What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods or menstrual cramps, is a common chronic pain condition that affects millions of women around the world during their menstrual cycle. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that interferes with daily life.
What causes the pain?
The pain is caused by irregular contractions in the uterus. They occur due to a chemical imbalance before or during a period. Those contractions in the uterus squeeze the blood vessels that supply it. Imagine the uterus as a bustling city street. Cars (muscle contractions) navigate their way, delivering essential supplies (oxygen, nutrients) to homes and businesses (uterine lining). Ideally, traffic flows smoothly.
Rush Hour in Your Uterus? Why Dysmenorrhea Might Be Making Your Period a Pain
In primary dysmenorrhea, the city experiences rush-hour chaos. Prostaglandins, the traffic wardens, become overzealous. They redirect cars onto smaller roads (blood vessels), causing congestion and discomfort. This “traffic jam” within the uterus leads to pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. The pain may be so severe that it requires medical intervention to help relieve the symptoms.
Impact of Dysmenorrhea
Some women say the pain can be so severely debilitating that it often impacts their quality of life and interferes with daily activities. The severity of the pain ranges from mild to intense. Some women find it painful to do anything.
What Are the Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea?
- Severe Pain maybe accompanied by these other symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
How Common are Painful Periods?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in five women experiences moderate-to-severe chronic pelvic pain (CPP) during their menstrual period.
This article will explore what dysmenorrhea is, its symptoms, and how it can be treated or managed.
Conquering Cramps: From OTC Relief to Relaxation & Beyond!
There are several possible remedies for dysmenorrhea, including over-the-counter pain relievers, massage, heat therapy, and relaxation techniques. In some cases, more aggressive treatments, such as hormonal therapy, may be necessary to help regulate menstruation and reduce cramping. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Ditch the Drugs, Find Freedom: Unlocking Cannabis Relief for Period Pain (Talk to an OB/GYN Marijuana Doc!)
Many women can find relief through natural methods; one, in particular, is to get their medical card to be legally allowed to enter a state-approved dispensary to purchase medicine to help manage their pain. Many women have achieved pain control due to using cannabis. Talk with a marijuana doctor that is also an OB/GYN to see how you can get relief after consuming medical marijuana. Some simple self-care tips include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting regular exercise. Making these lifestyle changes can often help to lessen the severity of dysmenorrhea symptoms.
Endometriosis Causes & Treatment: From Painful Periods to Fertility Challenges
Endometriosis is a condition that affects around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. There are several possible causes of endometriosis, but the exact cause is unknown. It is thought to occur when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, grows outside of the uterus. It is a debilitating condition that causes pain, cramping, and bleeding during menstruation and is a common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea.
What’s the big deal? Aside from painful cramps and bleeding, 30–50% of women who have endometriosis aren’t able to get pregnant.
Risk factors include having a family member with the condition, early menstruation, and never giving birth.
To determine if someone has endometriosis, a gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam and an ultrasound. Treatment may involve medication or surgery. If you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN to determine if that’s the cause of your symptoms.
Period Pain Got You Down? Conquer Cramps with These Simple Hacks (and Maybe a Medical Card!)
If you're experiencing dysmenorrhea, there are several things you can do to help ease the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve cramps. Severe pain from cramps can be considered chronic pain and would qualify for a medical card in states like Illinois.
Chronic Menstrual Cramps: Hopeful Relief with Vitamins, Cannabis, and Beyond
Obtaining a Medical Marijuana (MMJ) card has been helping many women gain access to natural plant medicines made from cannabis that can relieve chronic pain from menstrual cramps during menstruation. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives to help control the pain. Some doctors recommend taking various vitamins and supplements such as:
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-1
- Vitamin E
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-1
- Vitamin E
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Calcium
- Magnesium
At Home Self-Administered Treatments to Consider:
- Exercise or Yoga
- Massage your abdomen
- Heating pads or hot baths may also provide some relief
- Take warm bath
- Eat a healthy nutritious diet
Dysmenorrhea Decoded: Find Your Peace From Painful Periods
Don't Suffer In Silence: Seek Help and Find Relief
It’s never wise to alter any existing treatment without the approval and recommendation of your doctor. If you’re struggling with dysmenorrhea, it’s important to consult with your OB/GYN before you try or alter any medical treatment. They will help you find the best way to manage your symptoms and get back to living your life to the fullest.
