Menstrual Cramps
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 346, Word Count: 523,
Menstrual cramps are abdominal pains and pain in the belly and pelvic areas as a result of menstrual period. Menstrual cramps are different from premenstrual syndromes though one follows the other.
Other name for Menstrual cramps: dysmenorrhea, painful periods, painful menstruation
Types of Menstrual cramps
1. Primary Menstrual cramps
2. Secondary Menstrual cramps
Causes of Menstrual cramps
Ovulation takes place every month and the inner lining of the uterus builds up for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the lining is not needed and is shed. The women’s estrogen and progesterone hormone level declines and the lining swells and dies. It is replaced by a new lining every month during the menstrual cycle.
When the uterine lining begins to break, prostaglandins are released. This causes the uterine muscles to contract and constrict the blood supply to endometrium. It blocks the oxygen supply to the tissues of endometrium which breaks and dies eventually. The uterine contractions squeeze it through the cervix to the vagina and finally out of the body. Substances like leukotrienes get elevated and cause inflammatory response and are also responsible for Menstrual cramps.
Other causes of pain:
1. prostaglandins levels
2. Blood clots or pieces of body tissue of the uterine lining
3. Narrow cervical canal
4. Backward tilting of uterus
5. Lack of exercise
6. Psychological factors (emotional stress)
Symptoms of Menstrual cramps
1. Pain is concentrated in lower abdomen, in the umbilical region or the suprapubic region
2. Pain may radiate to thighs and lower back
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Diarrhea
5. Headache
6. Fainting
7. Fatigue
Home care for menstrual cramp relief
1. Heating pad or hot water bag can be used to relieve pain
2. Light circular massage around your lower abdomen
3. Drink hot beverages
4. Eat frequent light meals
5. Eat foods rich in carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits and vegetables
6. Consume less salt, sugar, caffeine and avoid alcohol
7. Keep your legs in an elevated position
8. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
9. Try over the counter pain killers like meftal and ibuprofen
10. Take warm showers
11. Exercise regularly
When to seek medical help?
1. Self care measures are not providing Menstrual cramp relief
2. Vaginal discharge has increased and there is foul smell
3. You have fever along with severe Menstrual cramps
4. Pain is significantly increased during menstrual cycle
5. Pass blood clots during menstrual cycle
Treatment for menstrual cramps
1. Your doctor may prescribe you non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that lower the production of prostaglandin
2. Take ibuprofen, naproxen or ketoprofen before the pain becomes difficult to control
3. Low doses of birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin and are used to manage menstrual cramps
4. Surgical methods like hysterectomy, removal of fibroid, cyst are some times used
Menstrual cramps are very common during menstrual period. These are also called as dysmenorrhea. This article about menstrual cramps informs you about types of menstrual cramps, Symptoms of Menstrual cramps, menstrual cramp relief, menstrual cycle, dysmenorrheal and menstrual period.
About the Author
Dr. Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health
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