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Why does the lower abdomen hurt during menstruation? Video: Everything you need to know about menstruation. Severe pain during menstruation: causes

The manifestation of critical days in adult women and young girls of reproductive age may be different.

Some do not notice any negative signs at all, while others suffer from a lot of problems.

They are characterized by apathy, depression, nervousness, lack of appetite, dizziness and various pain manifestations. Sometimes the pain intensifies and reaches a critical point.

What this is connected with, what to do and why the stomach hurts during menstruation is worth understanding in detail.

How pain occurs during menstruation

Menstruation is a monthly manifestation of a natural nature that occurs in the body of every woman during reproductive age. They carry with them discomfort and a number of necessary hygienic measures.

For some female representatives, these are quite familiar manifestations of the body, and for others - a series of tests.

And if you can still cope with other symptoms, then the presence of pain simply knocks you out of strength, and sometimes completely blocks all physical activity.

Some women are convinced that pain is an integral part of menstruation, without finding out the reason, but in vain.

If everything hurts during this period, this may indicate the presence of a serious gynecological disease.

Menstruation is a process of a biological and mechanical nature. The body is cleansed of everything unnecessary in the first days, which is not necessary for continued functionality.

All bad things come out through the genitals, thanks to the nervous system, which stimulates the muscles of the genitals. Impulses pass through nerve cells that affect the entire process.

Sometimes the cells stop nerve impulses, resulting in corresponding pain. The reasons lie in the lack of nutrition of nerve cells.

In medicine, pain during menstruation is called algomenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. It is noted in the lower abdomen and occurs 1-2 hours before the onset of menstruation (or for many a day).

The nature of the pain can be different: stabbing, aching, the presence of contractions. It often spreads to the kidneys and lumbar region.

There are three degrees of pain during menstruation:

First degree

The most common form, characterized by the presence of moderate pain. It is accompanied by mild discomfort that does not interfere with social and physical activity.

More common in teenage girls. Over time they go away, and after giving birth I may not bother you at all.

If after childbirth your stomach still hurts during menstruation, this is a serious reason to consult a doctor for advice, since the first degree can develop into a more complex one. That's why you can't ignore going to the gynecologist.

Second degree

Signs of this form, when the stomach hurts a lot, may include dizziness, chills, general weakness, nausea and headaches.

The woman's general condition worsens. She becomes mentally vulnerable, her emotional state is suppressed, depression appears, and her performance decreases.

Well-chosen tablets prescribed by your doctor will help you get rid of all manifestations.

Third degree

In this form, the stomach hurts severely during menstruation.

Pain is noted in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. It is accompanied by severe headaches, fatigue, malaise and general weakness.

Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature, heart pain, cardiac arrhythmia and vomiting. Fainting is possible. Tablets are not effective in this case.

This is the most dangerous form of dysmenorrhea, as it can lead to bad consequences associated with menstrual irregularities and infertility. This may also indicate the presence of a serious illness.

Why does pain occur on menstruation days?

  • Causes associated with uterine contraction. This is the main reason why the lower abdomen and lumbar region hurt during menstruation. Contractions can be sharp and prolonged, which are associated with the production of progesterone hormones. They provoke uterine contractions, resulting in the rejection of the inner lining and blood discharge. Such cramps cause pain and discomfort during menstruation. The intensity of contractions depends on the level of hormones, which affects the intensity and nature of pain.
  • Diseases associated with the reproductive system. Severe pain may indicate problems with the health of the female genital organs. This is how many inflammatory processes manifest themselves, such as uterine fibrosis and endometriosis. Pain during menstruation can signal both the presence of existing diseases and inflammatory processes, and past diseases associated with gynecology.
  • Lack of microelements. Disruption of the menstrual cycle, which can occur with pain during menstruation, often occurs due to a lack of calcium and magnesium in the female body.
  • Heredity. Signs of heredity also explain the causes of pain when menstruation occurs. Women whose female relatives suffered from pain during menstruation are at risk. It depends on genetics. Pathologies that can cause pain could also be inherited.
  • Other negative factors. The causes of menstrual pain may depend on an unbalanced diet, stress, poor circulation and other problems.

Causes of severe pain during menstruation

Having examined the main causes and signs of pain during menstruation, it is worth paying attention to those that cause severe stomach pain and why they occur.

In this case, even after taking the pills, the problem does not go away. If you identify such symptoms, you should consult a doctor, because these are clear signs of a woman’s health problems.

