Menstrual cramps affect 75% of women in their fertile period throughout their lives. Understand what it is, why it happens and how to alleviate it.
Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea for some people, affects around 75% of women of childbearing age. In short, it is pelvic pain, caused by the release of prostaglandin in the uterus.
According to studies, dysmenorrhea can be classified as primary or secondary. The primary one is when the cause is the increase in prostaglandin production by the endometrium.
First of all, we can say that there are 3 types of prostaglandins. Types 1 and 3 relieve pain. However, type 2 causes the uterus to contract and increases pain. So the more of this type of prostaglandin the body produces, the greater the pain will be. It can also reach the intestine, resulting in stomach pain and/or diarrhea.
In this sense, secondary is when it results from pathological changes in the reproductive system, such as endometriosis, infections, fibroids, ovarian cysts, IUD and even very narrow cervical passage or retroverted uterus.
Likewise, these last two are just variations of the human body, which can make it difficult to eliminate the flow and as a result the uterus produces type 2 prostaglandin, causing pain.
On the other hand, when there is pelvic pain, for example, which is a more difficult condition, the pain is more intense. It is often impossible and lasts throughout the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is essential to seek diagnosis and medical help.
Symptoms of menstrual cramps
The pain is usually more intense on the first day of menstruation. It is severe to moderate pain in the lower abdomen, which can spread to the back and legs. Typically, it is sharp and inconstant, sometimes limiting. In 50% of cases, this pain does not come alone. It is often accompanied by:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Headaches;
- Diarrhea;
- Dizziness;
- Fainting.
Look for a doctor
If cramps are so painful that they are not relieved by a common pain reliever and if they sometimes affect your ability to work, study or do any other daily activity, it is best to talk to a healthcare professional immediately.
If a woman notices any of these warning signs, she should also see a doctor:
- Severe pain that came on suddenly or is new;
- Continuous pain;
- Fever;
- Purulent vaginal discharge;
- Sharp pain that worsens when the abdomen is touched lightly or with even minimal movement.
Therefore, for most women, the tests to diagnose the cause of pain are a pregnancy test, medical exam and ultrasound.
Tips to relieve menstrual cramps
1- Hot water bottle
The tip is first of all, find a comfortable position and apply a heat source to the belly area. This could be a bag of water, a wet towel or even dry bags with seeds. However, if the pain radiates to the lumbar spine, the trick is to use a heat source on the back as well.
2- Apply pressure
Massaging your belly and lower back with your fingertips can help relieve cramps. Likewise, Yoga has several positions recommended for menstrual cramps. At the same time, another proven treatment is the use of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), which consists of a small device that delivers low-voltage electrical current to the skin. It increases the pain threshold and stimulates the release of the body’s natural endorphins.
3- Resting helps
At these moments, a woman feels heavy and tired, so if she can take time to rest and relax her body, it can help relieve menstrual cramps.
4- Teas to relax
Consuming teas with calming properties, such as chamomile and fennel, can help. Because they are warm and relaxing drinks.
5- Practice physical exercise
Practicing physical exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. Likewise, exercise increases blood flow, relieving menstrual cramps.
6- Use of anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain in cases of simple cramps. Medicines containing ibuprofen inhibit the production of prostaglandins and reduce inflammation.
Some women use hormonal contraceptives, such as the birth control pill or the hormonal IUD, and in this sense, synthetic hormones block ovulation and/or prevent the typical enlargement and desquamation of the uterine wall. While this reduces or eliminates the accumulation of prostaglandins, muscle contractions and menstrual cramps.
There are foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties and can provide long-term relief from menstrual cramps. Almonds, chestnuts, spinach, kale, watercress, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia, sesame, melon and sardines are good options. As well as spices like turmeric or saffron.
7- Reduce stress
Likewise, the high release of cortisol during periods of stress greatly affects hormonal balance. Therefore, reducing them tends to improve menstrual cramps.
8- Less fat intake
Eating very fatty foods can slow down abdominal transit or cause fermentation in the stomach, which intensifies menstrual cramps. Therefore, eating more vegetables can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.
9- Drink water
Contrary to what it seems, drinking plenty of water can help control menstrual cramps.
10- Sex can help
There are studies that prove that sex and masturbation release endorphins, as does physical exercise. Therefore, it can help ease the pain of colic.
11- Do not smoke
Smoking increases the risk of painful menstrual cramps, as does secondhand smoke.
Finally, if you liked this article, you will also like Teas to reduce menstruation – 6 best teas and why they work.
Fonte: Herself, Msdmanuals, Pfizer, Drauziovarella, Helloclue.
Images: Saúdeabril, Catracalivre, Vix, Pxhere, Vix, Revistacasaejardim, Pfizer, Altoastral, Idigestivo, Bestofweb, Personare, Acritica.
