How to Relieve Menstrual Pain? What Causes It?

At some point in life, many women experience pain in the pelvic and uterine area during menstruation. Menstrual pain, which can reduce quality of life and cause fatigue, stress, and weakness, may range from mild to severe. While some women experience these pains only before or on the first day of menstruation, for others, they can last for days. Generally, menstrual cramps are not harmful, but intense and severe pain may signal other health issues. You can learn more about menstrual pain, important considerations, and treatment options in the following content.

What is Menstrual Pain?

The menstrual cycle is the process by which women of reproductive age shed the unfertilized egg cell from their bodies each month. The pain experienced during this period is known as menstrual pain or cramps. For some women, menstrual pain is a monthly routine, while others may never experience it. Menstrual pain can last for a few hours or continue from the first day to the last day of the period. Mild cramps may be managed with some rest, while severe and intense pain may require treatments, including medication and even surgical intervention. Therefore, women who experience severe menstrual cramps each month should consult a gynecologist. Menstrual pain could be a normal response of the body to the usual contractions of the uterus or could indicate a reproductive tract disorder. It is essential not to ignore it and seek expert opinion

What Causes Menstrual Pain?

At the beginning of each menstrual period, a new egg cell is produced in the body. If this egg is fertilized by sperm during the middle of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy occurs and continues to grow. However, if fertilization does not happen, the body needs to expel the unfertilized egg cell. This expulsion period is marked by menstrual bleeding. To remove the unfertilized egg from the body, contractions occur within the uterine walls and the uterus itself. During this time, the blood vessels leading to the uterus constrict, reducing blood flow and oxygen levels. The lack of sufficient oxygen triggers the uterus to release chemicals that intensify pain. Additionally, prostaglandins—a type of chemical produced in the uterus—encourage the uterine muscles to contract more. As a result of all these factors, pain occurs in the body during menstruation.

Apart from routine menstrual pain, any disorder in the reproductive system can also cause intense menstrual cramps. Menstrual pain without any specific underlying symptom usually starts on the first day, eases, and gradually decreases. However, conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, inflammatory diseases within the uterus, polyps, and uterine fibroids often lead to severe and intense menstrual cramps.

How to Relieve Menstrual Pain?

Menstrual cramps that are not caused by any underlying condition can often be relieved with a few simple home remedies or small lifestyle changes. Here are some recommendations and practices that may help alleviate menstrual pain:

• Reducing the intake of salty, simple-carbohydrate, processed, and caffeine-rich foods and drinks a few days before your period may ease menstrual pain.
• Drinking herbal teas such as chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower, or ginger can also help soothe the pain.
• Eating a vegetable-rich, light diet can aid digestion and minimize inflammation in the body.
• Short and regular walks can improve blood circulation.
• Pelvic floor exercises may increase blood flow around the uterus, reduce menstrual pain, and promote relaxation by increasing the release of endorphins, also known as happiness hormones.
• Resting or sleeping for a few hours can be very calming if possible.
• Pain relievers and magnesium supplements, under the guidance of a gynecologist, may help ease muscle cramps.

Can Severe Menstrual Pain Signal Other Health Issues?

Mild menstrual cramps on the first day of bleeding in the menstrual cycle are generally considered normal. However, severe menstrual pain that confines a person to bed for days and prevents them from continuing their daily activities requires medical evaluation. Severe menstrual cramps can indicate various health issues, which may include:

• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Cervical stenosis
• Retroverted uterus
• Inflammatory accumulations or conditions in or near the uterus
• Uterine tumors
• Uterine polyps
• Psychological factors

Sometimes one or more of these conditions can cause menstrual cramps to be severe. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a gynecologist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan if needed.

How is Dysmenorrhea Diagnosed?

Intense and painful menstrual cramps that last for an extended period and occur regularly are defined as dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is a condition that many women experience monthly, reducing quality of life and causing days of painful discomfort. To diagnose dysmenorrhea, a gynecologist performs a pelvic examination, takes the patient's medical history, and assesses general health. The diagnosis is confirmed if key factors such as the duration, intensity of pain, and bleeding volume during menstruation align with ultrasound imaging of the uterus. Dysmenorrhea can be managed through a treatment plan tailored to the underlying causes or the person’s overall health. Experiencing menstrual cramps does not imply infertility or irregular menstrual cycles, although dysmenorrhea can also occur in individuals with idiopathic infertility. The most common symptoms of dysmenorrhea during menstruation include:

• Headache
• Pelvic pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lower back pain and intense cramps
• Fatigue and weakness
• Feelings of apathy, exhaustion, or hopelessness
• Pain radiating down the legs

Medications and Side Effects for Menstrual Pain Relief

Menstrual pain treatment is entirely personalized. Sometimes a gynecologist may recommend a regimen of supplements like magnesium, omega-3, and low-dose pain relievers. In certain cases, birth control pills may be used to regulate hormonal balance, helping to stabilize the menstrual cycle and control bleeding. Birth control pills can occasionally cause side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, or weight gain, though these effects are rare. For menstrual pain related to conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, a different treatment protocol may be necessary. Medication dosages and support treatments may vary depending on the patient’s medical history, menstrual cycle pattern, height, and weight. Menstrual pain, regardless of the cause, should not be ignored. Women dealing with this issue for consecutive months should consult a gynecologist. Don’t hesitate to seek information and make an appointment with a gynecologist to ensure a healthy and pain-free menstrual cycle and improve your quality of life.