  • Development of endometriosis. This disease is characterized by the growth of the inner uterine lining.
  • Lack of calcium in the body.
  • Bend and displacement of the uterus.
  • Decreased levels of a hormone called progesterone.
  • The presence and development of ovarian cysts and polyps.
  • Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
  • Spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
  • The presence of stress, strong emotional experience, state of shock.

Associated symptoms with pain

In addition to abdominal pain, other signs of pathologies and diseases of the reproductive system may be present. For some women, these are habitual manifestations.

And recently their number has increased several times. These are young and nulliparous girls who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, eat unhealthy food and live in environmentally hazardous areas.

This manifests itself in the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the lower back and lower back.
  • Pain in the pelvic area.
  • Presence of nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea and intestinal disorders.
  • Deterioration of general condition and weakness.
  • Emotional instability and increased irritability.

How to eliminate pain and what to do

  • Presence of heat. Warmth can help ease and relieve pain on the day of menstruation. Place a heating pad or a towel soaked in warm water on the lower abdomen. Taking a warm shower will also be effective. But under no circumstances should the water and heating pad be hot. In this case, the opposite effect will work, which can cause increased bleeding. A mug of warm tea will help you relax and relieve pain.
  • Physical activity. This is a great way to relieve and relieve period pain. In your free time, it is recommended to attend sports training and the swimming pool. And on the day when your period is hectic, you can do simple exercises in the morning. But the exercises should not be difficult, without physical exertion, especially on the first day.
  • Get rid of negative circumstances. Since pain is observed during menstruation, you need to take maximum care of your condition. On this day, any physical activity that could lead to overwork is excluded. You should not overcool, overload yourself, but on the contrary, rest more. The diet includes fresh vegetables and fruits, excludes coffee and fatty foods. Meals are taken in small portions 5-6 times a day.
  • Relaxation and relaxation. To relieve period pain, you need to shift your attention to positive things. For example, you can read your favorite book or watch an interesting movie. Visiting a public place that evokes only positive emotions will also be a great option. You can spend this time with your loved one or enjoy delicious and healthy food. And having good, healthy sleep will benefit the entire body.
  • Light massage. It helps well every day with menstruation and severe pain. It is done with gentle circular movements in a clockwise direction. This will relieve tension and abdominal cramps.
  • Lie on the bed in a fetal position. Some women find this method very helpful. It is based on relieving spasms by relaxing in a certain lying position. To do this, bend your knees to your chest and fall asleep, or just lie down.
  • Dieting. It also helps relieve pain. Avoid fatty and meat dishes, smoked foods, pickles and marinades. It is better to give up strong tea, coffee drinks, alcohol and flour. In return, increase the amount of fresh vegetables and fruits and relaxing herbal teas.
  • Taking medications. You can take an analgesic or antispasmodic. These tablets are aimed at having an analgesic effect. But you can take any medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Tablets are used in cases where the stomach hurts terribly and no other methods help. They will quickly help you get rid of the problem and quickly return you to your normal life. But why are they recommended last? Most medications have contraindications and side effects.
  • Use of oral contraceptives. The necessary hormones contained in the drugs will restore normal balance. Several courses of medication are enough to minimize negative manifestations during menstrual periods. Like all medications, they require consultation with a doctor and his prescription.
    Analgin and paracetamol during menstruation
  • Analgin. These are very strong tablets aimed at eliminating pain. A few decades ago it was used everywhere. Many women still use analgin as a pain reliever during menstruation, although modern analogues are now being produced that are designed specifically to suppress menstrual pain. Analgin includes a number of side effects, which manifest themselves in the form of bleeding and a decrease in the production of leukocytes, which perform the body’s protective function against various infections. Analgin is also prohibited for use by children and adolescents under 14 years of age, and the duration of use should not exceed a week. Therefore, you can drink analgin only if other, gentler drugs are powerless. This usually happens on the first day of your period.
  • Paracetamol. It is considered an effective remedy for menstruation. But it only helps with mild and minor pain. If the pain intensifies, he will be powerless. If paracetamol has an analgesic effect, it will be insignificant and short-lived.

You can drink it up to 4 times a day, 1 or 2 tablets. Some women continue to take paracetamol because it acts quickly, unlike its analogues.

These tablets, once in the stomach, are quickly absorbed and have their effect. Paracetamol reduces the intensity of discharge and helps for 4 hours. However, it is very important not to abuse it due to frequent hepatotoxic effects.

Special exercises to suppress pain

To avoid using pills, it is suggested to carry out special exercises. They are aimed at reducing the pain during menstruation and suppressing other associated symptoms.

