Sometimes, I wonder about the cause of the pain I have to go through every month due to menstruation. Luckily for me, my menstrual cramps are mostly mild but I've had my share of severe menstrual cramps. Rather than the usual headache and stomach pain, it came with vomiting, stooling and dizziness. It was the worst experience ever. And then i had to ask, Is this normal?? __ Anonymous
At some point, you might have had these questions on your mind hoping you'll find answers to them. As a woman, you need to understand the biological makeup of your body, the changes that come with it and ways to properly take care of yourself.
This article will expose you to some of these changes, why you have them and its proper management.
Menstruation 🩸 is basically the cyclic endometrial shedding of blood from the uterus and lasts 2-7 days. Menstrual cycles start from the 1st day of menstruation to the 1st day of the next one which is about 28 days averagely (regular cycles of 23-35 days are normal). It is very important to monitor your menstrual cycle to check for irregularities.
Menstruation is often accompanied by menstrual cramps.
The medical term for menstrual cramp is dysmenorrhea (which is what your doctor might call it). There are two types of it: Primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramp).
Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for normal and common menstrual cramps that are recurrent and aren’t due to underlying diseases. Pain usually begins one or two days before you get your period or when bleeding actually starts. You may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in the lower abdomen, hips, lower back and thighs.
Pain can typically last 12 to 72 hours, and you might have other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and even diarrhea. Common menstrual cramps may become less painful as you get older and may stop entirely if you have a baby.
Although, before menopause, a woman may experience heavier, longer periods of bleeding and more severe cramping during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations coupled with other symptoms like heat flashes which is normal.
What causes the cramp??
This pain is caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract. On the first day of a period, the level of prostaglandins is high. Strong contractions can compress blood vessels and limit oxygen flow to the muscles which intensifies pain. As bleeding continues and the lining of the uterus is shed, the level goes down. This is why pain tends to lessen after the first few days of a period.
Then there are severe menstrual cramps that are caused by underlying conditions or infections of the reproductive organs. Conditions like fibroid and infections like pelvic inflammatory diseases, STI's can cause this. It is called secondary dysmenorrhea. It begins earlier and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps.
Once you notice any irregularities in your period or bloodflow, extremely painful period different from normal, itchiness around private part, kindly see a doctor. It is very important.
I'd like to point out that personal hygiene is very important during your period and even after, to avoid infections. Change your sanitary pads(after 6-7 hours on moderate flows, 3-4 on heavier) and use very clean toilets.
Also, both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea can be treated.Bad cramps keep some women from working and going to school. You don’t have to suffer and you don’t have to put your life on hold. Kindly contact a doctor if you're experiencing painful menstruation.
Here are some management measures to reduce the pain.
📍Exercise regularly. Get involved in physical activities before and during your period.
Women who do this have less painful periods.
📍Massage lower back and abdomen.
📍Drink lots of water.
📍Apply heat: warm bathing water, drinking water and heat pads.
📍Rest well.
📍Avoid foods or drink that contain caffeine (like coffee).
📍Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
📍You can also take pain relieving drugs (like buscopan, aspirin and other NSAIDs). Only use in severe cases and in prescribed dosage. Women with bleeding disorders, asthma, aspirin allergy, liver damage, stomach disorders, or ulcers should not take NSAIDs.
On a final note, Menstruation is normal and we should embrace this part of ourselves as it makes us unique and special.🌻
Much love from BWHF ❤️
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