Menstrual Cramps
May 19, 2009
Almost all the women suffer from painful menstrual cramps. While some women experience only little pain, others go through cruel pain. Menstrual periods of some women are accompanied by the pain in lower abdominal (belly) and pelvic area.
These are known as menstrual cramps. These may occur just before menstrual periods and during their menstrual periods.
Dysmenorrhoea (dis-men-o-reea) is the medical term for painful periods.
They are of two types
Primary Dysmenorrhoea is experienced by young women. It can range from mild to severe. Those suffering from severe dysmenorrhoea may have to miss their school, office or their daily routine work for one to two days every month. For some women their very first periods are painful while for others, periods gradually become painful.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea usually affects the women between 35 to 45 years of age. Reason behind secondary Dysmenorrhoea is the underlying problem such as endometriosis, fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts or by the use of an interuterine device (IUD) for birth control or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Causes of pain
The main cause of pain is the contractions of uterus or womb similar to the pain that women suffer during labor.
Each month in preparation for a possible pregnancy, a new lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is build. No pregnancy will occur, if the egg is not fertilized by the sperm after ovulation. Now the current lining of uterus in no longer needed. Due to declination in estrogen and progesterone hormone, the lining of uterus swells and dies. It will be shed and a new lining of uterus will replace it in the next month cycle.
At the same time, molecular compounds called prostaglandins are released which causes the uterus’s muscles to contract and cause pain in the womb. Pain increases with each stronger contraction. Due to contraction of uterus muscles, the blood supply to the endometrium is cut down. Because of this tissues of endometrium are starved of oxygen which causes them to die or break down.
The contractions help the body to squeeze out dead tissues through the cervix and by the way of vagina (as blood or periods), so as a new lining can be grown which is very important for fertility, with pain as its side effect.
Symptoms of painful Periods are pain in abdomen, pain in vagina, diarrhea, feeling nauseous or unwell, sweating and fatigue.
Ways to beat the pain
- If the pain is bad, then rest as much as possible. Place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel on your tummy or lower abdomen or back.
- Try some relaxation techniques as stress and anxiety can make the pain worse.
- Exercises can definitely help you in beating the pain. Regular workout of 30 minutes or brisk walking or swimming at least twice a week will help.
- During menstrual periods don’t drink caffeinated drinks.
- Use pain killers if necessary.
- Try to eat light but frequent meals.
- While lying down, keep your legs elevated.
- Include zinc and calcium in your diet.
- Herbs like squaw vine, evening primrose oil, cramp bark, unicorn root and blue cohos helps to reduce pain.
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