Such exercises can be carried out every day and as a preventative measure.

  • Lie on your back, legs bent at the knees, and feet should rest on the floor. Hands are placed along the body, palms facing down. Make smooth bends in the abdomen for several minutes, accompanied by short breaths. Completely relax the muscles, you can do the task 4 times.
  • Lie on your back at a right angle. Buttocks rest as close to the wall as possible. Place your feet against the wall and bend your knees. Spend 4-5 minutes in this position.
  • They move away from the wall, one leg is pulled up to the chin, and the second leg remains on the floor. They spend 2-3 minutes in this position, after which they change their legs.
  • Stand on your elbows and knees, your head should be between your hands. Stand in this position for 2-3 minutes. This task can be done lying on the floor.
  • Yoga helps a lot. Lie face down on a flat surface, place your feet together, strain your knees. Exhale, lift your body up, throw your head back.

After several inhalations and exhalations, inhale again and lift the body, contracting the buttocks. Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds. Exhale again and return to the first position.

To get rid of pain in the abdomen during menstruation, you need to find out their causes and understand why they bother you. There are several ways to relieve abdominal cramps.

To do this, use all methods aimed at reducing the pain effect. Tablets are used in extreme cases when nothing else helps.

The first day may be accompanied by additional symptoms that may indicate the presence of gynecological diseases.

You need to take care of your health and listen carefully to the whole body.

Menstrual pain is a common phenomenon that many women have to deal with. For some, menstruation causes mild ailment and discomfort, while for others it brings unbearable, pulling, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, lower back or sacrum, which does not allow them to lead a full life.

Why stomach pain during menstruation and could this be a sign of some kind of problem or gynecological disease? What are some ways to relieve painful periods?

Causes of menstrual pain and main symptoms

The menstrual cycle in women is a natural cyclical process. The main cause of periodic pain is hormonal changes in the female body and increased production of the hormone prostaglandin. During menstruation, the uterus contracts and the mucous membrane of its walls is rejected in the form of bloody discharge, accompanied by painful and unpleasant sensations. A woman may experience discomfort and pain several days before her period arrives.

The main symptoms of pain during menstruation:

  • twisting, causing uterine spasms, pain;
  • the stomach hurts and pulls, spasms radiate to the rectum;
  • nagging and aching pain in the lower back, sacrum;
  • sharp or shooting pain in the ovaries and kidneys;
  • headache, nausea, general malaise, loss of performance, drowsiness or irritability.

The above symptoms may vary in intensity. Malaise and mild discomfort are a physiological norm, especially in girls who have not given birth, and are associated with changes in hormonal levels. But, if the pain is severe, it cannot be tolerated, is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and is of a regular nature, this indicates the presence of a disease - algomenorrhea (dysmenorrhea), which has a primary and secondary form.

In the primary form of dysmenorrhea, women experience severe nagging, cramping pain on the first day of the cycle or a few hours before the arrival of menstruation. In addition to painful cramps in the abdomen, lower back pain, headache, and nausea appear. The secondary form of the disease manifests itself in a more severe form and requires consultation and treatment to eliminate possible diseases of the genital area, which have caused severe and unbearable pain.

The causes of severe abdominal pain are:

  1. Hormonal imbalance or disruption. Improper production of hormones in a woman’s body can lead to an imbalance or disruption of her hormonal levels.
  2. Thyroid dysfunction.
  3. Inflammatory processes occurring in the genitals and ovaries are caused by infectious diseases and require immediate treatment.
  4. Endometriosis (endometritis).
  5. Hypothermia of the body.
  6. Incorrect anatomical location of the uterus, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, which is why pain occurs.
  7. The presence of cysts, fibroids, polyps, cancer.
  8. An important factor that provokes painful periods is the psycho-emotional state of a woman. The cause of pain can be stressful situations, depression, and nervous breakdowns.


Severe pain on the first day of menstruation

Painful sensations at the beginning of menstruation are a normal physiological process that is associated with hormonal changes in the body. Since fertilization of the egg has not occurred, a natural process of renewal of the endometrium of the uterine cavity occurs. To eliminate dead tissue, under the influence of female hormones, the uterus begins to contract and reject it along with blood discharge.

Important! If the pain does not subside for a long time, but, on the contrary, increases and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and headache, then this may indicate the presence of a gynecological disease that requires treatment.

Severe pain during menstruation: what to do?

