Nmenstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea Commonly experienced by every woman during menstruation. There are various causes of menstrual pain. However, you need to be alert if the menstrual pain that appears is unbearable and doesn't go away, because this could be a sign of a certain disease or disorder.
Menstrual pain is generally experienced by women at the beginning of the menstrual period. Pain in the lower abdomen is not so excruciating for some women, so they can still carry out their usual activities.
However, some women may experience menstrual pain that is so unbearable that they are unable to do anything. There are several factors that can increase a woman's risk of experiencing more severe menstrual pain, including:
- Under 30 years old
- History of first menstruation at age 11 years or earlier
- Menorrhagia
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation (metrorrhagia)
- Family history of severe menstrual pain
- Over or under weight
- Smoking habits and consumption of alcoholic beverages
Various Causes Painful Period
Menstrual pain experienced by women during menstruation can be caused by several things, namely:
Contraction muscles in the uterus
During menstruation, the lining of the uterus sheds and contracts harder to release an unfertilized egg. The release of the egg and uterine wall tissue is what looks like menstrual blood.
These contractions can put pressure on the blood vessels that surround the uterus, thereby cutting off the supply of blood and oxygen to the uterus. This condition causes uterine tissue to release chemicals that cause pain, such as prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins can make the uterine muscles contract harder, causing menstrual pain. This substance can also cause several other complaints during menstruation, such as nausea, heartburn, weakness, and headaches.
After menstruation is complete, the amount of prostaglandins will decrease, so that menstrual pain and other symptoms can subside on their own.
Certain conditions or diseases
Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is divided into two types, namely primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common pain experienced by women, especially in the early period of menstruation.
Meanwhile, secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by several diseases or conditions:
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammation
- Adenomyosis
- Fibroids or myomas, which are noncancerous tumors in the uterine wall
- Side effects of using intrauterine devices or i intrauterine device (IUD)
In addition, menstrual pain can also be caused by other diseases, such as problems with the bladder or fallopian tubes and narrowing of the cervix.
Menstrual pain due to secondary dysmenorrhea usually occurs earlier than regular menstrual pain and lasts longer.
In addition to menstrual pain, secondary dysmenorrhea generally can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as irregular menstruation, thick and smelly vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, and pain during sexual intercourse.
How to Overcome Menstrual Pain The Unbearable
If you feel bothersome menstrual pain, there are some simple ways you can do to relieve these complaints, including:
- Give a warm compress on the lower abdomen that feels pain or cramping
- Increase physical activity or sports
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises
- Limit consumption of fatty foods and drinks containing caffeine and alcohol
- Sufficient fluid needs by drinking water
- Consuming herbal teas, such as chamomile and ginger tea
- Reduce stress
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol
Menstrual pain that appears occasionally is not a dangerous thing. However, you need to be careful if menstrual pain is very severe and appears every time your period comes.
Likewise, if menstrual pain occurs along with other complaints, such as excessive bleeding, longer menstrual periods than usual, abnormal vaginal discharge, intense pain in the pelvic area, and fever.
If the various methods above are not able to reduce the menstrual pain you feel, try to see a doctor. After examining your condition and determining the cause of your period pain, your doctor can provide appropriate treatment.