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MenstrualMenstrual Pain Overview Menstrual cramps are sharp pains in a woman's lower abdomen that occur when her menstrual period begins and may continue for 2-3 days. Symptoms can range in severity from a mild annoyance to severe pain that interferes with normal activities. Menstrual cramps are the leading cause of absenteeism in women younger than 30 years. Although over half of women who have menstrual periods experience some discomfort, 10% are temporarily disabled by symptoms. The following circumstances may make a woman more likely to experience menstrual cramps: She started her first period at an early age (younger than 11 years). Her menstrual periods last 5 days or longer. She is overweight or obese. She smokes cigarettes or uses alcohol. She has never been pregnant. Menstrual Pain Causes Prostaglandins are chemicals a woman's body produces that cause many of the symptoms associated with menstrual discomfort. The tissue that lines the uterus makes these chemicals. Prostaglandins stimulate the uterine muscles to contract. Women who have high levels of prostaglandin experience more intense contractions of their uterus and more pain. Prostaglandins may also be responsible for vomiting, diarrhoea, and headaches that accompany painful periods. Other menstrual-type pain can be caused by conditions of the reproductive tract, such as the following: Endometriosis - Uterine tissue that appears outside the uterus Fibroids and adenomyosis - Harmless (benign) growths in the uterus Infections in the reproductive organs IUD (intra-uterine device) used for birth control Ovarian cyst Narrow cervix If a woman has had menstrual pain ever since her periods started, the condition is classified as primary dysmenorrhoea. If some physical condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis is causing the menstrual pain, this is called secondary dysmenorrhoea. Once the medical condition is treated, the menstrual pain usually goes away. Menstrual Pain Symptoms In addition to cramps in the lower abdomen, a woman may also experience some of these symptoms with menstrual cramps: Lower back pain Leg pain, radiating down the legs Vomiting Irritability Weakness Fainting spells (in extreme cases) When to Seek Medical Care Most women have significant improvement with home care (see Self Care at Home). However, a woman should call her doctor in these situations: Menstrual cramps continue to be painful for longer than usual. The pain is suddenly worse or different from what she may have experienced before. Bleeding is excessive, requiring more than one pad or tampon per hour. Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and body aches, are present at the time of the period. Menstrual cramps began in a woman older than 25 years. The woman suspects she may be pregnant and any of these symptoms occur. The woman's doctor can help her manage most symptoms. However, she should go to a hospital's emergency department if any of the following problems occur: She faints. She experiences repeated dizziness when standing up. A sudden, intense pelvic pain causes her to double over. Tissue is passed in the menstrual flow. Tissue often appears silvery or greyish. She thinks she might be pregnant and has menstrual-type pain. Self-Care at Home One way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take an anti-inflammatory medication. These medications work better if taken before the start of menstruation and can be continued as long as needed. If one type does not relieve the pain, try another, because these medications do not work the same in everyone. Anti-inflammatory medicine like this can be harsh on the stomach. If there is a history of kidney problems or stomach problems (such as ulcers or reflux), consult with the doctor before starting this type of medication. Taking the pills with meals may help prevent upset stomach. If anti-inflammatory medicine is not an option or if additional relief is needed, the following strategies may help relieve menstrual cramps: A heating pad to the pelvic area Massage to the back and lower abdomen Exercise, especially prior to the start of a period Low-fat vegetarian diet Calcium 1200 mg daily For heavy blood loss: Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Geranium, Rose, Yarrow For irregular periods: Chamomile Roman, Marjoram, Melissa, Rose, Yarrow For painful periods: Chamomile Roman, Cajeput, Clary Sage, Cypress, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Yarrow For scanty periods: Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Fennel, Juniper, Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme, Yarrow The best way to use these oils is to gently massage over the abdomen or place a hot compress over the abdomen. Some women find that a hot compress over the lower back can also offer some relief. |
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