Drawing, sharp and intense pain radiating to the lower back and intestines, which lasts for several days, indicates a serious gynecological disease or inflammatory process. You should definitely pay attention to these symptoms and not leave them to chance. There are cases when women experience such severe cramping pain that they lose consciousness from painful shock. During this period, women are unable to perform their usual daily activities, move and walk, and many even find it difficult to get out of bed. The most common diseases that cause painful periods are:

  • endometriosis;
  • ovarian cysts;
  • polyp of the uterus or fallopian tubes;
  • uterine fibroids.
Important! The duration of critical days for more than a week may indicate inflammation of the appendages or the presence of cysts on the ovaries.

When to see a doctor immediately:

  • painful symptoms continue after the end of menstruation;
  • during menstruation, the temperature rises, a rash and diarrhea appear;
  • stomach pain and heavy bleeding;
  • pain in the intestines, accompanied by bloody or tarry stools.


How to relieve period pain

Pain and general malaise can be relieved with the help of medications and folk remedies. Treatment is aimed not only at eliminating symptoms and reducing spasms, but also at relieving headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and swelling.

Relieving menstrual pain with medications:

  1. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin, Ibuprfen, Diclofenac are quickly absorbed into the blood and relieve discomfort.
  2. On the first day of menstruation, for severe abdominal pain, taking painkillers Ketanov or Tamipul, which quickly relieve pain without causing side effects, is very effective.
  3. Analgesics (Paracetamol) significantly alleviate the condition.
  4. Antispasmodics and painkillers (Noshpa, Nurofen) are an effective way to relieve pain and spasms.
  5. Regular use of oral contraceptives helps normalize hormonal levels and reduce pain.
  6. Calming and sedatives reduce painful symptoms and relieve nervous tension.

Reducing pain during menstruation without medication

If you are sure that you do not have serious gynecological problems, diseases and stomach pain during menstruation, you can use folk remedies to reduce painful symptoms.

A timely visit to a gynecologist and treatment of the disease will eliminate the cause of severe menstrual pain.

1. Herbal teas that have a calming effect. If your periods are painful, then your home medicine cabinet should always contain medicinal herbs that help relieve discomfort. Herbal teas from nettle, oregano, elecampane, yarrow, horsetail will reduce the intensity of pain, and a decoction of mint or lemon balm will relieve nervous tension.

Advice! Medicinal herbs can be taken as herbal teas or individually. Brew in the following proportion: 2 tablespoons of medicinal mixture per 200 ml of boiling water, take several times a day in the first days of the cycle.

2. Warm heating pad. Heat will help relieve painful periods, but within reasonable limits. Apply a warm heating pad or towel to your lower back and lower abdomen. Many women manage to relieve pain with warm foot baths.

3. Light self-massage of the abdomen and lower back. Stroking the abdomen and lower back clockwise helps relieve pain during menstruation.

4. Nutrition. Low-calorie foods rich in fiber, vitamins, dairy and fermented milk products help cope with discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. It is recommended to avoid eating fatty, fried, and especially spicy and salty foods and smoked foods. You should also give up confectionery and flour products in your diet, drink water, juices, vitamin fruit drinks and herbal teas. A large amount of vegetables, fruits, cereals, and dairy products in the diet will improve your overall well-being. Foods rich in magnesium and calcium are useful these days. Magnesium helps normalize muscle tone and relax muscles. This important trace element is found in green vegetables, beans and cereals and dried fruits. Calcium is found in huge quantities in cottage cheese, cheese and low-fat yogurt.

5. Physical activity and gymnastics. Light physical activity during menstrual periods helps relieve pain, although many women avoid physical activity. By performing gymnastic exercises, you can take your mind off discomfort and also strengthen your muscles. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, fitball or swimming will relieve muscle tension and lift your spirits. It is better to avoid intense physical activity and active sports during this period.

6. Get enough sleep. During painful periods, the best medicine is sleep and rest.

7. Caution. If your periods are painful, then it is better to avoid visiting the bathhouse, sauna, solarium, and the beach. Ultraviolet radiation and overheating of the body contribute to increased bleeding and pain. In addition, during your period you should give up bad habits: smoking and alcohol.

At a certain age, a girl is faced with the inevitability of monthly pain in the lower abdomen. A regular menstrual cycle is not a deviation, but, on the contrary, a clear indicator of normal health. But is it normal to experience discomfort? Obvious pain is a certain deviation from the norm, so an annual examination by a gynecologist is mandatory for every adult woman in order to identify a wide variety of diseases at an early stage. But it just so happens that regular periods, even despite the tugging sensations in the lower abdomen, cause special trepidation in a woman and indicate the onset or non-occurrence of pregnancy. Why does the lower abdomen hurt, like during menstruation, when there is no menstruation?

