It’s not always possible to identify the cause of painful menstrual periods. Some people are just at a higher risk of having painful periods.
These risks include:
- being under age 20
- having a family history of painful periods
- smoking
- having heavy bleeding with periods
- having irregular periods
- never having had a baby
- reaching puberty before age 11
A hormone called prostaglandin triggers muscle contractions in your uterus that expel the lining. These contractions can cause pain and inflammation. The level of prostaglandin rises right before menstruation begins.
Painful menstrual periods can also be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a common condition that’s caused by hormonal changes in the body occurring 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation begins. Symptoms typically go away after bleeding begins.
- Endometriosis. This is a painful medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body, usually on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or tissue lining the pelvis.
- Fibroids in the uterus. Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that can put pressure on the uterus or cause abnormal menstruation and pain, though they often don’t cause symptoms.
CONTROLLING TIPS:
1. Black tea with ginger
“Period cramps during the chilly winters in Uttarakhand can be excruciating. Thankfully, black tea with ginger (without sugar) has helped me deal with both the cold and my period cramps. Scientifically too, black tea is rich in antioxidants which help relieve the dull cramping feeling in the belly. Also, the addition of ginger to the tea acts as a painkiller, thus relieving the pain altogether.
2. Take a walk
“I usually don’t get cramps much but when I do get them I just get off the couch and take a walk or indulge in any physical activity. A brisk walk usually works best. Walking is anyway good for health. It increases circulation and gradually relieves the pain.
3. Eat through the pain
“The period pain I experience is often crippling and leaves me exhausted and hungry. But instead of indulging in junk food (which can leave you feeling more bloated and gassy than your period will) I indulge in the trio of fish, mushrooms and chocolate. All three have amazing anti-inflammatory effects, so your pain is bound to disappear soon.
4.Practice yoga
Yoga is the perfect solution as it can increase circulation around the pelvic region and release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that cause the uterine muscles to contract during menstruation).
“Asanas like pranayama and shavasana are ideal, as they are relaxing for the body and easy to perform as well. Mild asanas will instantly ease your pain. Also get enough rest physically and mentally,”
5. Massage With Essential Oils
Oil massage is considered to be one of the best natural ways to ease the pain. But to get it right you need to use the right oils. Massaging with certain aromatic essential oils is one of the most effective ways to relieve menstrual cramps. Studies show that different aromatic oil can help to manage period pain[2]. For example, applying sesame oil can help in reducing pain as it is rich in linoleic acid and antioxidant properties.
You can use lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, clary sage oil, and marjoram oil to massage your lower back and abdomen for best results. You can massage at around bedtime for a restful sleep and relief from cramping.
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