Painful periods: causes and treatments for dysmenorrhea

Painful periods, medically known as dysmenorrhea

It is a common problem among women. It affects up to 80% of young girls and young women who have their periods. This pain is caused by uterine contractions during ovulation and menstruation.

What to do?

What to consume?

Ibuprofen, Spassifon®, Antadys®,...

What medications to relieve them? And what about natural solutions?

And what about herbal teas, essential oils, plants...?

Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea.

They can be:

About 85% of young women aged 16 to 20 suffer from it, compared to 75% of the entire female population.

What are the symptoms of painful periods?

It is most often on one side or both, characterized by pulling sensations, spasms, cramps, or even punches or heaviness.

These pains may be pelvic pains in the lower abdomen, radiating to the abdomen, pelvis, rectum, and lumbar region.

They may be accompanied by digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting, or headaches.

- Dysmenorrhea is defined as the presence of regular periods without bleeding.

- This term refers to the absence of blood during menstruation.

- In fact, the term itself derives from Greek, meaning "difficult flow."

- It is a disorder characterized by painful contractions of the uterus, especially during menstruation.

- There are several types of dysmenorrhea: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

- Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in the absence of pregnancy, menopause, or endometriosis.

- Secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with a specific condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis.

The causes of painful periods

 Is it normal to have pain during your period? 

Menstrual pain is often caused by uterine contractions, which occur during ovulation. These contractions trigger the release of prostaglandins, which increase blood flow in the cervix and uterus. This increases the pressure inside the uterus and causes cramps.

If you have regular periods, you probably don't know the process behind the pain. You simply feel it every month. Painful periods occur because the uterine wall is irritated during menstruation. This irritation can come from several sources such as the presence of bacteria, foreign bodies, inflammations, hormonal imbalances, etc.

The most common cause of painful periods is the proliferation of certain cells in the endometrial layer of the uterus. These cells produce large amounts of prostaglandin, which irritate the walls of the uterus.

Causes of little-known origins

Painful periods are very common during adolescence. They usually occur every month, although it is possible for some women to have longer cycles. The pain occurs because the endometrial layer of the uterus contracts, causing cramps.

The cause of these contractions is still unknown. However, there are several theories about what might be happening inside the uterus. Some people believe that the contractions are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which are hormones produced by the endometrium. Others think that the contractions are triggered by changes in blood flow. Still others suggest that the contractions are related to the presence of sperm.

There are many causes of painful periods, including hormonal imbalances, excessive weight gain, dehydration, stress, irregular eating habits, caffeine consumption, poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, certain medications, genetics, and even psychological factors.

What medical treatments are available to relieve painful periods?

Medications for menstrual pain

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you suffer from recurrent pain during menstruation, it is essential to consult a doctor. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological disorders. It affects up to 80% of women at least once in their lifetime. It is characterized by severe cramps, mainly located around the uterus. These pains usually occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle and last for several days. They can vary in intensity and frequency, depending on the woman. Some women experience very intense pain, while others feel nothing.

For many women, dysmenorrhea can be effectively treated with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This type of medication reduces inflammation and relieves pain. However, it must be taken regularly to maintain its effectiveness. For those who find this solution ineffective, doctors recommend taking progesterone hormones. These medications stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which act directly on the uterine muscle. Progesterone-based treatments include Lutenyl®, Femconal®, Estrace®, Loestrin®, etc.

Antispasmodic medications are also useful for treating painful periods. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. Analgesics, such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, COX inhibitors, and tramadol, are also used to relieve pain.

Hormonal or surgical treatments for painful periods

Contraceptive pills can improve the quality of your periods and prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives are very effective and are recommended for women who want to avoid pregnancy. Some types of contraceptives can also help regulate your cycle. For example, progestin contraceptives (pills, patches, rings, implants) delay menstruation and shorten the duration of periods. This type of contraception does not protect against STIs.

If you still have heavy bleeding, you may benefit from a surgical procedure called a hysterectomy. This operation involves removing the uterus and the cervix. Additionally, your doctor may recommend a cervical cap or a diaphragm. 

What natural treatments can relieve painful periods?

No longer having pain during periods without medication

In addition to pain-relieving medications to alleviate pain, here are some tips to soothe your painful periods with natural treatments:

Apply a hot water bottle or a warm pillow to the lower part of your abdomen or back.

Take a hot bath to relax.

Ask your pharmacist for an antihistamine or an essential oil for painful periods to apply on your abdomen, which will help you feel better.

Never use them without medical advice as there are contraindications.

Move, practice a gentle sport that you enjoy, or simply walk around the block.

5 natural remedies for painful periods 

Menstrual pain is one of the most common complaints among women. It can occur during menstruation or even after menopause. Painful periods can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, depression, weight gain, poor diet, dehydration, constipation, infection, physical trauma, etc.

The best way to address it is to consult a doctor. There are several home remedies you can try to naturally relieve menstrual cramps. Here are 10 of them:

1. Drink plenty of water: Water helps flush toxins from the body, and it is essential for maintaining good health. If you feel bloated, drink plenty of water. You can also take water tablets.

2. Eat healthy foods: Try to eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and reduce bloating. Foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and bananas help reduce bloating.

3. Take supplements: Vitamin B6 and magnesium are useful for relieving muscle tension and reducing cramps. Magnesium is found in almonds, spinach, broccoli, cashews, and pumpkin seeds.

4. Avoid caffeine: Caffeine causes uterine contractions and increases blood flow to the uterus. This can cause cramps. Therefore, avoid coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, energy drinks, cola, and alcohol.

5. Practice yoga: Yoga exercises improve digestion and circulation, while relaxing muscles and alleviating cramps. Do simple stretches like the cat stretch, pigeon pose, downward-facing dog, and child's pose.