Premenstrual syndrome and pain

For many women and some men who observe, premenstrual syndrome seems to be a frightening and alarming period, as pain, weakness and dizziness are expected. A woman reacts poorly to such a state, lashes out at others, becomes capricious and makes trouble. During this period, her lower back and lower abdomen hurt, and her breasts swelled. But pain during such a period is understandable, but if there is no reason, then it is not clear what to think. So what's the point?

How to determine the cause?

Are you pregnant by any chance? In this condition, the lower abdomen hurts at times, which can be a bad sign. The nature of the pain should also alarm and alert you. Tugging sensations may indicate disturbances in the development of the baby and the progress of pregnancy.

Let's consider a more incomprehensible situation: the test is negative, the lower abdomen hurts, like during menstruation, but there is no menstruation. In this case, you have a direct route to the gynecologist, and you need to go there promptly, since the symptoms are similar to a cyst and other formations in the ovaries. The doctor will examine you and order an ultrasound to conduct research. Young women often become victims of endometriosis, which can be recognized precisely by the absence of menstruation and painful sensations.

In a new place

They say that after moving a person experiences acclimatization. And severe stress is a surge for the body that needs to be experienced and accepted. Our body adapts more slowly than the brain, and the external manifestations of such adaptation may be a delay. By the way, the reasons for the delay can be varied, for example, climate change, excessive physical activity, erroneous diet, diet and irregular sex life. Even the doctor admits a delay under such conditions, noting that signs of the imminent onset of menstruation may persist. Therefore, in difficult life conditions, do not be surprised that your lower abdomen hurts, like during menstruation. Another reason for the absence of the main sign of the cycle will be a violation of the woman’s hormonal levels, which is facilitated by the use of drugs to terminate pregnancy or the adaptation period after the loss of a child.

Hard time

A long delay without the slightest sign of pregnancy raises serious concerns and for good reason. This is a real disease called amenorrhea. She may not have her period for up to six months, but her lower abdomen hurts a lot. After the examination, the doctor directs you to undergo laboratory tests, ultrasound and inpatient examination, after which he prescribes hormonal treatment. When should you start worrying about delayed soreness? Yes, perhaps after 10 days it’s time to see a doctor.

If you are still pregnant...

Without an examination and a doctor, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the illness. The average person does not know what to do in such cases. The lower abdomen hurts, there are no periods, the heart is out of place from excitement, because pain can come before menstruation and during ovulation. So pregnancy or period? Surely the notorious law of meanness is fully reflected here, because the main signs of pregnancy and menstruation are similar. What works better than the test is an analysis for the presence of a special hormone produced in a woman’s body during pregnancy after a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. Our body is not a clock, and if the lower back and lower abdomen hurt, then this is a signal of a problem and the need to see a doctor. Neglect of one’s own health, work pressures, chronic lack of sleep, and climate change don’t go away that easily. When your lower abdomen hurts, like during your period, you should take it as an alarm bell.

Serious illnesses

Painful sensations may indicate the onset of dangerous diseases, including ovarian cysts, endometritis, adnexitis, pyelonephritis, cystitis, and urolithiasis. When the lower abdomen hurts severely, swelling of some female organs is possible. Pain is an alarm signal from your intestines or stomach. Listen to yourself - do you have nausea or fever? Maybe your head is spinning? It is possible that you are in the throes of appendicitis or an adhesive disease is making itself known. Problems with the musculoskeletal system, which are preceded by painful sensations, also cause concern.

Life cycles of a woman

All diseases of the female body have their own causes, but we must remember that life represents changes in cycles, so the time of occurrence of painful sensations is of great importance. For example, if after childbirth, ovulation or after menstruation the lower abdomen hurts, then the reasons may be different for each case. If, in addition to pain, there is also nausea, then an inflammatory process has begun in the body. Has the temperature increased? Run to the doctor - or wait for inflammation of the appendages, the provocateurs of which are pathogenic microorganisms. They are not sensitive to all drugs, so the doctor must prescribe the medicine himself. If you start treatment and take antibiotics in a timely manner, serious consequences can be avoided. It should be warned that there may be an accumulation of pus, which must be removed surgically, for example, by laparoscopy. If the disease is neglected, it is fraught with very negative consequences, for example, infertility or difficult pregnancy. In any case, if the lower abdomen hurts, as during menstruation, then you cannot hesitate, otherwise time will be lost.

