Why does something as natural as your period come with so much pain? For many women that menstruate, period cramps are a monthly struggle, as around 80% of women experience period pain at some point in their lives. This pain can range from mild to severe and can occur from the teenage years through menopause.
Period cramps often feel like an ache. However, they can either be sharp and stabbing or a consistent, dull pain. Cramps can vary in both intensity and duration for everyone. They typically vary over the course of your period, and the pain often lessens after the first few days.
But what exactly causes menstrual cramping? During menstruation, the body releases chemicals called prostaglandins which cause an inflammatory response that causes the uterus to contract. This contraction is what is called cramping.
Along with cramps, many women also experience nausea, bloating, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. While some discomfort is normal, there are also many health conditions that can cause intense pain during the menstrual cycle. For instance, endometriosis can worsen period cramps. This is when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Along with this, fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in the uterus, can also amplify the intensity of menstrual pain due to increased inflammation. Ovulation can also bring pain for some women. This mid-cycle pain occurs due to the stretching of the ovarian wall before the egg is released.
What helps with period cramps typically depend on the person, but there are some remedies and lifestyle choices that can provide consistent period cramp relief. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and Midol are over-the-counter medicines that work well for easing period cramps. Heat therapy can also help alleviate symptoms. Whether it’s a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm bath, the heat relaxes the muscles and eases the intensity of the pain.
What you eat during your cycle also matters. Avoid caffeine, excessive salt, and fatty foods to minimize bloating and discomfort. Switch out unhealthy choices for a more balanced diet that includes magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Moderate exercise can also help with cramping. Walking, gentle yoga, and stretching can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and alleviate cramps.
If the pain is too severe and significantly impacts your daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Your doctor will likely do a pelvic exam to see if there’s any underlying cause for the cramping. You should also call your doctor if you’re having cramps at times other than your period.
About The Author: My name is Lizbeth Manoj and I am the News editor for my school’s newspaper, the CHAT! I love writing stories, especially about important issues that impact our community. I’m so excited to be writing stories for PHP and helping spread awareness. In my free time, I love to dance, read, and travel.
