Do you know that period is normal vaginal bleeding? Yes, it is a natural part of all women’s lives, which is usually accompanied by pain. A menstrual cramp is nothing but a heavy pain that you are experiencing most throughout your menstrual cycle. You may think this is a regular pain that most women experience throughout their periods. However, not all pain is normal and common for all women.
Each woman’s body is different from others. You may have a lot of pains and mood swings that affect your daily activities entirely. You must be sure to see the changes in your painful periods to understand the bodily changes that you need to be careful with them.
What are Period Pains?
The way women experience their period may vary widely as they have their periods from puberty to menopause. Medically menstrual cramps are termed Dysmenorrhea wherein you may face more pain than normal along with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is most common for women to face these menstrual cramps either before or on the day of periods. In regular periods, heavy pain will not be accompanied by the above symptoms.
What are the Two Types of Period Pains?
Dysmenorrhea is commonly classified into two types, namely primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is a normal pain that is normally experienced by most women from mild pain to moderate. Meanwhile, secondary dysmenorrhea is the next phase of menstrual pain that involves increasing pain from moderate to a high level.
You must understand that mild to moderate pain is normal for women during periods. However, severe cramps must require medical attention to make them comfortable. If you are suffering from severe cramps during your menstrual period, consult your healthcare provider for better health.
Is it Normal to Experience Period Pain?
Yes, it is completely normal to have period pain. But you must be aware that it won’t affect your daily activities and make you more helpless in any situation. If your pain is mild and moderate, then you don’t worry about it. But if you see severe symptoms from before a few days of having a period to completing the cycle, then this will be an alarm for you.
Why you are Experiencing Periods for Every Month?
Before knowing about the main cause of a painful period you must recognise why you are having your periods regularly. When you attain puberty, your body prepares for pregnancy every month. During this time, if there is no fertilisation, then it sheds the unwanted tissues that no longer need.
If the egg is not fertilised, then your body doesn’t require that thickened endometrium lining, so it breaks down and is expelled from your body. This is your period and once it is completed, then the process starts again from the initial phase.
Why You Are Having Painful Periods?
Why are you having painful periods? It could be a sign of infertility in women. When you have your period, your body will release a chemical, such as prostaglandin, that tightens up your uterus causing the pain. Since it has tightened your uterus, your vagina can easily throw out the unwanted blood and tissues from your body. The prostaglandin usually starts to secrete at the beginning of your menstrual cycle and stops once it is over.
Comparison Between Primary Menstrual Cramps and Secondary Menstrual Cramps
Here is the below table that will give you the difference and seriousness between your usual period pain and severe menstrual cramps.
| Aspect | Primary Menstrual Cramps | Secondary Menstrual Cramps |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition
|
Painful periods are caused by normal uterine contractions.
|
Painful periods are caused by underlying reproductive health issues. |
|
Onset
|
Begins 24 to 48 hours before menstruation.
|
May occur anytime, often worsens over time. |
|
Duration
|
The pain subsides within 48 hours of starting menstruation.
|
Pain may persist longer than the menstrual period. |
|
Symptoms
|
Aching, throbbing abdominal pain, pressure in the abdomen, pain in hips, lower back, and thighs; may include nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
|
Similar symptoms but often more severe and may include abnormal bleeding. |
|
Causes
|
Normal prostaglandin release during menstruation.
|
Conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical stenosis, or congenital issues.
|
|
Age Group
|
More common in teenagers and women under 20.
|
Can affect any age group, often linked to reproductive health conditions. |
|
Complications
|
Rare, primarily disrupts daily life.
|
May lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain if untreated. |
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors usually examine your vagina and cervix with a speculum by inserting their gloved fingers into your vagina to know about the primary cause of the pain. Your vaginal fluids are tested to trace any issues.
If there is suspicion of secondary dysmenorrhea, further investigations in the form of ultrasounds, hysteroscopies, or laparoscopies to assess the uterus and other pelvic organs may be recommended. Treatment options would then be discussed with the patient by the provider if any underlying conditions were found.
Treatment for Severe Menstrual Cramps
NSAIDs and Other Analgesics
Hormonal medications are administered for period discomfort. They reduce prostaglandins, which cause cramping. It is recommended that their intake begins as soon as the cramps start for effective use. Acetaminophen is an alternative NSAID if you cannot take it. If needed, your doctor may also prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory drugs.
Other Abdominal Irregularities
To reduce your heavy menstrual pain, your healthcare provider can give hormonal birth control methods such as a pill, patch, or vaginal ring. You must consult your physician whether it suits your body.
Other Ways to Reduce Menstrual Cramps
Many people look for alternative approaches to alleviate menstrual cramping. Although study results are mixed, the following may also be helpful for some:
- Practice yoga that includes stretching and relaxation.
- Acupressure or acupuncture.
- Deep breathing or relaxation techniques.
- Drink green tea and take more anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, ginger, and almonds.
- Supplements (but always consult your doctor first).
Although these techniques do not work for everyone, it would still be worth attempting to determine what elevates your mood.
Conclusion
If your period cramps are of such severity that they hinder your ability to function in your regular daily activities, you should consider consulting your physician. Though a little cramp is normal, more severe pain must be treated at the workplace and school.
Consider keeping tabs on your menses and underlining the days experience the worst pain and then recording other side effects like head or heavy loss and report that to your attending doctor.
