Material tested: Doctor Sikirina Olga Iosifovna, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, mammologist, ultrasound specialist – 11/19/2019
Many women are familiar with symptoms of impending or onset menstruation, such as soreness in the chest area, bad mood, loss of energy, irritability and pain in the lower abdomen. Usually these days the work is not going well, and the mood is such that even the household members try to catch their eye less often.
What experts say about painful periods, and how to relieve such pain?
The content of the article:
Why does the stomach hurt during menstruation – the main causes of pain during menstruation
Any woman (with rare exceptions) experiences before or during your period at least discomfort. The main complaint is abdominal pain.
Why is this happening?
First of all, don’t panic: if there are no accompanying “signals”, and menstruation is not knocked out of the framework outlined by doctors, then there is nothing to worry about. A natural physiological process (monthly rejection and secretion of the inner layer of the uterus, which, by contracting, causes pain) does not require an urgent visit to the doctors.
Painful periods have a name – algodismenorrhea:
- Primary algomenorrhea… An increase in the contractile activity of the myometrium by tissue hormones and, as a result, cramping pains and vascular spasms. Typical for women 16-25 years old. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, upset stools and soreness in the lower abdomen a day or two before menstruation and in the first two days of menstruation. There are no pathological changes in the pelvic organs. Soreness usually decreases after childbirth and with age.
- Secondary algodismenorrhea… In this case, there are any pathologies of the pelvic organs, and the pain becomes a symptom of anatomical changes in the uterus.
TO causes of painful periods (dysmenorrhea), not associated with diseases of the female reproductive system, include:
- Violation of the balance of sex hormones (progesterone, which contributes to the contraction of the uterus, and prostaglandin, an excess of which increases the force of contraction of the uterine muscles), excessive activity of the thyroid gland.
- Intrauterine device and other contraceptives.
- High sensitivity to changes in the body.
- Incorrectly positioned uterus.
- Excitability of the nervous system.
- Pain due to childbirth or abortion.
- Lack of proper physical activity.
- Calcium or magnesium deficiency.
- Improper nutrition. Read also: The basics of proper nutrition for the health and beauty of women.
If the pain during menstruation is of a short-term nature, the level of pain is tolerable, and there is no need to postpone everyday activities, then everything is fine, and there is no reason to panic…
Top 10 Recipes – How to Get Rid of Period Pain
Traditional folk methods can help reduce the level of pain during menstruation (provided there are no serious problems with women’s health):
- Dry heat, massage and rest
The heat will help to relax the uterus and reduce the force of its contractions, a gentle massage of the abdomen (strictly clockwise) will relax the muscles.
- Pain reliever
1-2 tablets of no-shpa will help relieve spasms. Ibuprofen, spazmalgon or ketonal will help to cope with severe pain sensations. For pain caused by overexcitation of the nervous system (stress, etc.), a simple sedative can help – even the usual valerian.
- Oral contraceptives
Contraceptive pills contain hormones that help to normalize hormonal levels. These tablets are very effective in relieving abdominal pain and other “effects” of menstruation. Of course, you should not start taking it without consulting a gynecologist.
- Physical exercise
Of course, we are not talking about shock loads and, moreover, not about abdominal exercises, but tilts, body rotations, light stretching are fine. Pilates and yoga, which involve working on muscle tone, are also excellent remedies for pain.
- Compresses and baths
For example, a sea salt bath (taken before and after menses for 15-20 minutes, daily). Also sitz baths (contrasting) before menstruation and compresses during menstruation are suitable. After a bath or a contrast shower, you should dress warmly and lie down for at least an hour.
- Herbal teas, infusions, decoctions
Such remedies include chamomile and mint tea (you can add honey), parsley or sorrel, mineral water, tansy, acorns, strawberries, angelica, etc.
Massage of the lower back will help relieve spasms. It is desirable with someone’s help, although you can do it yourself. Put a tennis ball in two socks, lie on them with your back so that the balls are at the level of the lower ribs on both sides of the spine. Gently press on them with your back and lightly roll the balls with your muscles.
