Menstrual cramps: a symptom that women should not ignore

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What is menstrual cramps?

Menstrual pain is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis 1-2 days before menstruation or during menstruation. It can range from slight dull pain or severe pain that interferes with daily life. Other symptoms may also occur, such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, back pain, etc. It was found that women of reproductive age will experience an incidence of menstrual pain as high as 60-90%, with 3-10% experiencing severe menstrual pain.

Causes of menstrual cramps

In the 21-35 day cycle, if fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining will shed as menstruation. Menstrual pain is caused by a substance called prostaglandin, which is secreted during the period when the uterine lining is shed during menstruation. Prostaglandin causes the muscles to contract and spasm, which can cause menstrual pain. It also causes other symptoms such as headache, nausea, and diarrhea. ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรีIn the 21-35 day cycle, if fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining will shed as menstruation. Menstrual pain is caused by a substance called prostaglandin, which is secreted during the period when the uterine lining is shed during menstruation. Prostaglandin causes the muscles to contract and spasm, which can cause menstrual pain. It also causes other symptoms such as headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

Each person’s body produces prostaglandins differently, including lifestyle, diet, stress, and sleep, which also affect the amount of prostaglandins.

Menstrual pain is divided into two types.

Primary dysmenorrhea

It is the most common menstrual pain. It usually occurs in teenagers and the pain improves with age. And It is usually caused by the endometrium producing too much prostaglandin without any other cause being detected.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain with pelvic pathology, such as endometriosis or chocolate cysts, adenomyosis, myoma uteri, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical stenosis.

Secondary dysmenorrhea usually occurs in people aged 25-30 years and above. The pain is usually more severe and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea. There may be other symptoms such as heavier menstrual periods leading to anemia, infertility, pain during intercourse, or abnormal back pain, urination, or defecation during menstruation.

Symptoms that require seeing a doctor
  • Severe menstrual pain that does not improve with medication, or severe pain that interferes with daily life
  • Menstrual periods are heavier than usual or irregular.
  • Chronic lower abdominal pain, even when you don’t have a period
  • Having problems with infertility
  • There are other symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and difficulty urinating.

Women who have these symptoms should see a doctor to find the cause and diagnose. The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination, perform an internal examination, and perform additional tests based on the suspected cause, such as a pelvic ultrasound and may consider performing a laparoscopy to diagnose and treat various gynecological diseases, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine myomas, and pelvic adhesions, as well as to find the cause of infertility.

Preventing or relieving menstrual cramps
  • Use a hot water bag on the lower abdomen for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Do some light exercise because exercise releases more endorphins, which can help relieve pain and improve your mood.
  • Reduce the amount of food containing fat, salt, caffeinated drinks, alcoholic drinks and sweets as they increase the secretion of prostaglandins in the body.
  • Get enough rest, reduce stress, and keep your mind clear.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
  • Eat foods that contain minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and various grains.