For women, menstruation is a monthly process where the body sheds the lining of the uterus. During this time, women frequently feel mild to severe menstrual cramps. For some women, cramps can be so painful that they miss work or school. Many over-the-counter medications are available to help ease the pain of cramps, but some women prefer more natural methods.
What are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are characterized by abdominal pain during menstruation. The contraction of the uterus causes pain during ovulation. The menstrual cycle occurs in three phases:
- The follicular phase
- Ovulation
- The luteal phase
The egg leaves the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube during the follicular phase. Ovulation happens when the egg is removed from the follicle and fertilized by the sperm. The luteal phase is when egg implantation occurs, and the uterine lining thickens in preparation for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the lining is expelled during menstruation.
Dysmenorrhea comes in two flavors: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to cramping in women without any other underlying medical issues. A woman with secondary dysmenorrhea has cramps brought on by another medical problem, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
The causes of menstrual cramps
There are many causes of menstrual cramps, and often, the cause is unclear. However, there are some potential causes have been identified. One potential cause is low levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormones that help to control muscle contractions, and when levels are low, contractions can be more intense, leading to pain.
Another potential cause is endometriosis. This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus and can attach to other organs in the pelvis. This can cause inflammation and pain during menstruation and at other times during the month.
Lastly, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is another possible cause of menstrual cramps. PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause inflammation and pain.
The symptoms of menstrual cramps
Most women experience some form of cramping during their menstrual cycle. For some, the pain is mild and tolerable. For others, it can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
There are a variety of physical symptoms that can accompany menstrual cramps. The most common are abdominal pain and back pain. Some women also experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. In severe cases, cramps can last several days and accompany fever and excessive bleeding. To rule out any underlying medical concerns, it is imperative to consult your doctor if you are exhibiting any of these symptoms.
In addition to the pain experienced during menstrual cramps, many women also report changes in mood and behavior. These changes can range from mild to severe, including irritability, sadness, anxiety, and even rage. There is no “cause” of these changes, but they are likely due to hormonal fluctuations and the stress of dealing with pain. If you’re experiencing mood or behavioral changes during your period, talk to your doctor to see if there is anything that can be done to help.
The treatments for menstrual cramps
There are many different treatments for menstrual cramps. Some women find relief from over-the-counter medications, while others prefer more natural remedies.
Over-the-counter medications
A few different types of over-the-counter medications can be taken to help with menstrual cramps. The most common type of medication is an NSAID, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen is the most well-known NSAID, as it can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Another option is naproxen, which works similarly to ibuprofen.
There are also medications designed explicitly for menstrual cramps, such as Midol. These typically contain a combination of pain relievers and caffeine.
Hormonal birth control
For some women, hormonal birth control is the best treatment for menstrual cramps. This method prevents ovulation, which is the leading cause of menstrual cramps. There are several types of hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, and shot. The pill is taken orally daily, while the patch and ring are worn on the skin. The shot is given by a healthcare provider every three months.
Heat pad
Contractions of the uterus cause menstrual cramps during menstruation. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins, hormones produced in response to tissue damage. The good news is that prostaglandins can be sensitive to heat, so applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen can help relax the uterus and ease the pain.
If you want relief from menstrual cramps, try a heating pad. Apply it to your lower abdomen for 20-30 minutes and see if it makes a difference. You may find that it helps you get through your day with a little less pain!
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
TENS is a newer treatment option for menstrual cramps that uses electrical signals to stimulate the nerves. The theory behind TENS is that the brain cannot process the pain signals from the uterus by stimulating the nerves. If you are considering using TENS for your menstrual cramps, it is essential to consult with your doctor first. TENS is generally considered safe, but some risks are associated with its use.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas in the world and has various benefits. This tea can help relieve menstrual cramps due to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. Chamomile tea is thought to work by relaxing the muscles in the uterus. This can help reduce cramping and pain during menstruation. Before bed, drink chamomile tea to alleviate cramps and promote restful sleep. If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve menstrual cramps, chamomile tea is worth a try!
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an effective and natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Clary sage, lavender, and marjoram essential oils are the most effective for menstruation cramps. Using essential oils can help relax the muscles and ease the pain. There are a few different ways to use aromatherapy, such as diffusing the oils or applying them topically.
To diffuse the oils, add a few drops to a diffuser and let it run for 30 minutes. You can also apply the oils topically by adding a few drops to a cotton ball and placing it on your lower abdomen. For the best results, use a combination of different essential oils.
Menstrual pain surgery
For some women, menstrual cramps are so severe that they can’t leave the house. Now, there’s a new surgery that offers hope for relief. The procedure, known as uterine ablation, involves removing the lining of the uterus. It’s a minimally invasive surgery that can be done in an outpatient setting.
While it’s not a cure-all for all types of menstrual pain, it can be very effective for those with severe cramps caused by endometriosis or other conditions. If you’re considering surgery for your menstrual cramps, talk to your doctor about your options and what’s right for you.
Foods To Help Ease Menstrual Cramps
When it comes to finding relief from menstrual cramps, several foods can help. Fennel, flaxseeds, ginger, bananas, spinach, and oranges are all great options.
- Fennel is an excellent source of antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation.
- Flaxseeds are high in fiber and contain lignans which can help to reduce cramps.
- Ginger has long been a natural remedy for pain relief and can also help reduce inflammation.
- Bananas are a good source of potassium and magnesium, both essential for muscle function.
- Spinach is high in iron and folic acid, essential for women’s health.
- Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system.
Foods to avoid when you have menstrual cramps
When it comes to menstrual cramps, certain foods can make them worse. Here are some foods to avoid when you have menstrual cramps:
- Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and increase muscle tension, both of which can make menstrual cramps worse.
- Alcohol can also cause blood vessels to constrict and can lead to dehydration, which can intensify cramps.
- Too much salt can lead to bloating, which can, in turn, worsen cramps.
- Spicy food can trigger digestive issues and make cramps more painful.
- Processed food is often high in salt and sugar, contributing to bloating and worsening cramps.
The prevention of menstrual cramps
Many things can be done to prevent menstrual cramps from occurring. First, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. Eating foods rich in calcium and magnesium can help relax the muscles and reduce cramping. Also, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce cramping.
Another thing that can be done to prevent menstrual cramps is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps increase blood flow and improve circulation, reducing cramping. Yoga or other relaxation exercises can help ease muscle tension and pain.
Finally, it is essential to manage stress levels. Stress can worsen menstrual cramps, so it is essential to find ways to relax and de-stress. Some helpful ways to do this include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or leisure time.
When to see a doctor about menstrual cramps?
Some women experience mild cramps that are easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Others have debilitating cramps that require more aggressive treatment.
A few warning signs indicate when to see a doctor about your cramps. If you’re experiencing cramps that are so severe that they’re preventing you from going to work or school, or if you’re passing blood clots more significant than a quarter, you should see your doctor. Other warning signs include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you have any of these warning signs, or if your cramps are not responding to over-the-counter medications, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Final works
Menstrual cramps are an authentic and harrowing experience for many women. They can range from mild to severe and last for a few days or a week. They can interfere with work, school, and everyday activities. Although menstrual cramps are often considered a normal part of a woman’s monthly cycle, they can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help ease the pain of menstrual cramps. If you’re experiencing severe or debilitating cramps, you must see your doctor to rule out any potential problems.