Menstrual Cramps
Making Women’s Health the Best It Can Be.
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are severe, shooting sensations in the lower abdomen. Before and during their periods, many women have menstrual cramps. Menstrual pain can vary from person to person. For some women, the pain may be tolerable, while for others, it can be debilitating and affect their daily activities for a few days each month. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are two disorders that can cause menstrual cramps. The underlying cause must be treated in order to reduce pain. When they are not caused by another ailment, menstrual cramps often become better with age and frequently go away completely after giving birth.
Symptoms
Typically, when we talk about menstrual cramps, we mean a dull, throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, just above the pelvic bone. Other signs can include:
- Lower back, thigh, and leg pain.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Faintness and dizziness
- Diarrhea or dribbling stools
- Constipation
- Bloating
An individual should consult a doctor if:
- The signs and symptoms are severe or develop worse over time.
- Pain is not just experienced during menstruation.
- Clots in the blood are larger than a quarter.
Causes
With the exception of pregnancy, menstruation typically occurs every 28 days between adolescence and menopause. The uterus muscles contract and relax during the menstrual cycle to assist in the expulsion of blood and waste. Although these contractions are universal, not everyone is aware of them happening. Other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, might also occur in some people. This process is initiated by hormone-like molecules called prostaglandins. Prostaglandin production occurs in the uterine lining.
Who is at risk?
More than 50% of women are reported to experience menstrual cramps, with 15% of them having severe cramps. Teenage females are especially susceptible, with up to 90% of them being affected. If a woman began her period before the age of 11, is younger than 20, has significant bleeding during her periods, is overweight, or has never given birth, her likelihood of experiencing excruciating menstrual cramps increases. Period pain is shown to be chronic in females who smoke, drink alcohol, or have depression, though there may not be a specific underlying cause for this.
Treatment
Take aspirin or another pain reliever if you are experiencing mild menstrual cramps. Take these drugs as soon as cramps or bleeding begin for the best relief. Heat can also be beneficial. Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back. A soothing bath may also help. Some other lifestyle changes that could be beneficial include:
- Take enough rest
- Eat meals without salt or coffee.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
- Massage your belly and lower back.
- Consider dietary supplements.
- Try to manage your stress.
- Attempt acupressure or acupuncture.
- Consult your doctor regarding herbal remedies.
Regular exercisers frequently experience less pain during their periods. Make exercise a regular part of your week to help avoid cramping.
Why choose Giggles?
Giggles Hospital, Best Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally, is a leading gynecology hospital with a team of highly qualified and experienced obstetricians and gynecologists dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and their newborns. Our advanced tools and technologies ensure a high success rate in providing healthy pregnancies. With a commitment to providing the best care possible, our medical professionals, cutting-edge facilities, and personalized attention guarantee an unforgettable experience for all our patients.
