If you dread your period because of painful cramping, you’re not alone. Up to 80% of menstruating people experience menstrual cramps (a.k.a. dysmenorrhea).
Why do cramps happen? Blame it on prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger muscle contractions and restrict blood flow to the uterus, leading to period pain, says Kendra Tolbert, M.S., RDN, RYT, a dietitian specializing in women’s health….Continue reading….
Source: EatingWell
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Soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad, hot water bottle or heat patch on your lower abdomen might ease menstrual cramps. Try dietary supplements. A number of studies have indicated that vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamin), vitamin B-6 and magnesium supplements might reduce menstrual cramps. During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining.
Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. As bleeding continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the level goes down. This is why pain tends to lessen after the first few days of a period.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) usually work better than aspirin. Be safe with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any of these medicines. Cramping may become more noticeable without daytime distractions. Certain sleep positions may improve period symptoms when lying down. Sleeping in the fetal position, on the back with knees supported by a pillow, or on the side can help.
Chamomile tea also seems to be effective. A large study in China found that drinking green or oolong tea was helpful in lessening period cramps. Scientists think these teas, compared to black tea, might be helpful in easing period cramps because they have substances called catechins. Meat, oil, sugars, salts, and coffee worsened menstrual cramps, while foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and may alleviate them.
Those wanting a more holistic approach to their menstrual health may wish to try certain dietary modifications. Several factors, such as heavy and lengthy periods and stress, may cause period pain to get worse with age. In some cases, underlying health conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids may cause period pain later in life. Some people do experience fainting spells during their periods. In many cases, hormonal changes in the body during your period may be part of the reason.
These can lead to lower blood pressure, less blood volume, lower blood sugar, anemia, and a more sensitive vagal response. All of these can lead to fainting. Some people do experience fainting spells during their periods. In many cases, hormonal changes in the body during your period may be part of the reason. These can lead to lower blood pressure, less blood volume, lower blood sugar, anemia, and a more sensitive vagal response. All of these can lead to fainting.
Molinaro, MD, MSCE, FACOG, of Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA), many women experience water retention (ie, bloating) during their periods, so it’s best to avoid high amounts of sodium. Since salty foods tend to be very dehydrating, your body overcompensates by stockpiling hydration. While it may sound counterintuitive, drinking water regularly throughout the day can help reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes.
Try carrying a water bottle around with you and fill it up several times during the day. Period cramps may be caused by recent lifestyle changes like sleep problems, stress, starting or stopping a new medication, or eating habits. A sudden change in your period cramps could be caused by a health condition like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic tumors, uterine fibroid, ovarian torsion, or IBD.
Heat helps the uterine muscle and those around it relax, which may ease cramping and discomfort. A person can also place a heating pad on the lower back to get rid of back pain. Another option is to soak in a warm bath, which can help relax the muscles in the abdomen, back, and legs. As noted by Healthline, a pillow between your thighs for side sleepers or tucked beneath your knees if sleeping on your back can help alleviate discomfort and allow for better rest.
You can also add an additional pillow beneath your neck if sleeping flat on your back. “If you’re having horrible period cramps, so bad you can’t move, see a provider,” Larter says. “You could have an underlying condition that causes severe period cramps. These can include, but aren’t limited to, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cysts.”
Taking too many medications during your period can cause an ulcer to form in your stomach or small intestine. This can bleed, and it is frequently extremely painful. You could end up in the hospital as a result of this risky situation. Primary dysmenorrhea tends to become less painful with age and after giving birth. But it’s important to note that excess prostaglandin production is possible, which can result in particularly painful cramps.
Cisgender men don’t have menstrual periods, but testosterone levels vary from day to day, which may cause some mental and physical effects. Like women, men experience hormonal shifts and changes. Every day, a man’s testosterone levels rise in the morning and fall in the evening. Some people describe labor contraction pain as intense menstrual cramps that increase in intensity, says Dr. du Treil. “It starts out like menstrual cramps—and the crampy sensation progressively gets worse and worse.”
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