How to relieve pain during menstruation. How to reduce pain during menstruation: pills, folk remedies, exercises, massage

Is it normal to feel pain during your period (menstruation)? Official and traditional medicine give a clear answer: NO. Pain during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea, and this unpleasant process should not be left to chance, especially since it is often accompanied by menstrual irregularities!

Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) can be observed a day before the appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina and last with varying degrees of intensity in the next 3-4 days. Moreover, the list of symptoms for most women is usually the same: strong pulling, bursting pain in the lower abdomen, heaviness in the lumbar region, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature, weakness, irritability.

According to medical research, pain during menstruation (menstruation) - dysmenorrhea is typical for more than half of women of childbearing age.

Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is usually divided into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea. The causes of primary dysmenorrhea are not fully understood, but it is known that it is not associated with pathological changes in the woman’s reproductive organs. This type of dysmenorrhea is called functional and is associated with the excessive production of hormone-like substances - prostaglandins, characteristic of this period of the menstrual cycle, which increase uterine contractions. This type of dysmenorrhea is typical for women under 30-34 years of age.

Traditional treatment of primary dysmenorrhea consists of therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc.), oral contraceptives, paracetamol-containing drugs, as well as folk remedies.

Secondary dysmenorrhea. The causes of secondary dysmenorrhea are changes in the pelvic organs caused by mechanical damage, inflammatory processes, neoplasms, as well as disturbances in the pelvic circulation. This type of dysmenorrhea is typical for women after 30 years of age.

Traditional treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on what pathological changes are identified in the pelvic organs. Doctors often recommend supplementing prescribed therapy with folk remedies.

Attention!!! What NOT to do to relieve period pain:

1. Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen (warming up can, at a minimum, increase bleeding!);
2. Apply ice to the lower abdomen (you can get cold!);
3. Drink alcohol, especially strong alcohol;
4. Abuse strong antispasmodics (painkillers);
5. Ignore symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Be sure to consult a doctor to determine the causes of pain during menstruation!

How to effectively relieve pain during menstruation: folk remedies

pain (pain) during menstruation, missing periods, delayed menstruation causes, uterine bleeding, menstruation, menstruation, female, dysmenorrhea

1. A remedy for pain relief during menstruation and cycle disorders

Ingredients: linden blossom (crushed flowers) - 1/2 tsp. spoons, St. John's wort herb (crushed) - a pinch, chamomile flowers - 1 tsp. spoon, 0.5 liters of boiling water.

Mix the herbs, place in a glass or ceramic bowl, pour boiling water, wrap, let cool and drink as tea throughout the day.

2. A remedy to relieve pain during menstruation (especially if the bleeding is heavy)

Ingredients: horsetail grass (chopped) - 1 tbsp. spoon, St. John's wort herb (chopped) - 1 tbsp. spoon, tincture of valerian or motherwort, oak bark (crushed) - 1 tbsp. spoon, 0.8 liters of boiling water.

Mix the herbs, place in a glass or ceramic bowl, pour boiling water, wrap, let cool and drink 3-4 times a day as tea, adding 5-6 drops of motherwort tincture or 3-4 drops of valerian tincture to 1 glass of tea.
The course of treatment is 1-2 days before the start of the expected menstruation (menstruation) and the next 4 days.

Get on all fours, lower your head and shoulders as low as possible, and make slow circular movements with your pelvis, 2-3 in each direction. Perform for 5 minutes.

3. A remedy for relieving pain during menstruation (also effective for women who are entering menopause)

Ingredients: daisy flowers (crushed) - 1 tbsp. spoon, St. John's wort herb (chopped) - 1 tbsp. spoon, calendula flowers (chopped) - 1 tbsp. spoon, motherwort tincture, 0.5 liters of boiling water.

Mix the herbs, place in a glass or ceramic bowl, pour boiling water, wrap, let cool and drink 3-4 times a day as tea, adding 10 drops of motherwort tincture to 1 glass of tea.

Course of treatment:
For women before menopause (menopause)- 1-2 days before the start of the expected menstruation (period) and the next 4 days.
For women at the beginning of menopause (menopause)- from the first day of the onset of bleeding and the next 4 days or during the period when menstruation should occur.

Exercise to relieve period pain:
Sit cross-legged on the floor, bring your feet together, holding them with your hands and quickly raise and lower your knees (flapping them like wings). Perform for 5-10 minutes.

