HOW DO YOU RESOLVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Friday, January 10, 2025
SEVERE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS: KEY THINGS TO NOTE
BUT, IS THIS PAIN NORMAL?
QUESTIONS WOMEN OFTEN ASK ABOUT MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
FINAL REMINDER: DON’T IGNORE THE PAIN!
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can range from mild discomfort to very severe pain.
While some women may barely notice their cramps, others experience excruciating pain that disrupts their daily lives.
Here's the truth: severe menstrual cramps are not normal and should not be ignored.
WHAT ARE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS?
Menstrual cramps are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen that occur just before and during menstruation.
The pain is usually caused by uterine contractions as the body sheds its uterine lining.
While some cramps are mild, severe menstrual cramps can feel like your body is staging a rebellion every month.
No, it’s not! Severe menstrual cramps are often a sign that something more serious could be at play in your body.
While it’s common for most women to experience cramps, severe pain that disrupts your life is a medical condition, not a medal of honor.
So don’t normalize it, instead seek help to treat it.
TYPES OF MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
1. PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA
This type of menstrual cramp is common and usually starts early, often within six months to a year after a girl’s first period.
-What causes it?
The culprit here is a natural chemical in the body called prostaglandin. During menstruation, prostaglandin levels spike, causing the uterine muscles to contract painfully.
The good news?
As your period progresses, prostaglandin levels drop, and the pain eases.
How Does It Feel?
The pain is typically labor-like and concentrates in the lower abdomen, radiating to the back and thighs.
It lasts 2-3 days and may start before or after bleeding begins.
Some Additional symptoms: Diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and headaches.
Many women notice that primary dysmenorrhea improves with age or after childbirth.
2. SECONDARY DYSMENORRHEA
This is where things get serious.
Secondary dysmenorrhea usually develops later in life, often in your 20s or 30s, and is caused by an underlying medical condition.
What Causes It?
-Endometriosis: Uterine lining growing outside the uterus.
-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection in the reproductive organs.
-Adenomyosis: Uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.
-Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
-Pelvic adhesions or scarring.
How Does It Feel?
-The Pain often starts earlier and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea.
-It may be accompanied by heavy or irregular periods, infertility, or even painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
-Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, this type of pain doesn’t usually respond well to over-the-counter painkillers.
HOW DO YOU RESOLVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS?
1. HOME REMEDIES FOR RELIEF
These simple steps can provide relief, especially for primary dysmenorrhea:
-Hot Water Therapy: A hot water bottle or warm bath can relax your muscles and ease pain.
-Regular Exercise: Staying active can reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps over time.
-Hydration: Drink plenty of water to reduce bloating and ease cramps.
-Avoid Salty Foods: Salty snacks can worsen bloating and discomfort.
2. . WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If home remedies don’t work, or if you suspect secondary dysmenorrhea, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include:
-Pain Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. However, avoid prolonged self-medication as it can lead to peptic ulcers.
-Hormonal Therapy: Birth control pills, patches, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) to regulate menstruation.
-Surgery: In cases of fibroids, endometriosis, or adhesions, surgical intervention may be necessary.
1. Is it normal to throw up during my period?
Vomiting can happen with primary dysmenorrhea due to high prostaglandin levels, which affect your gastrointestinal system. However, if it’s severe or persists, consult a doctor.
2. My cramps have gotten worse with age; what could this mean?
This could be a sign of secondary dysmenorrhea caused by an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. A doctor’s evaluation is essential.
3. . Can diet really help with cramps?
Yes! Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich fish can help. Avoiding caffeine, salty foods, and alcohol also eases symptoms.
4. Will giving birth stop my cramps?
For primary dysmenorrhea, childbirth often improves symptoms due to hormonal and structural changes in the uterus. However, this doesn’t apply to secondary dysmenorrhea.
Severe menstrual cramps aren’t something you just deal with.
They’re your body’s way of signaling that something might be wrong.
If your cramps interfere with your daily life or worsen over time, seek professional help.
Drop your comments:
-Do you think you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea?
-Have you tried any remedies that worked for you? Let’s share and learn!