Man's question

It is also necessary to consider the situation when the lower abdomen hurts in men. They don’t have periods, and such pain is new to them, although there can be many reasons. But we can conditionally divide the causes of pain according to gender. Men experience pain less frequently, but it is possible that most often they hush it up, considering complaints a sign of weakness. The pain in chronic diseases is aching, and in case of exacerbation of the disease, it is acute and reminiscent of contractions. There are no gender differences in pain due to inflammation of the appendix, which is locally located in the lower right corner of the abdomen, near the colon. In addition to pain, appendicitis can be recognized by a permanent state of nausea, vomiting and elevated body temperature.

If the pain is localized in the left side of the abdomen, then diverticulitis may occur, which is also accompanied by nausea and low-grade fever. Often pain indicates the occurrence of an inguinal hernia, which is a serious pathology. In this case, the pain is acute and consciousness is unstable. Possible loss of consciousness. Emergency surgery is required. Pain in the lower abdomen can become a symptom of pyelonephritis, kidney stones, orchitis, that is, inflammation of the process in the testicles or appendages. With the latter option, the pain is transferred to the groin. Quite rarely, but it still happens that pain indicates the development of an oncological process in the intestines. It is alarming that the pain appears in the later stages of the disease, when the tumor is already too large and puts pressure on the organs. A visit to the doctor becomes inevitable when a man begins to have problems with the urination process, even to the point of urinary retention. By the way, this is a symptom not only of cystitis, but also of prostatitis. Do you value your intimate life? Let's run to the doctor!

Conclusion

Let's summarize: pain in the lower abdomen, like during menstruation, does not go away on its own and does not appear out of nowhere. This is a serious problem that must be solved as quickly as possible in order to prevent and prevent diseases. What should I do if my lower abdomen hurts? Call a doctor and in the meantime ensure yourself complete peace, silence and a horizontal position. Place ice or a chilled bottle of water on your stomach. You can take a pain reliever. An intravenous drip of sodium chloride is allowed. Pain after menstruation indicates excessive levels of prostaglandins and uterine contractions. Any disruptions, such as increased estrogen production and hormone imbalances, can be accompanied by pain.

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is a common condition for many women during the menstrual cycle. Scientifically, this phenomenon is referred to as “algomenorrhea” (dysmenorrhea).

Statistics show that about 70-80% of women suffer from pain during menstruation. To eliminate all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, it is first necessary to understand the etymology of pain.

Having found out the causes of pain, you can understand: is this a common phenomenon inherent in natural processes in a woman’s body, or is it a reason to immediately consult a doctor and how to reduce pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods

During menstruation, the uterine tissue produces prostaglandin, which provokes its contraction.

The severity of pain depends on the level of this hormone. Doctors distinguish two groups of causes of menstrual pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Inherent in women under 35 years of age and adolescents. With primary algomenorrhea, hormonal changes occur associated with an increase in the amount of prostaglandin.

In simple words, the causes of cramping pain and vascular spasm are hormonal disorders and a state of anxiety and stress. It is observed that teenage girls experience especially severe pain.

Symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea:

  • Headache.
  • Stool disorder.
  • Pain of the same intensity throughout the entire cycle.

In addition to nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar area, reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting may occur. In the absence of serious problems, discomfort disappears with age, as well as after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Women over 35 years of age are susceptible.

Secondary algomenorrhea is a sign of inflammatory diseases and pathologies of the pelvic organs.

It may be associated with the development of fibromatous nodes, pelvic neuritis, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps in the uterus, as well as the consequences of gynecological and abdominal operations (abdominal adhesions).

An intrauterine device can also cause severe pain during menstruation. Bleeding and pain in this case are more intense. A visit to a gynecologist is the first thing to do in such situations, who will already tell you how to get rid of abdominal pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods not related to reproductive system problems:

  • Imbalance of the female genital organs, excessive activity of the thyroid gland.
  • Intrauterine device.
  • High threshold of sensitivity to changes in the body.
  • Instability of the nervous system.
  • Pain due to abortion or childbirth.
  • Incorrect position of the uterus.
  • Hereditary predisposition.
  • Deficiency of magnesium, calcium.
  • Unbalanced diet.

Women suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea have low libido, they feel dissatisfaction with their sex life, a tendency to depression, a depressed state, and sometimes even psychological deviations can be observed.

At the same time, cure for diseases associated with algomenorrhea contributes to the almost complete cessation of pain during critical days. But with younger, healthier looking women the situation is more complicated.