4. A remedy to relieve pain during menstruation (especially if the bleeding is heavy)

Ingredients: elecampane root (chopped) - 1 tsp. spoon, St. John's wort herb (chopped) - 1 tbsp. spoon, chamomile flowers - 1 tsp. spoon, oak bark (crushed) - 1 tbsp. spoon, 0.8 liters of boiling water.

Mix the herbs, place in a glass or ceramic bowl, pour boiling water, wrap, let cool and drink 3-4 times a day as tea.
The course of treatment is 1-2 days before the start of the expected menstruation (menstruation) and the next 4 days.

5. A remedy against severe uterine bleeding (including during menstruation)

Ingredients: stalk of water pepper (pepper knotweed), chopped - 1 tbsp. spoon, yarrow - 2 shoots, 8-10 cm long (chopped preferably with a non-metal knife), 0.8 liters of cold water.

Place the herbs in an enamel bowl, add water and put on fire. After boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove the dishes from the heat, wrap and leave until cooled significantly (about 40 minutes). After this, mix, strain, and pour into a glass container.
Take 1/4 tbsp. up to 4 times a day with an interval of at least 3 hours! If the amount of discharge decreases, stop taking it!

Exercise to relieve period pain:
Sit on the floor with your legs under your buttocks and, holding your hands on the floor, tilt your body in all directions except back. Don't strain your abs! Perform for 5-7 minutes.

6. A remedy to reduce bleeding during menstruation (menstruation)

Ingredients: wild strawberry leaves (crushed) - half a glass, 1 liter of water.

Place strawberry leaves in an enamel bowl, add water and put on fire. After boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours.
Remove the dishes from the heat, wrap and leave until cool. After this, stir, strain, bring the volume of liquid to 2 liters and drink half a glass 1-2 times a day. If the amount of discharge decreases, stop taking it!

Health to you, women!

The manifestation of critical days in adult women and young girls of reproductive age may be different.

Some do not notice any negative signs at all, while others suffer from a lot of problems.

They are characterized by apathy, depression, nervousness, lack of appetite, dizziness and various pain manifestations. Sometimes the pain intensifies and reaches a critical point.

What this is connected with, what to do and why the stomach hurts during menstruation is worth understanding in detail.

How pain occurs during menstruation

Menstruation is a monthly manifestation of a natural nature that occurs in the body of every woman during reproductive age. They carry with them discomfort and a number of necessary hygienic measures.

For some female representatives, these are quite familiar manifestations of the body, and for others - a series of tests.

And if you can still cope with other symptoms, then the presence of pain simply knocks you out of strength, and sometimes completely blocks all physical activity.

Some women are convinced that pain is an integral part of menstruation, without finding out the reason, but in vain.

If everything hurts during this period, this may indicate the presence of a serious gynecological disease.

Menstruation is a process of a biological and mechanical nature. The body is cleansed of everything unnecessary in the first days, which is not necessary for continued functionality.

All bad things come out through the genitals, thanks to the nervous system, which stimulates the muscles of the genitals. Impulses pass through nerve cells that affect the entire process.

Sometimes the cells stop nerve impulses, resulting in corresponding pain. The reasons lie in the lack of nutrition of nerve cells.

In medicine, pain during menstruation is called algomenorrhea or dysmenorrhea. It is noted in the lower abdomen and occurs 1-2 hours before the onset of menstruation (or for many a day).

The nature of the pain can be different: stabbing, aching, the presence of contractions. It often spreads to the kidneys and lumbar region.

There are three degrees of pain during menstruation:

First degree

The most common form, characterized by the presence of moderate pain. It is accompanied by mild discomfort that does not interfere with social and physical activity.

More common in teenage girls. Over time they go away, and after giving birth I may not bother you at all.

If after childbirth your stomach still hurts during menstruation, this is a serious reason to consult a doctor for advice, since the first degree can develop into a more complex one. That's why you can't ignore going to the gynecologist.

Second degree

Signs of this form, when the stomach hurts a lot, may include dizziness, chills, general weakness, nausea and headaches.

The woman's general condition worsens. She becomes mentally vulnerable, her emotional state is suppressed, depression appears, and her performance decreases.

