Menstrual Colic
Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea)
These are the periods in which a woman experiences pain in the lower abdomen cramping, acute and intermittent or possibly back pain. Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not. The medical term for excessively painful periods is dysmenorrhea.
To be taken into consideration
Many women have painful periods. Sometimes affect the academic performance, normal household or job activities for a few days during each menstrual cycle. Painful menstruation is the leading cause among women in their teens and 20 years old to waste time at school and job.
Reasons
Painful periods are classified into two groups depending on the cause:
Primary dysmenorrhea: refers to menstrual pain that occurs more or less around the time when menstrual periods are just beginning in otherwise healthy women. This type of pain usually is not related to specific problems in the uterus or other pelvic organs.
It is thought that the increased activity of the prostaglandin hormone, which is produced in the uterus, play a role in this condition. Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that develops later in women who have had normal periods and with often is related to problems with the uterus or other pelvic organs such as: Intrauterine device (IUD) made of copper, sexually transmitted infection, stress and anxiety.
Home Remedies for the Treatment of Painful Menstrual Periods.
The following steps may allow you to avoid the use of drugs that requires prescription.
Apply a heating pad on the lower abdomen below the navel, but never fall asleep with the heating pad on.
Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower abdomen.
Drinking warm liquids.
Eat little but often.
Eating a rich diet in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
Keep your legs elevated while lying down or lying on your side with knees bent.
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Start taking it the day before it is expected to start the period and continue taking it regularly during the early days of this period.
Try with supplements of vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium, especially if the pain is from PMS.
Take warm showers or baths.
Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
Lose weight if you are overweight. Do regular aerobic exercise.
If these self care measures do not work, your doctor may prescribe medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, anti-inflammatory pills, available with a prescription (including narcotics for short periods).
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Vaginal discharge increases or is foul-smelling.
Fever and pelvic pain.
Sudden or severe pain, especially if your period is late by more than a week and you have been sexually active.
Also call your doctor if:
The treatments do not relieve pain after 3 months.
Pain and an IUD has been in placed by three months or longer.
Removes blood clots or have other symptoms with the pain
The pain occurs at different times than menstrual periods, begins more than 5 days before your period, or continues after your period is over
