No More Menstrual Pain: Cure that Dysmenorrhea

There are women who experience pain during their menstrual period. The medical term for this menstrual condition is dysmenorrhea.

You, do you experience dysmenorrhea during your menstrual period?

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the crampy pain felt in the lower abdomen. More common in women ages 15 to 24 and among women who have not yet given birth, it is sometimes accompanied by nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. The pain often spreads to the lower back, thighs, and hips.

Some studies indicate that extreme menstrual pain may be hereditary. Researchers in the 1970s and 1980s discovered that some type of painful menstrual period run in families. Their research showed the presence of higher-than-average levels of prostaglandin in the menstrual fluid of women who suffered from painful cramps. Prostaglandin is fatty acids in the body that act much like a hormone does. They serve different functions, but too much in the body can cause pain from contractions and uterine irritability.

Other studies, on the other hand, show that fibroids (noncancerous growths) in the uterus, endometriosis, and infection could also lead to menstrual pain. The use of some contraceptives like intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) could also cause pain during the menstrual cycle of a woman.

How to relieve menstrual pain?

If you are among those unlucky women who suffer from dysmenorrhea, do not worry. Easy and effective remedies are readily available. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen and prescription drugs could relieve the pain. For mild to moderate dysmenorrhea, aspirin is often used but ibuprofen is the medication of choice. Your doctor may also prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or a higher dose of ibuprofen if over-the-counter drugs did not work. Take the medication at the first sign of pain, even prior to the actual menstrual bleeding.

Ensure you get enough fluid intake and rest. Tiredness could lessen your toleration of pain. If you find yourself in bed often during your period, raise your hips. Lie on your back and elevate your hips above the level of your shoulders. Place both your feet on the bed's footboard or the arm of the couch and put pillows under your hips. You may also try massaging your lower back to alleviate the pain.

Take warm baths for 20 to 30 minutes and apply heat on the lower abdomen through a heating pad or hot-water bottle.

And remember, if these home remedies didn't work after two cycles, is best to consult your doctor.