- Essential oils
Before menstruation and the first days, you can rub a mixture of essential oils into the sacral region, as well as into the lower abdomen. Ingredients: St. John’s wort oil (50 ml), marjoram (5 drops), clary sage (4 drops), yarrow (5 drops). Rub in a couple of times a day. Before the procedure, conduct an allergy test by smearing the mixture a little, for example, on the elbow folds. Itching or redness is a sign of an allergy.
Most helpful and least traumatic pain relief method. The main benefits are the release of endorphins (natural pain reliever), muscle relaxation.
- Chill on my stomach
Freezing pain is one of the most effective methods. You should put an ice pack on your stomach (only in a towel and on top of your clothes!) For 15 minutes, no more.
Commentary by obstetrician-gynecologist Olga Sikirina:
Anna incorrectly uses the term “algodismenorrhea”: dysmenorrhea is a violation of menstruation. That is, it is not only pain (algos – pain), but also a violation of the menstruation themselves. A complex and difficult to pronounce for an ordinary woman, the term can be replaced by the simpler term algomenorrhea (painful periods). At the same time, like my example, explaining in parentheses the meaning of a complex term. As for real algodismenorrhea, this is a picture of premenstrual syndrome, accompanied by headaches, up to migraine, a change in general well-being, requiring medical attention and a certificate of incapacity for work. And yet, regarding hormonal contraceptives. The author does not mention that it is impossible to engage in self-prescribing of hormones, in this matter it is necessary to consult a doctor for an individual selection of OK (oral contraceptives) And in the photo there is a girl holding a pill in her teeth. And the latest achievements in hormonal contraception are not pills, but the Evra skin patch or the Nova-Ring vaginal ring. It is also an advertisement for specific drugs from certain companies. But these achievements have no competitors yet, so I can name them.
When it comes to preventing pain before and during menstruation, remember to eating foods high in calcium (low-fat fermented milk), save activity (this also applies to sex – orgasm reduces the level of discomfort), minimize spicy, spicy and coffee in your diet, quit smoking and alcohol, do not overcool and avoid stress…
When should I see a doctor for pain during menstruation?
You should be wary and pay a visit to your gynecologist if …
- The pain changes your way of life (you have to take the day off and lie in bed).
- Severe pain lasts more than 2 days.
- Pain is accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, headache.
- Heavy bleeding is accompanied by the release of blood clots and lasts more than 1-2 days.
- Severe pain is present even with the use of oral contraceptives.
- Severe pain (for middle-aged women) has appeared quite recently.
- Ibuprofen, but-spa, analgesics do not help.
- The discharge is more abundant than before (the pads last for 1-2 hours).
- The cycle was disrupted, and body weight decreased.
Such symptoms may indicate that there are serious reasons for treatment. These usually include:
- Endometriosis (aching or cramping pains with a return to the rectum during the entire cycle).
- Fibroids, fibroids, polyps, or cancer of the uterus.
- Abnormalities in the structure of the uterus.
- Von Willebrand disease.
- Deficiency of platelets in the blood.
- Inflammatory process in the genitourinary system.
To relieve pain during menstruation, natural non-hormonal drugs are often used, such as Menalgin. It reduces pain, intensity, duration of menstruation and relieves psycho-emotional stress. Taking Menalgin on “critical days” reduces the need to use NSAIDs that adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract. With a tendency to painful menstruation, it is recommended to start taking the drug on the eve of the 1st day of menstruation. Menalgin has a complex effect: analgesic, antispasmodic, soothing and decongestant.
In no case should you suffer and endure severe pain! If you are worried about your condition – immediately see a doctor… A standard examination will calm you down or help you start treatment on time, which will be beneficial in any case.
The Bologny.ru website warns: self-medication can harm your health! All the tips presented are for your reference, they do not replace drug treatment and do not cancel the visit to the doctor!
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