Causes of menstrual cramps
When you're menstruating, it's typical to have discomfort in your lower back, thighs, and belly.Your womb's muscles tense and relax throughout your period to aid in shedding extra lining.
Menstrual cramps can range from a little discomfort lasting one or two days to excruciating discomfort that lasts for many days and interferes with daily activities. Many women feel them right before and during their period, making them one of the most frequent causes of pelvic discomfort.
Uterine contractions that occur immediately before or during the start of your menstruation are what are responsible for the discomfort. But why do some women’s agony feel worse than others?
Severe cramping
Sever cramps often present as lower abdominal discomfort that throbswith pressure or persisting dull pain. The inner thighs and lower back may also experience pain.
Why do they occur?
Your uterus contracts during your period to aid in the lining's shedding. Prostaglandins, which resemble hormones, are what cause these contractions. More severe menstrual cramps are linked to higher prostaglandin levels.
Without any obvious cause, some people seem to have more intense menstrualcramps. Others may experience severe menstrual cramps as a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Such problems include:
- Endometriosis
Endometrial cells, which mimic the uterus' lining and develop outside the uterus, are the result of the chronic, noncancerous disorder endometriosis.
The main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Pain during sexual activity
- Painful bowel motions
- Periods that last more than seven days
- Bleeding between periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Please see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
One in ten women of reproductive age have PCOS, a prevalent hormone disease. Male hormones called androgens, which are present in higher amounts, and irregular periods are typical signs.Heavy periods, protracted periods, abundant facial and body hair, weight gain and difficulty reducing weight, acne, thinning hair or hair loss, and dark patches of skin, particularly in the creases of the neck and groin, are further signs of PCOS.
- Fibroids
Noncancerous growths called fibroids can develop inside or outside the uterus. They come in a variety of sizes, from tiny masses the size of a seed to huge masses that might expand the uterus. Many people have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms.
When fibroids do cause symptoms, the symptoms change according to the number, size, and location of the fibroids.
Fibroids can also result in:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain
- Painful periods
- Longer periods
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Constipation
- A need to urinate often
- Trouble emptying the bladder
Please see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
- Inflamed Vulvar Tissue (PID)
A bacterial infection of the female reproductive system is known as PID. Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are typicalculprits. It can also be brought on by other illnesses that are not sexually transmitted.PID's most prevalent symptom is pelvic discomfort. Additional signs include:
- Bleeding during or after sex
- Excessive vaginal discharge
- Burning while peeing
- Fever
- Spotting in between periods
- Cervical stenosis
When your cervix's opening is small or entirely closed, you have cervical stenosis, also known as a closed cervix. Cervical stenosis can either be present at birth or develop over time.A blocked cervix can stop menstrual blood from leaving your body, resulting in very mild periods.Your period may be very light or irregular if your cervix is blocked, preventing menstrual blood from leaving your body. Fertility problems may result from it as well.
- Adenomyosis
The uterus thickens due to adenomyosis. It takes place when the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus invades its muscles.Throughout your cycle, the tissue continues to act normally, swelling, degrading, and leaving your body. Your uterus enlarges two to three times more as a result.
Not all cases of adenomyosis result in symptoms. However, symptoms can present as intense period cramps that worsen over time as well as excessive or reducedperiod flow.
At most, period pains should be mildly discomforting. If you are experiencing excruciating menstrual cramps along with any of the other mentioned symptoms, please see a doctor. Unfortunately, such problems do go overlooked. It is important that you advocate for yourself and find yourself a doctorwho will help you keep your pain under control and assist you in determining what is causing your severe cramps.
Pain management
Other than seeking medical help, here are some additional steps you can take:
- Using over-the-counter painkillers: The main over-the-counter (OTC) medication for pain management that is advised for period discomfort and excessive monthly flow is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can help with pain management but are not as effective in lowering prostaglandin as oral contraceptives.
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Using heat: Your lower back and abdomen may feel better after applying heat. It could also have fewer negative consequences, than other pain management techniques. Take a warm bath or use a heated towel if you don't have a heating pad or hot water bottle. Alternately, you could make your own heating pad:
1. Cut two pieces of cloth and stitch them together, leaving a hole at the top. 2. Fill the hole with uncooked rice and close it.
3. Heat in the microwave for a few minutes.
4. Allow to cool, if required.
5. To lessen heat transfer, you might also cover your improvised pad with a towel. Reuse as needed. - Massaging with essential oils: A 20-minute massage may help.Massage over your belly, side, and back over the days of your menstrual cycle. Using essential oils may have further advantages.The use of aromatherapy and massage treatment helps lessen menstruation discomfort. Some essential oils that might be useful are lavender, peppermint, rose, and fennel.Always dilute your essential oils before using themwith a carrier oil. Vegetable or nut oils, such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil, are examples. One drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil is a safe concentration.
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Steering clear of certain foods: It's a good idea to stay away from meals that induce bloating and water retention during menstruating. Some of the worst offenders are:
- Fattening meals and booze
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine
Cramping relief and tension reduction can be achieved by reducing or eliminating certain meals. Instead, try calming (caffeine-free) ginger or mint teas or hot water with lemon. Snack on fruits like strawberries or raspberries if you need a sugar fix. You can also include herbs in your meals.
Menstrual discomfort can be greatly reduced by maintaining a nutritious diet and a regular exercise schedule. Studies have shownthat there are substantial variations in period discomfort in those who kept up a wholesome diet, exercise often, and avoide stress, and those who do not.
Disclaimer
BahrainHealthMatters.com is for informative purposes only and not a substitute for professional in person expertise.
We advise that anyone having concerns about their health issues should consult their doctor asap.