Painful periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea
It's a common problem among women. It affects up to 80% of menstruating girls and young women. The pain is caused by uterine contractions during ovulation and menstruation.
What to do?
What to eat
Ibuprofen, Spassifon®, Antadys®,...
What medications are available to relieve them? And what about natural solutions?
And what about herbal teas, essential oils, plants...?
Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea.
They can be :
Around 85% of young women aged 16 to 20 suffer from it, compared with 75% of the female population as a whole.
What are the symptoms of painful periods?
It usually affects one or both sides of the body, with tugging, spasms, cramping, punching or heaviness.
These pains can be pelvic pains in the lower abdomen, radiating to the abdomen, pelvis, rectum and lumbar region.
They may be accompanied by digestive problems, nausea, vomiting or headaches.
- Dysmenorrhea is defined as the presence of regular menstrual periods without bleeding.
- This term refers to the absence of blood during menstruation.
- In fact, the term itself derives from the Greek, meaning "difficult flow".
- This is a disorder characterized by painful contractions of the uterus, particularly during menstruation.
- There are several types of dysmenorrhea: primary, secondary and tertiary.
- Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in the absence of pregnancy, menopause or endometriosis.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with a specific disease such as fibroids, endometriosis or adenomyosis.
Causes of painful periods
Is it normal to feel pain during your period?
Menstrual pain is often caused by uterine contractions, which occur during ovulation. These contractions cause the release of prostaglandins, which increase blood flow to the cervix and uterus. This increases pressure inside the uterus, causing cramping.
If you have regular periods, you probably don't know the process behind the pain. Painful periods occur because the uterine wall is irritated during menstruation. This irritation can come from a number of sources, such as bacteria, foreign bodies, inflammation, hormonal imbalances and so on.
The most common cause of painful periods is the proliferation of certain cells in the endometrial layer of the uterus. These cells produce large quantities of prostaglandins, which irritate the walls of the uterus.
Little-known causes
Painful periods are very common in adolescence. They generally occur every month, although some women may have longer cycles. The pain occurs because the endometrial layer of the uterus contracts, causing cramps.
The cause of these contractions is still unknown. However, there are several theories about what might be happening inside the uterus. Some people believe that the contractions are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones produced by the endometrium. Others believe that contractions are triggered by changes in blood flow. Still others suggest that contractions are linked to the presence of spermatozoa.
There are many causes of painful periods, including hormonal imbalances, excessive weight gain, dehydration, stress, irregular eating habits, caffeine consumption, poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, certain medications, genetics and even psychological factors.
What medical treatments are available to relieve painful periods?
Medication treatments for menstrual pain
The aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you suffer from recurrent pain during menstruation, it is essential to consult a doctor. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological disorders. It affects up to 80% of women at least once in their lives. It is characterized by severe cramping, mainly localized around the uterus. These pains generally occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle and last for several days. They can vary in intensity and frequency from one woman to another. Some women experience very intense pain, while others feel nothing at all.
For many women, dysmenorrhea can be effectively treated with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This type of medication reduces inflammation and relieves pain. However, it must be taken regularly to maintain its effectiveness. For those who find this solution ineffective, doctors recommend taking progesterone hormones. These drugs stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which act directly on the uterine muscle. Progesterone hormone treatments include Lutenyl®, Femconal®, Estrace®, Loestrin® and others.
Antispasmodic drugs are also useful for treating painful periods. These include antihistamines, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. Analgesics such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, COX inhibitors and tramadol are also used to relieve pain.
Hormonal or surgical treatments for painful periods
Contraceptive pills can improve the quality of your periods and prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective and are recommended for women who want to avoid pregnancy. Certain types of contraceptives can also help regulate your cycle. For example, progestin-only contraceptives (pills, patches, rings, implants) delay menstruation and shorten the duration of periods. This type of contraception does not protect against STIs.
If you continue to experience heavy bleeding, you may benefit from a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. This involves removing the uterus and cervix. In addition, your doctor may recommend a cervical cap or diaphragm.
What natural treatments can relieve painful periods?
No more pain during periods without medication
In addition to painkillers, here are some tips for soothing your painful periods with natural treatments:
Apply a hot water bottle or pillow to your lower abdomen or back.
Take a hot bath to relax.
Ask your pharmacist for an antihistamine or an essential oil for painful periods to apply to your tummy to help you feel better.
Never use them without medical advice, as there are contraindications.
Get moving, take up a gentle sport you enjoy, or simply walk around the block.
5 natural remedies for painful periods
Period pain is one of the most common complaints among women. They can occur during menstruation or even after the menopause. Painful periods can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, depression, weight gain, poor diet, dehydration, constipation, infection, physical trauma and so on.
The best way to deal with it is to consult a doctor. There are several home remedies you can try to relieve menstrual cramps naturally. Here are 10 of them:
1. Drink plenty of water: Water helps flush toxins from the body, and is essential for maintaining good health. If you feel bloated, drink plenty of water. You can also take water tablets.
2. Eat healthy foods: Try to eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps regulate intestinal transit and reduce bloating. Foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds and bananas help reduce bloating.
3. Take supplements: Vitamin B6 and magnesium are useful for relieving muscle tension and reducing cramps. Magnesium is found in almonds, spinach, broccoli, cashews and pumpkin seeds.
4. Avoid caffeine: Caffeine causes uterine contractions and increases blood flow to the uterus. This can cause cramps. So avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, energy drinks, cola and alcohol.
5. Practice yoga: Yoga exercises improve digestion and circulation, while relaxing muscles and easing cramps. Do simple stretches like cat stretch, pigeon pose, downward dog and child pose.