Menstrual cramps are aching cramps felt by women in the lower abdomen just before and during their period. They can also be associated with dysmenorrhea- a condition in which women have excruciatingly painful periods.
Menstrual cramps can sometimes become very annoying, but many women get them often during menstruation. Not only do they affect your day-to-day activities, but leave you non-productive and frustrated. Because of it, you need to cancel your plans and commitments and lie in bed until you feel better.
These cramps can range from mild to severe. Many girls may experience them for the first time a year or two after their first period. With age, these cramps become less painful. They may stop entirely after having your first baby. However, sometimes they remain for a long term. If you have the same complaint, you must consult a healthcare provider. They might evaluate you. Sometimes menstrual pain can be due to a serious underlying condition. Therefore visiting a doctor is a must. To get an expert opinion, you can consult a gynecologist.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Menstrual cramps happen because of excessive contractions in the uterus, or womb. If the uterus contracts too strongly during the menstrual cycle, it may press the blood vessels in its surroundings. That leads to decreased oxygen supply to the uterus, which can cause menstrual pain and cramping.
You can also have cramps because of:
● Endometriosis- a condition in which the endometrium grows outside of the uterus
● Fibroids in your uterus
● Adenomyosis, when the uterine lining may grow into nearby muscle
● Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
● Cervical stenosis, or a narrowing of the lower part of your uterus.
What Are The Risk Factors For Menstrual Cramps?
Certain factors may put you at a higher risk of having menstrual cramps. You’re more likely to have such cramps if you:
● Are under 30
● Started puberty early, at or before age 11
● Bleed heavily during periods (menorrhagia)
● Have irregular menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia)
● Have a family history of menstrual cramps
● Smoke
What Are The Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps?
Symptoms of menstrual cramps can be:
● Aching pain in your belly
● A feeling of pressure in your belly
● Pain in your hips, lower back, and inner thighs
● Upset Stomach
● Vomiting
● Loose stools
What Helps In The Diagnosis of Menstrual Cramps?
To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms during menstruation and normal menstrual cycles. They might perform a pelvic examination and use a speculum to examine the inside of the vagina and cervix.
After examining the insides of the vagina and cervix, the doctor may take a sample of the vaginal fluid on a swab. They may also examine anything that feels abnormal in the vagina or the cervix.
What Is The Treatment For Menstrual Cramps?
Treatment of menstrual cramps varies on the intensity of the pain. If they are mild in intensity, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen would be enough. However, you must consult a healthcare provider about the complaint of menstrual cramps as it can be due to a serious underlying health condition.
Menstrual cramps may also be relieved with heat. Placing a heating pad or a water bottle with hot water on the lower back or tummy can help lessen the intensity of the menstrual cramps. Similarly, a warm bath may also provide some relief. According to experts, heat therapy is quite effective in relieving them. If you haven’t tried it yet, make sure to do it next time you are on your period.
Other lifestyle changes that may help with treating menstrual cramps include:
● Rest whenever needed
● Avoid foods with caffeine and salt
● Avoid tobacco and alcohol intake
● Massage your lower back and abdomen
● Take dietary supplements
● Practice stress management techniques
● Try acupuncture or acupressure
● Ask your doctor about herbal medicines
● Exercise
If all the above steps don’t help lessen the intensity of the menstrual cramps, you may need medicines such as:
● Ibuprofen or other strong pain relievers
● Oral contraceptives
The Bottom Line
Menstrual cramps can be bothersome and hastily affect your life. Sometimes it might not be due to a serious underlying health condition, but sometimes it can be. Therefore you must consult a doctor soon. To get an expert opinion, you can visit a gynecologist in Islamabad.
