Menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps, also known as period pain, refers to cramps and pain in the lower abdomen that occur during monthly menstruation. Many girls and women are experiencing menstrual cramps. The medical term is dysmenorrhea.

Periods are part of a woman’s life, but severe menstrual cramps don’t have to be since they can usually be effectively treated. In the case of severe pain or if the pain increases over time, a medical examination should be performed to determine the cause.

Menstrual cramps can be limited to the lower abdomen or can radiate to the back and legs. In addition to cramps, some women experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Headache or a sense of feeling generally unwell also often accompany menstrual cramps. Women with heavy periods often experience greater pain.

During every menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy if an egg is fertilized. If a fertilized egg is not implanted, the top layer of the uterine lining is shed with the menstrual period.

During menstruation, the uterine contract and relax at irregular intervals. This causes the top layer of the uterine lining to detach from the wall of the uterus. This is then shed as a mixture of blood and tissue through the cervix and vagina. Some women don’t feel anything or feel only a slight tugging or pulling sensation, while others experience painful cramps. 

There are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary. 

Primary menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of the uterine muscles. Prostaglandins, hormone-like messengers, play an important role. They cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. With primary menstrual cramps, it is thought that the body produces too many prostaglandins or is particularly sensitive to them. Women under the age of 30 and women with heavy periods in particular are more frequently affected by primary menstrual cramps. Factors like hereditary predisposition and stress may also play a role.

Secondary menstrual cramps are often triggered by benign uterine tumors, including myomas and polyps. Endometriosis can also cause severe pain.­ In endometriosis the uterine lining also grows outside the uterus, thereby causing problems. In some cases, secondary menstrual cramps may be caused by a contraceptive copper coil (IUD).

Menstrual cramps are very common. Most girls and women experience varying degrees of pain during menstruation. For 1 in every 10 women, their symptoms are so severe that they cannot function normally for 1 to 3 days each month.

The pain is usually more significant in women under the age of 20 than in older women. It often decreases or even stops a few years after the first period. Many women also experience fewer symptoms after the birth of their first child.

Secondary menstrual cramps usually first occur when a young woman has already had her period for several years. They can also occur outside menstruation.

There are many, at times contradictory, recommendations from both doctors and other women for dealing with menstrual cramps.

For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can be effective pain relievers. These drugs can reduce menstrual cramps because they inhibit prostaglandin production. Most women tolerate NSAIDs well. Gastric issues can be a possible side effect.

Many hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills or hormonal coils can also relieve menstrual pain. With these methods, the uterine lining does not thicken as much as it normally would, and so bleeding is generally lighter and shorter than with natural periods – in fact, there is sometimes no bleeding at all. However, hormonal contraceptives can have side-effects such as headache or nausea and some also increase the risk of thrombosis. Gynecologists offer advice on which hormonal contraceptives are available.

Studies suggest that heat plasters and heat wraps can help pain during periods. In addition, some studies indicate that physical exercise like jogging, yoga, and aerobics may potentially help to alleviate pain.

The effectiveness of other treatments, like acupuncture, supplements, and herbal remedies, has not been proven. The relevant studies were not designed well or yielded contradictory results.

If the pain is caused by myomas or endometriosis, additional treatment options are available. Surgery is also a possibility.

For detailed information, for instance about using medication to treat menstrual cramps, visit gesundheitsinformation.de.

Friends, family members, colleagues, as well as doctors may not take menstrual cramps seriously.

Some women also think that they need to put on a brave face and suffer through the pain because it is just a normal part of menstruation. However, significant pain that affects life every month for multiple days and perhaps makes women unable to work does not have to be accepted as “natural”. Opening up to their inner circle about their pain, seeking medical advice, and finding an appropriate treatment can all be important steps towards managing symptoms more effectively.

Many women also need to take things a little easier than normal during their monthly period. Demanding activities may be able to be postponed. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, yoga, and tai chi are often found to be helpful for finding peace and reducing stress. Some women find walking or light physical exercise effective. Hot baths, hot water bottles and sauna sessions are also deemed beneficial.

Women who often have to miss work due to severe pain and cramps can have problems at their job and suffer from feelings of guilt and self-reproach. Understanding and support from partners, family, and friends are important and provide a sense of relief for many women.