It’s every woman’s nightmare to imagine the pain that comes menstruation. The problem differs from one woman to another, although some underlying conditions increase period pain.
Menstruation occurs when the lining of your uterus sheds. From mild to severe pain, back pains, and discomforts, these are some of the symptoms women experience.
As much as it is a regular occurrence, cramps should not distract someone from normal duties. If so, a woman should go for a medical checkup. You never know, a condition might be worsening by the day.
Why You Might Be Having Period Pain
Most women experience cramps before and during their period. Cramps are caused by a hormone called prostaglandins that causes uterine contraction – the uterus contracts to expel its lining, causing the period pain.
However, the magnitude of cramps occurs grows through different causes. You might find women below 20 years experiencing more pain than older women.
Also, other women come from a family background with similar issues; thus, the trend continues. On the other hand, some cramps come from medical conditions; hence women should learn how to stop period pain at all costs.
Check some of the condition that contributes to menstrual pain.
Uterine Fibroids
These are growths that occur in the uterus during the childbearing period but, they aren’t cancerous. There is no proven cause, although many factors contribute to their emergence and growth.
One of the significant symptoms of uterine fibroids is painful cramps. So, a woman with uterine fibroids is likely to experience severe pain. Apart from that, fibroids bring about back, pelvis, and leg pains. Therefore it’s necessary to visit a doctor for an ultrasound or a lab test.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the cells that create the uterus lining grow in other parts of the reproductive system, like in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. The period pain worsens and becomes severe to women with this condition during their period.
However, these conditions cause menstrual cramps, but it prolongs period and causes migraines and pain while pooping.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. This infection spreads from the vagina to other reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
So, when the infections accumulate in the uterus, it increases cramps and bleeding. PID infection brings foul vaginal odors, chances of ectopic pregnancies, and infertility. So, seek treatment to experience period pain relief.
Cervical Stenosis
This condition occurs in with women with tiny cervix opening. The small-sized space prevents the menstrual period from flowing freely, thus causing pressure to the uterus. During the whole period, women experience severe pains in the abdomen.
However, cervical stenosis can increase the chances of infertility, back pains, and leg twitching.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue grows and thickens inside the uterus lining. Due to these wall linings’ size, they tend to break, causing period pain and heavy bleeding. You can opt for uterus removal or hormonal cure to resolve this issue. However, women at menopause are free from this condition.
6 Doctor- Approved And Effective Ways Of Fighting Period Pain
Period pain is a regular occurrence, but it should not be too severe to distract you from everyday activities. Therefore, any affected woman should look for period pain relief whatsoever. As much as women try to look for home remedies, the doctor’s option is paramount to diagnose some underlying issues.
If you have painful cramps, the following solutions may be helpful.
1. Perform Moderate Exercises
Exercises are the last option when a woman is in her periods. However, medic’s advice on the importance of swimming, massage, walking, or any other light exercise reduces pain. Workout aids in lowering the prostaglandin levels that are associated with period pain.
It’s obvious; you can’t run or jump while experiencing pain, but doing exercise before your periods will lessen the cramps. It’s not always about medicine, but working out is a means of how to stop period pain naturally.
2. Use Heat Pads And Drink Enough Water
What a relieving experience to use a hot water bottle to relax your aching muscles? This old school practice reliefs your uterine muscles, thus releasing pain. Taking a warm bath and a later relaxing with a heating pad helps to relieve cramps and also to release stress.
Always stay hydrated by taking water or coffee; dehydration worsens cramps. You can drink alcohol in moderation too!
Below are examples of heating pads you can use:
Menstrual Heating Pad
This pad has graphene heating, it’s safe, effective, and healthy. It also offers high-frequency vibration massage with three modes.
Sacksy Thyme Herbal Heating Pads
These are made using a fine blend of herbs such as cherry, lemon verbena, lavender, and eucalyptus, among others. They are ideal for period pains, hot-cold therapy, muscle aches, and neck & shoulder pain.
MIGHTY BLISS Large Electric Heating Pad
As the name suggests, this pad is electric. It’s also machine washable, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and its ideal for both sore muscles and period cramps.
3. Take The Right Diet
Which is the best meal to alleviate cramps? It’s not pleasant to know that processed food and chocolates aren’t healthy during periods. Pizzas, ice cream, and the likes are rich in omega six, which increases the level of prostaglandins.
Assume the junk food craving, and eat food rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables to lessen that pain. Add turmeric to your food for muscle relaxation.
4. Take Painkillers
Not all painkillers can reduce cramps, and no pain killer can relieve cramps instantly. Yes, plan ahead of your period and buy drugs with ibuprofen and naproxen properties. Therefore, do not wait for the period to start. Instead, think of how to stop period pain two days before.
5. Purchase That TENS Machine
It’s time to reduce that pain by all means. You may be tired of taking fiber diet, heating up, or exercise, and that’s where the tens machine comes in. The device directs impulses to the muscles, which help to lessen cramps.
Here are some of the best TENS machines:
NURSAL Rechargeable Tens Unit
This unit is amazing. It comes with 4 pairs of electrode pads of varying sizes and design and offers 16 massage modes.
TechCare Plus 24
This Tens unit is effective, affordable, easy to use, and it comes with 24 modes! It will cost you less and get the job done.
TENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
If you are looking for a unit that can give you a strong massage, then this is it. This unit is portable and allows you to use 4 electrode pads simultaneously.
6. Use Magnesium
The right dosage of magnesium is 300 mg, which assists in decreasing the cramps. It doesn’t work instantly, so you should take it overnight.
Summary
It’s time the society takes menstrual pains as any other illness, not a woman’s stuff. Couples should be together in this for psychological support. Parents, too, should advise and give support to their teenage daughters.
However, it’s not all about hospitals and medicines when it comes to cramps. Women should learn ways on how to stop period pain naturally. If that doesn’t work, they can still opt for machines. Also, don’t assume every period pain is okay. Visit a doctor for the right diagnosis.
