Every month, around the same time, the bothersome menstrual cramps visit women. Some feel them so mildly that they’re almost unnoticeable, while others suffer so much that they feel unwell as their period approaches.
Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea as specialists call them, are pains in the lower abdomen caused by the contraction of the uterus as it sheds the endometrium during menstruation. There are two types of menstrual cramps: primary, which occurs from a girl’s first period and is the more common type, and secondary, which is caused by conditions such as fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and so on. Usually, menstrual cramps start before menstruation as a natural symptom of PMS and can last until the end of the menstrual cycle, often getting worse during menstruation.
Some women suffer so much from menstrual cramps that they are unable to perform daily tasks, and are accompanied by even more unpleasant symptoms like nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, and diarrhea. Usually, medications for immediate relief work and bring improvement to this discomfort. However, if they don’t help, a doctor should be consulted for a more specific diagnosis and adequate treatment. Through imaging and laboratory tests it is possible to determine the reasons and causes for such severe menstrual cramps.
In general, women with primary menstrual cramps are able to relieve the discomfort by doing physical activities that release endorphin (a substance that helps control pain), eating a fiber-rich diet, and in most cases, by using contraceptives that cause the endometrium to shrink, reducing the pain. For secondary cramps, surgery is usually recommended to resolve the problem. Of course, both types may be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, with medical supervision and prescription.
What Can I Do to Relieve Menstrual Cramps?
Besides the advice every woman gets from her gynecologist, like drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle with regular physical exercise, and steering clear of certain foods that ferment in the body especially during the menstrual cycle, we’ve put together some tips that can help you get rid of, or at least ease, this discomfort that drives us crazy.
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Homeopathic Remedies – Many specialists nowadays believe in homeopathic medicines, saying they bring more relief than conventional medicines for menstrual cramps. The most commonly used are chamomilla, sepia, lachesis, and calcarea carbonica. Of course, each is recommended for specific cases and should be taken under guidance.
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Acupuncture – Acupuncture is not commonly sought for these purposes, but its effectiveness is proven—not just for relieving menstrual pain but also for regulating the cycle.
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Tea – This is an old tip, used since our grandmothers’ time. Tea is recommended for relieving the discomfort of menstrual cramps. Some of the most indicated are cinnamon tea, Chinese angelica tea, and agoniada tea, which act on the pain.
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Diet – What few women know is that diet has a major influence on menstrual cramps, and eating the wrong foods can make the discomfort worse. Therefore, avoid foods with caffeine and processed meats during this time. Choose foods rich in calcium and magnesium, such as dark leafy greens, banana, beetroot, oats, zucchini, and kale. These foods have anti-inflammatory properties and, even better, they’re natural.
Ideally, women should lead a healthier life, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, which helps reduce the intensity of pain. Getting rid of cramps entirely may be impossible, but you can definitely ease them. Self-medication is not recommended; it’s always best to follow a treatment plan under medical supervision after being properly diagnosed.
See also: PMS Symptoms – Myth or Fact?
Photo: Etienne Valois, Eric Lewis
