“What causes painful periods?”
It
is common to have some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual cycles.
Excessive pain that prevents you from working or going to school is not. Many
women complain about painful periods, which can be caused by a variety of
factors. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms that come with painful
periods, since this can facilitate better management. Menstrual cramps in the
abdomen are frequently accompanied with painful periods. Fatigue, heavy
bleeding, cramps, nausea, backache, and other symptoms are prevalent. It is
best to seek medical advice if there is extreme pain and bleeding, or if the
symptoms are unbearable.
Dysmenorrhea
is the medical term for painful menstruation. Primary and secondary
dysmenorrhea are the two forms of dysmenorrhea. People with primary
dysmenorrhea report pain before and during menstruation. It could be secondary
dysmenorrhea if you have regular periods that have gotten painful later in
life. This can be caused by a disorder that affects the uterus or other pelvic
organs, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Primary dysmenorrhea
Menstrual
cramps, also known as primary dysmenorrhea, normally begins when a woman begins
her period. Women experience pain in their abdomen and lower back as a result
of this. The pain is usually mild and lasts for the first few days of
menstruation before progressively subsiding. In many circumstances, it will go
away following the birth of a child.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
Painful
periods are characterised by extreme discomfort in the reproductive organs, as
well as other symptoms. Pain begins at the onset of the menstrual cycle and
continues until the cycle is finished. This condition could be the result of
another underlying issue.
Causes
It
is not always easy to figure out what is causing painful menstrual periods.
Some people are simply more susceptible to uncomfortable periods. The uterus
contracts during menstrual periods to assist in shedding the lining. The
contractions of the uterine muscles are triggered by hormone-like chemicals
(prostaglandins), which are involved in pain and inflammation. More severe
menstrual cramps are linked to higher levels of prostaglandins.
The
fundamental cause for menstruation or periods is that when there is no sperm to
fertilise the egg, the uterus contracts, causing the inner lining to shed. One
of the main causes of unpleasant periods
is this process, which causes pain. Hormones are crucial in the menstrual
cycle. Periods are brought on by the action of a hormone called prostaglandins.
This chemical has a strong association to inflammation and discomfort. Another
cause of painful periods is this – during menstruation, several chemical levels
such as leukotrienes, which are key causes of menstrual cramps, are known to
increase. Sleep deprivation and irregular menstrual cycles are two other common
triggers and causes of painful periods.
Painful
periods are more common in adolescence, especially when a young girl first
begins her period. Primary dysmenorrhea is a menstrual pain condition that has
no physical consequences. During puberty and the first years of menstruation,
this is fairly frequent among women. When the hormonal balance is restored
after a few years, the pain intensity gradually reduces.
Among the risks are:
· Having a family history of painful periods
·
Being under the age of 20
·
Irregular periods
·
Excessive bleeding from smoking
·
Never having had a child
·
Hit puberty before the age of eleven.
Prostaglandin
is a hormone that causes muscle spasms in the uterus to remove the lining. Pain
and inflammation might result from these contractions. Prostaglandin levels
rise just before menstruation begins.
Menstrual
cramps can also be caused by an underlying medical problem, such as:
· Pre-menstrual syndrome
(PMS): PMS
is a common condition caused by hormonal shifts in the body that occur one to
two weeks before menstruation. After the bleeding starts, the symptoms usually
fade away.
· Endometriosis: This is a painful medical
disorder in which cells from the uterus lining develop in other parts of the
body, most commonly on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvic tissue. The
tissue that lines the uterus can get implanted outside of the uterus, most
typically on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvic tissue.
· Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are
non-cancerous tumours that can put pressure on the uterus or produce abnormal
menstruation and pain, however they usually do not cause symptoms. These
noncancerous growths can be painful.
· Pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID): PID is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection of the uterus,
fallopian tubes or ovaries that causes inflammation and pain in the
reproductive organs. Sexually transmitted bacteria are the most common cause of
infection of the female reproductive organs.
· Adenomyosis: This is an uncommon
disorder in which the uterine lining develops into the uterus’ muscular wall,
causing inflammation, pain, and pressure. It might also result in heavier or
longer periods. The tissue that lines the uterus starts to expand into the
uterus’ muscular walls.
· Cervical stenosis: Cervical stenosis is an
uncommon disorder in which the cervix is very tiny or narrow that it delays
menstrual flow and causes pain inside the uterus. The aperture of the cervix in
some women is too narrow to allow menstrual flow, resulting in painful increase
in uterine pressure.
Should you be concerned?
Premenstrual
Dysmorphic Disorder PMDD can also manifest itself as severe period cramps and
mood swings. It is a health issue that normally manifests itself a week or two
before menstruation begins. Here, self-diagnosis is not the key. It is
recommended to undergo a check-up with a gynaecologist. One may be asked to
have an ultrasound diagnosis and treatment with hormone therapy.
Ways to reduce period pain
1. Heat therapy
Many
women find that using a hot water bottle or an electric heat pad helps to
relieve cramps and tightness in the abdomen. If you do not have a hot water
bottle, a hot bath or shower will suffice.
2. Low-intensity exercise
Many
studies have shown that a few minutes of light activity, such as walking, can
help with period pain. This will also help avoid nausea and bloating during
periods. For some women, physical activity, including sex, might help relieve
period cramps.
3. Cramp relief roll-on
Innovation
is a wonderful thing. Especially when it is naturally achieved. One of the most
effective ways to fast pain relief is to use a cramp relief roll-on.
4. Dietary supplements
Vitamin
E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamine), vitamin B-6, and magnesium
supplements have been shown in studies, to help with menstrual cramps.
5. Reduce stress
Menstrual cramps and their severity may be exacerbated by psychological stress.
Mild
discomfort during periods is quite normal and is no cause for concern. If it
becomes a problem in everyday life, make an appointment with a gynaecologist to
learn more about the underlying causes and how to treat them. Menstrual cramps
are a typical ailment that happens during the monthly period. Various
treatments are available to alleviate the pain and discomfort they can cause.
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common condition that can have a
negative impact on a person’s quality of life. Mild or infrequent period
discomfort can be treated at home. However, if a person has severe and
disruptive periods, doctors should explore the source and treat the discomfort
as soon as possible.
Even
though period pain can present itself in a variety of ways, it is crucial to
learn what is normal for you so you can spot any changes. If the ‘normal’
levels of period pain suddenly increase, or if you start getting period pain
when you previously did not, it is a good idea to see a doctor to rule out
anything dangerous.