If discomfort increases, heavy bleeding, nausea, or migraines appear, you should immediately consult a specialist, take the recommended tests, undergo an ultrasound examination, which will help you figure out how to relieve pain during painful periods.

Attention!
In case of primary algomenorrhea, it is important to preserve the first pregnancy.
The first medical abortion (consequences) in a woman with painful menstruation can provoke the development of further infertility and aggravate pain during menstruation.
After pregnancy, in most cases, pain during menstruation decreases.

Pain Relief Methods

There are many ways to get rid of pain during menstruation that give a noticeable effect.

They can also be used at home (subject to existing contraindications).

Let's take a closer look at each of the categories that provide the answer to how to reduce or alleviate pain during menstruation without pills and at home.

Medications

This method is suitable for those who are adherents of traditional medical technologies in treatment, resolving the issue of how to relieve pain during menstruation if the lower abdomen hurts.

  • Over-the-counter medications. In this category are NSAIDs, that is, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen.
  • Antispasmodics. These include “No-shpa”, “Ketonal”, “Spazmalgon”, “Analgin”.
  • Sedative. Pain caused by stress or overexcitation of the nervous system can be treated with a common sedative (for example, valerian).

Before using medications, consult your doctor!

Before using medications to relieve abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor or independently study all its aspects according to the instructions. Another category of drug treatment is oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

In this case, medications are taken strictly as prescribed by a specialist. Contraceptives contain hormones that restore hormonal levels in a woman’s body and thereby relieve menstrual pain.

Birth control pills are used for daily use. They are affordable and sold in almost all pharmacies.

Contraceptive methods for eliminating pain in the lower abdomen also include contraceptive patches, a contraceptive vaginal ring, hormonal injections, and an intrauterine device. Before using these remedies to relieve pain, you should consult your doctor.

Folk recipes:

  • Raspberry leaves- Pour 3 teaspoons of leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, take in small sips throughout the day.
  • Elecampane root- Pour 1 teaspoon into a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
  • Horsetail- to prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water into a spoon, leave for one hour, take 50 mg every hour, increase the dosing interval as the pain subsides.

ethnoscience

An option for those who are interested in home treatment methods.

Alternative ways to relieve menstrual pain without pills include:

  • Warm. In some cases, ordinary heat has an even greater effect than medications. A heating pad or thermal patch applied to the lower abdomen (for no more than 10-15 minutes) will help relax the muscles and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
    Adhesive patches are very comfortable and retain heat for a long time. An alternative option could also be a warm bath, shower, or swimming in the pool.
    Water will soothe the pain. After water procedures, it is recommended to put on warm clothes and lie down for a couple of hours.
  • Behavioral or imagery intervention. Relaxation, a positive attitude, and breathing exercises have a positive effect on your emotional state. These techniques help take your mind off the pain.
    This also includes doing your favorite things: chatting on the Internet with friends, playing computer games, reading books, magazines, watching an interesting movie.
  • Massage. Lightly stroking the abdomen (clockwise) will reduce discomfort and relieve cramps. In this case, you should lie down and place some object under your feet so that they are in an elevated position.
    Do not press too hard on your stomach and lower back, this will relax the muscles and eliminate pain.
  • Herbs. Hot tea from the leaves of lemon balm, raspberry, chamomile, cherry, nettle, as well as other warm infusions will help with painful periods.
    If you are not allergic, you can optionally add honey to the decoctions. To improve your well-being, it is recommended to drink as much fluid as possible during menstrual periods.
  • Other techniques. This group contains ways to relieve menstrual pain that are available at home. Adopting the correct position will help reduce discomfort.
    To do this, you need to lie on your side and curl up, that is, take the fetal position. This condition will help relieve the pain a little and get rid of the discomfort that occurs during blood flow to the genitals.
    Another way to relieve pain is “belly breathing.” The procedure must be done in the following sequence: place a book on your stomach, take a slow breath, while lifting the book with your lower abdomen.
    Having raised it to a certain height, pause in this state. Repeat the exercise for 2-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Pain during menstrual periods is often caused by a woman’s poor diet. There are several rules that, if followed, can significantly reduce the possibility of unpleasant sensations:

  • Limiting the amount of dairy, flour, and meat products in the diet. Recommended before menstruation and throughout the entire cycle.
  • More vegetable juices. Green vegetables and berries contain antioxidants that fight various inflammations.
  • Take the recommended amount of vitamin and mineral complexes. They should contain vitamins A, E, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron. These drugs are prescribed after passing the appropriate tests.
  • Limiting the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Drinks containing alcohol can cause fluid retention in the body and bloating. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which can reduce the flow of blood into the uterus and increase painful cramps.
  • The day before your period, take a fasting day.

