Painful Menstruation

Painful menstruation is called dysmenorrhea in Latin.

It is a common problem that affects most women who menstruate from puberty onwards. Menstrual pain starts with recurrent abdominal cramps and back pain, but may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

The most common type of dysmenorrhea is Primary Dysmenorrhea. Primary Dysmenorrhea is pain without any underlying medical condition.

It is associated with neurotransmitters called prostaglandins that cause contractions in the uterus and cause pain.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea is caused by the presence of diseases such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Causes that can cause primary dysmenorrhea:

- Family history: People with a family history of menstrual pain are more likely to develop menstrual pain.

- Early menstruation: If your first menstrual period is before the age of 11, you are more likely to have menstrual pain.

- Heavy menstrual bleeding: women who have heavy bleeding during their menstrual periods may experience more pain.

- Irregular menstrual cycles: Irregular menstrual cycles can cause fluctuations in prostaglandin levels, which can lead to pain.

Causes of Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

- Endometriosis: The endometrium tissue, which we call the inner layer of the uterus. It occurs when it forms in a different place than the uterus.

- Fibroids: Benign masses originating from the uterine muscles.

- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A widespread and noisy infection involving all of the reproductive organs, such as the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

- Intrauterine device (IUD) (Spiral): The body sometimes perceives the spiral inserted into the uterus as a foreign body and tries to expel it from the uterus. This can cause extreme pain and contractions in the uterus.

- Cervical stenosis: If the cervix is narrower than it should be, sometimes congenitally and sometimes due to operations or interventions, periods may be painful.

- Congenital anomalies: Congenital anomalies of the uterus or reproductive organs can cause painful menstruation.

A detailed medical history and physical examination are essential in the diagnosis of painful menstruation. Tests such as ultrasonography, MRI or blood hormone tests are also frequently ordered.

Treatment of painful menstruation:

Treatment of painful menstruation depends on the underlying cause.

Primary Dysmenorrhea Treatment

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers: Medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
• Hot compresses: Hot water bags can help relax muscles and relieve pain.
• Massage: Gently massaging the abdomen can help reduce muscle tension.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help relieve pain by lowering prostaglandin levels.
• Acupuncture: Symptoms of painful menstruation have been reported to decrease after acupuncture treatment.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Endometriosis may require medical or surgical treatment.

Fibroids may require medical or surgical treatment.

Antibiotic treatment is used for PID.

- If menstrual pain interferes with daily life

- Menstrual pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills or vaginal discharge (PID????)

- Menstrual pain occurs suddenly and gets worse

- If menstrual bleeding comes more than the normal time with pain, it should definitely go to a doctor's control.

WHAT IS GOOD FOR MENSTRUAL PAIN?

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins and whole grains, increasing fluid intake during menstrual periods, drinking hot herbal teas such as chamomile and fennel, consuming foods high in fiber, low in fat and refined sugar, using painkillers are good for menstrual pain.

WHAT CAUSES PAINFUL MENSTRUATION?

During menstruation, the uterus contracts regularly to expel the bleeding in the uterus. During uterine contractions, blood and oxygen supply to the uterus decreases, so pain can be felt. During these contractions, the uterus produces chemicals called prostoglandins, which can increase the intensity of pain.

WHAT IS PAINFUL MENSTRUATION A SYMPTOM OF?

Menstrual pain or cramps are caused by contractions of the muscles and blood vessels in the uterine wall. This pain may appear as cramps, stomach pain, lower back pain or leg pain. Periodic menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) is caused by conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis.

IS PAINFUL MENSTRUATION AN OBSTACLE TO PREGNANCY?

Menstrual cramps caused by the normal activity of prostaglandins are called primary dysmenorrhea. This type of painful period should not adversely affect your fertility.

IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE SEVERE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS?

There may be mild pain due to uterine contractions during the menstrual cycle. However, severe pain that negatively affects quality of life should be investigated for its etiology.

IS MEDICATION USED TO REDUCE PAIN DURING MENSTRUATION?

Painkillers are generally used in the treatment of menstrual pain. These drugs reduce pain as they affect prostaglandin levels. The painkillers also reduce bleeding to some extent, but this does not cause any harm. Generally, among women, bleeding is called 'dirty blood out 'it is being thrown away' is a common thought. There may be patients who take painkillers and feel uncomfortable when the amount of menstruation decreases

IS A HOT WATER BOTTLE GOOD FOR REDUCING MENSTRUAL PAIN?

Taking a hot bath can help relieve your pain. By placing a hot water bag on the abdomen, you can relax the muscles in this area and reduce the effect of menstrual cramps. Heat helps the uterine muscles and surrounding tissues to relax.