PAINFUL PERIODS (Dysmenorrhea).

Most of my friends experience extremely painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and as a result, I decided to talk about it. During periods it’s considered normal to experience mild pain. Pain is a result of uterine contractions in the process of pushing menses out.

However extreme pain is uncomfortable and may disrupt your normal daily schedule, such pain is referred to as dysmenorrhea.

Types of dysmenorrhea.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea- usually starts 1-2 days before or 1-2 days after and can last up to 4 days. It’s primarily due to uterine contractions. An increase in prostaglandins increases the pain. It can be accompanied by nausea, diarrhoea and lightheadedness.
2. Secondary dysmenorrhea– This results from a medical condition like endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis among others.

How does pain come about?

Understanding this may help us solve the puzzle and give effective management. There are many theories on how pain comes about and the most common is that; an increase in prostaglandins increases uterine contractions which in turn press against blood vessels that supply the uterus with oxygen resulting in to drop in oxygen levels. This will result in pain.

Who is at risk of painful periods (dysmenorrhea)?

There are no specific risk factors, however being below 30 years, smoking and alcohol, family history of painful periods, irregular periods, heavy bleeding and reaching puberty at 11 years and below have been associated with dysmenorrhea.

Other signs apart from painful periods?

Yes, they include pain in the hips, lower back and inner thighs. It can also include nausea, vomiting, constipation and bloating.

NOTE: there is a difference between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea. PMS occurs 1-3 days before periods and includes mood swings and breast soreness among others.

Management of dysmenorrhea.

Note: Information provided in this article is intended for knowledge and should not be used as a reference or for treatment without approval from your physician.

For secondary dysmenorrhea seek medical attention from your physician or gyne.

There is no know clear way to treat or stop painful periods, however, different suggestions have been made in relation to this.

You should avoid the following few days to and during your periods.

• Avoid caffeine and salt intakes
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Avoid stress

It’s important to start on anti-prostaglandin medication or NSAIDS 1-2 days before your periods. Also, do aerobic exercises.

Hormonal therapy/birth control is one of the suggested methods of managing painful periods as it helps thin the uterus, however, other complications may occur.

During periods you can try

• Pain medication
• Warm birth to aid in muscle relaxation
• Heat pads on your lower abdomen, be careful not to burn yourself, and ask for assistance from trained professionals on heat therapy.
• Acupuncture, commonly known as dry needling
• Acupressure- involves the application of pressure on your abdomen. Always seek trained personnel.
• TENS-only to be administered by a physical therapist in partnership with your physician
• Lower back and abdomen therapeutic massage.

Till next time, bye.