Menstrual cramps are symptoms that women must have experienced when that time of the month arrives. Most of us tend to think that menstrual cramps are a normal thing. Some people may have severe cramps, while others may have mild cramps. However, abnormal menstrual cramps should not be taken lightly because they can be the cause of other diseases. This article will take you to learn more about menstrual cramps so that women can observe themselves more. What are they? Let’s go see.
What are the symptoms of menstrual cramps?
Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps are cramps or dull pain in the lower abdomen. It usually occurs 1-2 days before menstruation and during the first few days of menstruation. Some people may have only mild menstrual cramps, while others may have severe pain and other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, lower back pain, dizziness and headaches.
Causes of menstrual cramps
Menstruation is a natural mechanism of the female body. On average, every 28 days, if the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the uterine lining will shed and become menstruation. The abdominal pain due to menstruation is caused by prostaglandin, a substance that acts like a hormone that will form in the uterine lining during menstruation. The more the body secretes this substance, the more severe the contractions will be, making the pain even more intense. In addition, prostaglandin is also the cause of nausea and diarrhea during menstruation.
Types of menstrual pain
Menstrual pain can be divided into two types:
- Primary dysmenorrhea is a common form of menstrual pain that is often caused by the overproduction of prostaglandins by the endometrium.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain caused by abnormalities of the uterus or other reproductive organs. It usually has more severe pain than primary dysmenorrhea, such as:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cervical stenosis
However, for secondary abdominal pain, it is something that should not be ignored because it can have negative effects on the body. So how do we know what kind of pain is abnormal and should see a doctor immediately? Find the answer below.
What symptoms should prompt you to see a doctor?
As mentioned earlier, menstrual pain is a normal part of women’s lives. However, all women must regularly check their symptoms because normal menstrual pain may no longer be normal. You can observe these symptoms, which are signs of illnesses that may be more serious than normal menstrual pain.
- Have more severe menstrual pain than usual
- Have taken medication but not gotten better or symptoms are getting worse
- Are over 25 years old and have severe menstrual pain for the first time
- Fever with abdominal pain
- There is more bleeding than usual.
- Vaginal discharge with odor, itching in the vagina, and unusual colored menstrual blood.
- I feel pain in my lower abdomen but I’m not menstruating.
These are all symptoms that all women should not ignore. If you are close to your period or are in the middle of your period and have these symptoms, see a specialist for timely treatment.
How to prevent and relieve menstrual pain
However, menstrual pain is something that we cannot avoid. But we can relieve the pain better by:
- Use a hot water bottle to apply to the lower abdomen and back.
- Take a shower with warm water.
- Get enough rest and exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet, avoid foods high in fat and salt, and avoid caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and sweets.
- Relax yourself with meditation or yoga.
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but only when:
Severe pain only, because this type of medicine may have other side effects. For women who may have problems or want to consult about irregular menstruation or even menstrual pain, make an appointment to consult with a specialist. We have experts who will give you the best and correct advice.