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Understanding Period Cramps: Symptoms, Causes, and Relief
05
Jul
Jul
This is definitely one question women ask themselves at some point in their life. It seems that when that time of the month arrives, women tend to experience bloating, irritability, and mild cramps, among others. However, crippling period cramps, serious fatigue, and other symptoms significantly affect quality of life, and all that women really want is to find a way to achieve period pain relief.
What is Period Cramps?
With period or menstrual cramps, the abdominal cramping – be it mild or intense – starts within 24 hours of the start of a woman’s period. It then continues for a couple of days. There are different symptoms of period pain, some of which are listed below:
Dull and continuous aching
Period cramps that seem to radiate on the lower back and thighs
Cramping or throbbing pain in the uterus during the period
What Other Symptoms Can Women Experience During Period Cramps?
- Other symptoms women may experience during period cramps include dizziness, extreme headache, loose bowels, and nausea. These can occur in addition to the typical abdominal cramping, lower back pain, and throbbing in the uterus. Despite these discomforts, period pain relief can still be achieved through various home-care remedies. Studies show that natural dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can reduce pain. Exercise, such as jogging, running, and yoga, can also ease cramps. Applying heat with a heating pad or hot bath provides great relief. Relaxation activities like meditation can help, as emotional stress can worsen pain. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is also recommended as both substances can exacerbate period cramps.
Despite all the pain and discomfort, period pain relief can still be achieved. Here are some of the most sought-after home-care remedies:
- Dietary Supplements – Studies show that some natural dietary supplements which contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium prove to reduce period pain.
- Exercise – Yes, there are activities or exercises that can help achieve period pain relief. This includes, but not limited to, jogging, running, yoga, and other mild exercises. They all can ease the pain brought by period cramps.
- Heat – Using a heating pad – or even a microwaveable warm cozy – on the abdomen during the period can result in great period pain relief. It will also help to soak in a hot bath or shower.
- Relaxation – Emotional stress is expected to increase a woman’s period pain. Hence it would be best to try relaxing activities like meditation.
- Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol – Both substances can only make period cramps much worse. It would be better to avoid them at all cost.
Why Period Cramps Happen?
Period cramps are generally called “primary dysmenorrhea,” which is due to the elevated production of a woman’s prostaglandins. The latter refers to hormones produced by the uterus which cause it to contract. When a woman has strong uterine contractions, her blood supply to the uterus becomes momentarily shut down; thus depriving the uterus muscle of oxygen. As this process happens, the cycle of period cramps and extreme pain is set up. Some studies suggest that women with severe period cramps tend to have stronger uterine contractions than others do when they give birth.Related Posts
