – infections in the reproductive organs.
Painful periods – diagnosis of painful periods
If you are experiencing painful periods, it is important to get proper diagnosis to determine the cause of the pain. Your doctor may order tests such as:
- Gynecological examination
- abdominal ultrasound
- Laparoscopy – an invasive diagnostic procedure
- Hormonal test
Painful periods – treatment
Treatment for painful periods depends on their cause. May include:
- Taking painkillers
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Hormonal drugs
- Medical procedures such as removal of fibroids or treatment of endometriosis
Painful periods – home remedies for period pain
There are many home remedies to relieve period pain. Some of them are:
- A warm bath or heat pad on your stomach
- Physical activity, such as yoga or walking
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Regular relaxation exercises
Your suggestions
If you experience painful periods, it is always worth consulting a doctor who will help determine the cause of the pain and suggest appropriate treatment. Remember that every body is different, so what works for one person will not necessarily work for another.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about women’s health, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Endometriosis – causes, symptoms and treatment”
- “Healthy diet and menstrual cycle”
- “Ways to relieve menstrual pain”
Remember that health is the most important thing, so do not ignore painful periods and always seek medical help if you have doubts or period problems are becoming bothersome.