The pain we experience happens
not just in our abdomen but sometimes in our lower back and thighs. Although
some women might find the pain bearable, others may find that the pain so bad that they can't carry out their daily tasks.
In fact, a few countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and South Korea have
grant menstruation leave to their female workforce!
What are menstrual cramps like?
The scientific name for such cramps is Dysmenorrhea. Most people assume that menstrual cramps only cause pain the abdomen. However, that is not the case. It can cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, pain in the hips and/or pain in the thighs. This would explain the various discomforts and lethargy we experience during this monthly period.
Some women may also experience loose
stools, dizziness, nausea and vomiting during their period or for the first few days of their period.
What is the cause of such pain?
Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle release a
hormone known as Prostaglandins to aid the uterus in contraction and shed
the lining of the uterus wall. The contraction of the muscle is the cause of
the pain we experience each month.
How to relieve menstrual cramps?
There are
over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen
that can be taken to relieve the pains. Taking these medications a few days
before your period can also stop the release of prostaglandins, thus preventing the pain. Woman who are
on oral contraceptive pills are also less likely to experience such cramps.
Placing a heating pad or a hot water bottle at the abdomen
or lower back also helps to relieve pain. Taking a nice warm bath or shower
can also help you to relax and feel less of the pain. For back aches, gently
massage the lower back in circular motions.
Foods that can ease menstrual cramps
Foods that are high in omega-3 and magnesium can help to reduce cramping.
Foods that are high in omega-3 include salmon, tuna,
herring, mackerel and sardines, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil and nuts, especially
walnuts.
Bananas, avocados, dried apricots,
prunes, spinach, cashews, almonds, nut butters, pinto beans, kidney beans,
peanuts, tofu, brown rice and millet are rich in magnesium.
Peppermint found in herbal teas is also very good for
relieving menstrual cramps. It has a numbing effect on pain including those experienced in headaches
and diarrhoea.
For a more comprehensive listing of the types of food for easing menstrual cramps, check out this article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/324135-foods-to-ease-menstrual-cramps/ When to see a doctor?
If you experience persistent unbearable pain each month that gets in the way of your daily work, or you experience cramps even after childbirth or menopause, do consult your doctor, as the following problems also produce symptoms of menstrual cramps:
- Endometriosis. In this painful condition,
the tissue that lines your uterus becomes implanted outside your uterus,
most commonly on your fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your
pelvis.
- Uterine fibroids. These
noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus rarely may be the cause of
pain.
- Adenomyosis. In this condition, the
tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of
the uterus.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused
by sexually transmitted bacteria.
- Cervical stenosis. In some women,
the opening of the cervix may be so small that it impedes menstrual flow,
causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus.
The men can help too
Believe it or not, women hate PMS as much as you do. Hormonal changes and menstrual cramps can cause women to feel really tired, irritable and be in a bad mood. Do empathise with our discomfort and not take it personally if we're short-tempered with you.
Help your loved one ease the discomfort by bringing her painkillers, hot water bottles and comfort food that puts her in a good mood, and generally being nice to her. She'd be so touched that she'd love you more for it, and try to make up for the hard time she gave you!
Sources:
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/crampsmenstrual/ht/menstrualcramps.htm
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