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Menstrual cramps are otherwise known as painful menstruation or DYSMENORRHOEA. It is the most common of all gynaecological complaints. Many women experience pain or discomfort at the time of periods. The pain ranges from mild to very severe type that can even interfere with their daily routine. This may necessitate leave from the place of work or absence from school for one or two days. However positive we are in our outlook if we are among those who experience severe menstrual cramps we will probably only seek ways and means of getting rid of it.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, constipation or headaches may accompany menstrual pain. The pain usually starts just before the periods, peak within 24 hours and subside after a day or two.

WHAT CAUSES PAINFUL PERIODS?
It is thought to be associated with hormone like substances known as prostaglandins that cause the muscles of the uterus to contract.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DYSMENORRHOEA?

PRIMARY: This is the common type of menstrual pain that occurs in other wise healthy women. It occurs most often in girls in their teens or in their twenties.
SECONDARY: This type of pain is more serious that can be due to an under lying disease process. It is found commonly in women after the age of 30. The cause may be pelvic inflammatory disease which is the infection of the upper genital tract, tumours of the uterus known as the fibroids, endometriosis etc.

DO INTRAUTERINE COPPER DEVICES ALWAYS CAUSE PAINFUL PERIODS?

The presence of an intrauterine copper device may OCCASIONALLY be a cause of menstrual cramps.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS TO MINIMIZE MENSTRUAL CRAMPING?

Life style changes may be helpful. Regular exercises such as waist bending, stretching, yoga, walking etc can be useful in minimizing the menstrual cramps by improving the blood flow.

Dietary changes like avoiding foods rich in arachidonic acid, a fat used in our body to produce prostaglandins, which include animal foods and dairy products. Excess salt may aggravate the cramps by increasing the retention of fluid. Avoiding alcohol may give relief from menstrual pain.

A well balanced diet with adequate fluid intake (8 to 10 glasses) is important.

Drinking warm non-caffeinated beverages like tea can be helpful.

Certain foods like salmon, tuna, pumpkin, and sesame seeds can increase the levels of anti spasmodic prostaglandins and can give pain relief.

Nutritional supplements like niacin 200mg twice daily or Vitamin E 500IU per day have been found to be of use.

Anti prostaglandins such as Mefenamic acid, and Ibuprofen are helpful in the relief of moderate or severe pain. But it is important to remember that these drugs can be taken ONLY when the symptoms first begin. If pain persists during consecutive cycles or lasts for several days it is time to consult the doctor.

A warm shower or placing a hot water bag on the abdomen may be of help.

Light circular massage with fingertips around the lower abdomen can be of use.

Relaxation techniques like meditation have been used to alleviate menstrual cramps in some young women.

Avoid stressful situations and get plenty of rest.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT THE DOCTOR?

Women older than 30 years with severe menstrual cramps

Cramps persisting even after the cycle is over

Previous pain free periods that have become very painful at present

Painful periods accompanied by excessive bleeding
Onset of pain only after the insertion of intrauterine device

Foul smelling vaginal discharge or fever with severe menstrual pain

AVOID SELF MEDICATION, AS THE GREATEST DANGER OF SELF MEDICATION IS SELF DIAGNOSIS.

REMEMBER: Menstruation is no longer a curse. The best thing to do is, besides convincing yourself that this is not an illness, is, to stay in good physical health which is to be obtained with healthy life style, daily exercises, plenty of sleep, rest and of course IF POSSIBLE TRYING TO AVOID STRESS.

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