Menstrual cramps

What are Menstrual cramps?

More than one in every two women suffer from Menstrual cramps or pain each month. Menstrual cramps are abdominal and pelvic area (belly) pains that are experienced by a woman around the time of her menstrual period. You are not the only one, up to 90% women have menstrual cramps. The pain is on it's peak the first day of the menses, which may last from several hours or over several days. Menstrual cramps are accompanied frequently by back pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and/or diarrhea.

Many teens don't suffer from dysmenorrhea, as their uterus is still growing, and yet they may get it several years after their first period begins.

Two types of Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea (DIS-men-o-REE-ah) is the medical term for menstrual cramps. Dysmenorrhea can be either primary or secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is a normal cramping of the lower abdomen caused by hormone-induced uterine contractions before the period. Primary dysmenorrhea means pain has recurred within a year or two of the first period. This type of pain is not related to any specific problems with the uterus or other pelvic organs. This kind of pain occurs in otherwise healthy women.

Secondary dysmenorrhea may be caused by abnormal conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. It is a pain caused by a disorder in the woman's reproductive organs. Secondary dysmenorrhea means pain began years after periods started.

What are the symptoms of menstrual cramps?

Feeling of pressure and pain in the abdomen

Pain in pelvis.

Lack of energy.

Irritability, nervousness, depression.

Pain in the hips, lower back and inner thighs. Most women feel discomfort in the legs.

Menstrual cramps usually start shortly before the menstrual period.

What causes common menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus.. It is a muscle. Each month, the inner lining of the uterus builds up in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, your hormone production declines. When progesterone drops to a certain level, the lining of the uterus sheds, resulting in menstruation. In this process the utreus is forcefully contract. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. When blood circulation and oxygenation to this area are diminished, the metabolism of the uterus and pelvic muscles is decreased. Waste products of metabolism, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, build up, intensifying the pain and discomfort.

How can I relieve mild menstrual cramps?

Avoid foods that contain caffeine during the week before your period to prevent cramps or reduce their severity.

Smoking and drinking alcohol may worsen the problem.

Regular exercise often have less menstrual pain. Swimming and walking are good activities, they are gentle and not too stressful. Certain stretch exercises and yoga positions will also help to relieve the pain.

Increase your intake of diet rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fruits, and green vegetables.

Taking hot water bath may also relieve the pain. Using a heating pad or hot water bottle is helpful too.

Gentle massage of your lower back and the tummy does wonders.

If you all the above did not seem to help aspirin or ibuprofen are common over the counter medications that can help relieve menstrual cramps.

Primary dysmenorrhea Vs secondary dysmenorrhea

Some of the most common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include

• endometriosis

endometrial-type tissue is found outside the womb

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

is a general term for infection of the upper genital tract, including the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID usually results from ascending infection from the cervix.

• uterine fibroid tumors

are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus

• aving an intrauterine device (IUD).

When should you call the doctor?

Are you wondering if your menstrual cramps are normal. If you suddenly start to experience more pain than usual or notice a change in your periods, you should contact your doctor. You doctor may ask many questions focusing on your menstrual cycle and reproductive history, do a pelvic exam and sometimes order special tests, to give you the cause of the pain.