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A period, or menstruation, is normal vaginal bleeding that is part of the monthly cycle. Many women have painful periods, called dysmenorrhea. The pain is usually menstrual cramps — a throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen — and can come with lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea and headaches.
Period pain is not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which causes a range of symptoms such as weight gain, bloating, irritability and fatigue and often begins one to two weeks before a period.
Two kinds of period pain
| Primary dysmenorrhea | Secondary dysmenorrhea | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The most common kind; not caused by another condition | Caused by conditions of the uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids |
| Cause | Usually too many prostaglandins — chemicals the uterus makes that make its muscles tighten and relax, causing cramps | The underlying condition |
| Timing | Starts a day or two before the period and usually lasts a few days, sometimes longer | Can begin before the period and continue after it ends |
| Over a lifetime | Usually begins soon after periods start; often eases with age, and may improve after giving birth | Often starts later in life and tends to worsen over time |
Easing the pain
You can try:
- a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen;
- exercise;
- a hot bath;
- relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation;
- getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, relieve pain and also reduce how much prostaglandin the uterus makes and blunt its effects, which eases cramps. Take them when symptoms begin or when your period starts, and for a few days after. Don't take NSAIDs if you have ulcers or other stomach problems, bleeding problems or liver disease, or if you are allergic to aspirin; check with your provider if you are unsure.
When to get medical help
Some pain during a period is normal for many women. Contact your provider if:
- NSAIDs and self-care don't help and the pain interferes with your life;
- your cramps suddenly get worse;
- you are over 25 and have severe cramps for the first time;
- you have a fever with period pain;
- you have the pain even when you don't have your period.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your provider will ask about your medical history and do a pelvic exam, and may order an ultrasound or other imaging. If secondary dysmenorrhea is suspected, you might have a laparoscopy, a surgery that lets the provider look inside your body.
For primary dysmenorrhea that needs medical treatment, options include hormonal birth control — the pill, patch, ring or IUD — or prescription pain relievers. Treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the condition causing it and sometimes means surgery.
Sources
Based on "Period Pain", MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain, rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Лицензия: CC0 1.0 (общественное достояние) · По материалам medlineplus.gov
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