Period pain (also known as Dysmenorrhoea) is a cyclic pain that is powerful enough to disrupt the daily routine of women. Bloating, tender breasts, mood swings, fatigue etc. are other symptoms that worsen the period pain and increase its intensity. Dysmenorrhoea is throbbing, sharp, and painful pelvic cramping that radiates within the abdomen and lower back regions, sometimes spreading to the thighs. The squeezing muscles in the uterus cause pelvic nerves to experience pain.

Most women (almost 9 out of every 10 on the earth) experience period pain at some point in their life. However, women with low awareness and limited resources suffer more and therefore, complete knowledge about period pain’s origin, root causes, and treatment can help suffering women get rid of this irritating pain. If you are seeking ways to alleviate your menstrual pain, this post is for you. Keep reading!

Types of Period Pain

1. Primary Dysmenorrhoea:

Primarily occurring in teen girls and young women, primary dysmenorrhoea is a pain that rises due to shedding the lining of the uterus and related contraction of muscles. This is a normal pain/discomfort that begins a few hours before the menstrual bleeding and stays up to two days. Childbirth and growing age subside the intensity of the pain experienced in primary dysmenorrhoea and it becomes less effective eventually.

2. Secondary Dysmenorrhoea:

Primarily occurring in more mature women, secondary dysmenorrhoea is a pain that rises due to an underlying condition (pathological) and doesn’t subside even after childbirth. The pathological situations that cause secondary dysmenorrhoea include pelvic infections, endometrial cell growth leading to cysts, tumors of the uterine wall, chronic pelvic inflammation, etc. One must consult a physician to treat this type of period pain development.

Risks Factors and Effects of Period Pain on Women

Physiological Effects

The physiological effects of the periods vary from abdomen pain, and fatigue, to dizziness, and headache. Women also experience nausea and bloating. Vomiting and diarrhoea have also been reported by many menstruating women.

Psychological Effects

Menstrual cycles have a psychological impact on women and cause stress, irritation, dullness, low energy levels, etc. Mood swings can further develop depressive sessions and anxiety. Some symptoms can create panic and fear in women (especially in the teens who are less experienced)

Period Pain Treatments and Remedies

#1 Home Remedies

Hot Water Bath

One of the commonly used home remedies to relieve menstrual pain is taking a hot water bath. You can also apply a heating pad to your pelvic region. According to some small studies, heat is effective in reducing menstrual pain by easing the muscles and soothing abdominal cramps through improved blood circulation.

Hot Water Bottle Massage

Applying heat to the lower abdomen eases menstrual cramps. You can use a hot water bottle or heating pad for massage. This method helps to relax the muscles and reduces discomfort. Moreover, massaging the area with a hot water bottle can provide additional relief. It is a simple and convenient remedy that can be easily done at home and repeated as often as required.

Herbal Care

Green tea with herbs like peppermint, chamomile, fennel, cinnamon, ginger, Holi basil, etc. is highly effective to reduce menstrual pain. These blended teas can bring down inflammation and provide natural relief from moderate to severe period pains.

# 2 Self Care

Loose Clothing: During menstruation, it is advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing as it can help alleviate period pains. Wearing tight-fitting clothes can apply pressure on the abdomen and intensify cramping. Opt for loose shorts, dresses that fit your body well, and fabrics that can handle blood. Choosing breathable fabrics and loose-fitting pants or skirts can enhance blood circulation and minimize discomfort.

Exercise: Exercise can help alleviate period cramp pain by decreasing the prostaglandins that cause menstrual cramps. Engaging in low to moderate physical activity during menstruation reduces abdominal cramps and improves mood, lessens fatigue and lowers the intensity of the pain. Workouts, including walking, jogging, yoga, stretching, pelvic exercises, planks, core-strengthening, and Zumba, are recommended during menses. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation.

Lifestyle: Sleep deprivation, stressful work conditions, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, poor dietary habits, and an overall sedentary lifestyle is responsible to weaken the overall immune system, core body strength and hormonal balances in the body. Such a weakened body is prone to more painful periods. Lifestyle changes can help relieve women from period pains. Quality sleep, stress-free life, healthy eating habits and diet, and abstinence from alcohol and smoking can lower menstrual pain.

Healthy Eating: Having foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre is conducive to alleviating period pain. Eat fruits, green leafy vegetables, Yoghurt, nuts, and green tea, and consume loads of water. Avoid Certain Foods: Abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea etc. symptoms related to the menstrual cycle can worsen if certain foods are consumed. The list of prohibited food during menses includes sugar-rich foods, too much intake of coffee, extremely spicy foods, dairy products (for lactose intolerant women), etc.

#3 Treatments

NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs block chemical messengers that alert the brain to experience pain. Popular NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. can restore normal uterine functions and help reduce period pains.

Contraceptive Pills
Hormonal contraceptive pills (both progestin-only and combination pills) have shown effectiveness on period pains. These pills reduce period pain and also provide birth-control benefits.

Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin deficiencies can worsen period pain. Lower calcium levels result in heightened contractions of the uterine muscles leading to discomfort in pelvic areas. Additionally, insufficient Vitamin D levels can contribute to primary dysmenorrhea. Vitamin dosage depends on age, weight, physical attributes, heart condition, etc. therefore, do not take without a proper prescription.

#4 Therapies

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves using essential oils (such as lavender, peppermint, clove, etc.) for therapeutic application. These massaging oils can be applied to the skin or diffused after dilution. Inhaling the scent or applying the oils to the lower abdomen relieves muscle tension and cramps.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture therapy is known to reduce serotonin and increase endorphins. Lowering serotonin can combat negative emotional states and increased endorphins elevate mood. Acupuncture, which originated as Chinese medicine, is today an accepted medical treatment globally. FDA regulates the needles used in Acupuncture therapy and marks them as medical-grade devices, regulating their manufacturing and standards.

#5 Devices

Period Pain Relieving Device: A compact, portable, risk-free, and hassle-free device that is scientifically proven to relieve period pain and medically tested for safety and effectiveness is a prudent solution that can help in eliminating pain associated with periods. One such device is Welme’s Period Pain Relief Device which is based on TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).

Conclusion:

Awareness and understanding of your body and period conditions are helpful to sail through the monthly menstrual cycle. Following the methods, treatments and remedies mentioned in this post will surely help you to get rid of your period pain-related worries. Using a period pain relief device is also a very safe option to get rid of period pains.

However, if you feel something is not normal like sudden extreme bleeding, unusual symptoms or unbearable pain, difficulty in breathing, colour changes in menstrual fluids, etc. then immediately contact a doctor and take medical help.

For further queries and information on period-related topics, feel free to contact us here.

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