11/06/2022
WHAT CAUSES PAINFUL MENSTRUAL PERIODS AND HOW Do I TREAT THEM?
Painful menstruation is also called dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary
What are the causes?
Menstruation occurs when the uterus sheds its lining once a month. Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods is normal. Excessive pain that causes you to miss work or school is not.
Itโs not always possible to identify the cause of painful menstrual periods. Some people are just at a higher risk of having painful periods.
Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in people who experience pain before and during menstruation. If youโve had normal periods that become painful later in life, it may be secondary dysmenorrhea. A condition affecting the uterus or other pelvic organs, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, can cause this.
These risks include:
1. Being under age 20
2. Having a family history of painful periods
3.Smoking
3.Having heavy bleeding with periods
4.Having irregular periods
5.Never having had a baby
6. Reaching puberty before age 11
HOME TREATMENT
At-home treatments can be helpful in relieving painful menstrual periods. Types of things to try at home include:
using a heating pad on your pelvic area or back
massaging your abdomen
taking a warm bath
doing regular physical exercise
eating light, nutritious meals
practicing relaxation techniques or yoga
taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen several days before you expect your period
taking vitamins and supplements such as:
vitamin B-6
vitamin B-1
vitamin E
omega-3 fatty acids
calcium
magnesium
raising your legs or lying with your knees bent
reducing your intake of salt, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar to prevent bloating