MENSTRUAL CRAMPS (DYSMENORRHEA)

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If you've ever been in a situation where you had to assume close to 70 positions in less than 7 minutes to find some comfort, then you would agree with me that menstrual cramps can be a hell of a nuisance especially when you have to work and I am pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Well today, we would be talking about dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and how best to deal with it.
Menstrual cramps are painful sensations that affect a number of women before and during a menstrual period and I'm sure you've had at least an experience of this annoying situation. The pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back and begins 1 to 2 days before menstruation and lasts from 2 to 4 days. Menstrual cramps could range from mild to moderate or even severe that it could interfere with your day to day activities. Mild to moderate cramps could be managed effectively but when it starts to affect your day to day activities, then you might need to visit a doctor.

Menstrual cramps are classified as two which are the primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is the pain that is associated with only the process of menstruation while secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with other medical conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid or pelvic inflammatory disease.

WHAT CAUSES MENSTRUAL CRAMPS? 

Now you may want to ask, "what really happens during menstruation and what causes the cramps?" Apparently every woman of child bearing age has a menstrual cycle of an average of 28 days and the first day of your menstruation usually marks the Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. During this cycle, the body prepares itself for pregnancy and it does this by allowing the growth of the egg in the ovaries and thickening of the lining of the uterus(womb). The egg is released from an ovary around day fourteen in the cycle; the thickened lining of the uterus provides nutrients to an embryo after implantation (if the egg becomes fertilized). Approximately once every 28 days, if there is no sperm to fertilize the egg, the uterus contracts to expel its thickened lining and this lining is released in what is known as menstruation. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins are responsible for this process. They cause muscle contractions and cramps that are similar to labor pains and this helps in expelling the lining of the uterus.

HOW DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
Menstrual cramps usually refer to a dull, throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, just above the pelvic bone. While other symptoms may include: pain in the lower back and thighs, nausea and vomiting, faintness, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and headaches.



HOW TO MANAGE CRAMPS.
To relieve mild to moderate menstrual cramps:
  • For best relief, you should take a pain reliever such a paracetamol as soon as bleeding or cramping starts.
  • Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen.
     Use a hot water bottle.

  • Rest when needed.
  • Avoid foods that contain caffiene.
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Massage your lower back and abdomen.
Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of your weekly routine. You should also use palliative treatments for symptoms presented e.g using anti-emetics if you are vomiting.  




Severe cramps are likely caused by secondary reasons like I mentioned above so you should see your doctor if the cramps get bad enough to hinder with your daily activities.








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