Physical exercise

Moderate physical activity for pain in the lower back and abdomen will help relieve discomfort. Leisurely walking walks in the open air will also be in order.

A set of exercises to reduce pain during menstruation:

  • Starting position: lying on your back. Raise your legs at an angle of about 90 degrees. Stay in this position for several minutes.
  • Starting position: lying on your stomach. Resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your chest and bend as much as possible.
  • Starting position: lying on your back. Bend your legs at the knees. Bend your stomach up, resting on your feet. Smoothly lower down.

Physical activity leads to the production of endorphins in the body, i.e. natural pain relievers. Walking, jogging, working out in the gym, cycling, swimming - this whole set of exercises will help with the problem to one degree or another.

Using herbal decoctions during menstruation, following a diet along with exercise can give an even more pronounced effect. Pilates and yoga have also proven themselves well as painkillers that work on muscle tone.

Preventing the occurrence of painful sensations

A healthy lifestyle is the best option for preventing various diseases, including pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation.

Take an integrated approach to pain management!

  • Quitting harmful habits that aggravate the condition, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs.
  • Limiting the consumption of hot and spicy foods, coffee.
  • Regular sex life. On average up to 3-4 times a week.
  • Positive emotions, avoiding stress and hypothermia.
  • Regular physical activity (dancing, running, yoga, swimming).

If you have persistent, ongoing pain during menstruation, you should consult a doctor..

You can find additional information on this topic in the section.

One day the moment comes when menstruation begins for the first time, and then it accompanies absolutely every girl every month. Some women do not notice any significant changes at all during this period, but there are also those who constantly face pain and discomfort during menstruation. There are various reasons why your stomach hurts during your period.

So, in order to figure out why the lower abdomen hurts during menstruation, and also to find the reason why poor health during menstruation is a constant companion, you need to identify the reasons. The main and most common include the following:

Pain before menstruation

Pain before menstruation is a common phenomenon that affects a fairly large number of women. They are often one of the signs of PMS. If the pain before menstruation is not so pronounced, then there is no reason to worry. However, it is worth contacting a specialist if symptoms such as:

  • vomiting, nausea, severe dizziness, may also cause severe stomach upset;
  • feverish condition;
  • discharge that has an unpleasant color or odor;
  • headache, migraine, clouding of consciousness, drowsiness.

If before menstruation your nipples hurt, there is a tingling sensation in your chest, nausea or severe headaches appear, then you can suspect pregnancy.

If pregnancy is completely excluded, the cause of these symptoms is there may be serious illnesses such as:

Discomfort during and after menstruation

The leading cause of pain during menstruation is algomenorrhea (algomenorrhea syndrome). Almost all girls experience this syndrome; it does not pose a serious danger, however, there are other, much more serious causes of acute pain. One of these causes is uterine fibroids, which is characterized by very heavy bleeding, which is unusual during normal menstruation. An ovarian cyst is another cause of severe pain during menstruation, which is characterized by acute pain on the side of the inflamed ovary.

Most often, pain after menstruation is a residual symptom of algomenorrhea, in such cases it can last from two days to a week. If, after menstruation, very strong and prolonged pain begins, this may be one of the signs of endometriosis. Disruption of internal microflora can also cause pain after menstruation.

The cause of pain after menstruation, not related to gynecology, is inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis, characterized by pain when urinating, is also possible.

Thus, it becomes clear why poor health during menstruation is a fairly common companion. After all, sometimes it is extremely difficult to endure pain and discomfort.

How to reduce pain

Any disturbance in the menstrual cycle may result in serious complications, therefore You should never ignore atypical menstrual symptoms. You should not put off going to the doctor for a long time, as possible complications may include blood poisoning, anemia, ruptures of the walls inside the body, etc.

In order to alleviate the condition and improve your mood during menstruation, you should avoid all kinds of stress, devote more time to rest.

You can drink soothing drinks, such as green tea or mint. It is also worth adding vitamins and vitamin supplements to your daily diet.

You need to reduce the amount of salty foods and dishes during your period. For physical activity, you can do yoga and gently stretch your muscles. Too hard and long workouts (for example, in the gym) should be left for a better time. Prolonged exposure to hot water (in a bathhouse, when taking a shower) can also increase discomfort, so you should take warm baths and wash with warm or cool water.

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