Well-chosen pills prescribed by your doctor will help you get rid of all manifestations.

Third degree

In this form, the stomach hurts severely during menstruation.

Pain is noted in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. It is accompanied by severe headaches, fatigue, malaise and general weakness.

Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature, heart pain, cardiac arrhythmia and vomiting. Fainting is possible. Tablets are not effective in this case.

This is the most dangerous form of dysmenorrhea, as it can lead to bad consequences associated with menstrual irregularities and infertility. This may also indicate the presence of a serious illness.

Why does pain occur on menstruation days?

Causes associated with uterine contraction. This is the main reason why the lower abdomen and lumbar region hurt during menstruation. Contractions can be sharp and prolonged, which are associated with the production of progesterone hormones. They provoke uterine contractions, resulting in the rejection of the inner lining and blood discharge. Such cramps cause pain and discomfort during menstruation. The intensity of contractions depends on the level of hormones, which affects the intensity and nature of pain.
Diseases associated with the reproductive system. Severe pain may indicate problems with the health of the female genital organs. This is how many inflammatory processes manifest themselves, such as uterine fibrosis and endometriosis. Pain during menstruation can signal both the presence of existing diseases and inflammatory processes, and past diseases associated with gynecology.
Lack of microelements. Disruption of the menstrual cycle, which can occur with pain during menstruation, often occurs due to a lack of calcium and magnesium in the female body.
Heredity. Signs of heredity also explain the causes of pain when menstruation occurs. Women whose female relatives suffered from pain during menstruation are at risk. It depends on genetics. Pathologies that can cause pain could also be inherited.
Other negative factors. The causes of menstrual pain may depend on an unbalanced diet, stress, poor circulation and other problems.

Causes of severe pain during menstruation

Having examined the main causes and signs of pain during menstruation, it is worth paying attention to those that cause severe stomach pain and why they occur.

In this case, even after taking the pills, the problem does not go away. If you identify such symptoms, you should consult a doctor, because these are clear signs of a woman’s health problems.

Development of endometriosis. This disease is characterized by the growth of the inner uterine lining.
Lack of calcium in the body.
Bend and displacement of the uterus.
Decreased levels of a hormone called progesterone.
The presence and development of ovarian cysts and polyps.
Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
Spontaneous termination of pregnancy.
The presence of stress, strong emotional experience, state of shock.

Associated symptoms with pain

In addition to abdominal pain, other signs of pathologies and diseases of the reproductive system may be present. For some women, these are habitual manifestations.

And recently their number has increased several times. These are young and nulliparous girls who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, eat unhealthy food and live in environmentally hazardous areas.

This manifests itself in the following symptoms:

Pain in the lower back and lower back.
Pain in the pelvic area.
Presence of nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea and intestinal disorders.
Deterioration of general condition and weakness.
Emotional instability and increased irritability.

How to eliminate pain and what to do

Presence of heat. Warmth can help ease and relieve pain on the day of menstruation. Place a heating pad or a towel soaked in warm water on the lower abdomen. Taking a warm shower will also be effective. But under no circumstances should the water and heating pad be hot. In this case, the opposite effect will work, which can cause increased bleeding. A mug of warm tea will help you relax and relieve pain.
Motor activity. This is a great way to relieve and relieve period pain. In your free time, it is recommended to attend sports training and the swimming pool. And on the day when your period is hectic, you can do simple exercises in the morning. But the exercises should not be difficult, without physical exertion, especially on the first day.
Get rid of negative circumstances. Since pain is observed during menstruation, you need to take maximum care of your condition. On this day, any physical activity that could lead to overwork is excluded. You should not overcool, overload yourself, but on the contrary, rest more. The diet includes fresh vegetables and fruits, excludes coffee and fatty foods. Meals are taken in small portions 5-6 times a day.
Relaxation and relaxation. To relieve period pain, you need to shift your attention to positive things. For example, you can read your favorite book or watch an interesting movie. Visiting a public place that evokes only positive emotions will also be a great option. You can spend this time with your loved one or enjoy delicious and healthy food. And having good, healthy sleep will benefit the entire body.
Light massage. It helps well every day with menstruation and severe pain. It is done with gentle circular movements in a clockwise direction. This will relieve tension and abdominal cramps.
Lie on the bed in a fetal position. Some women find this method very helpful. It is based on relieving spasms by relaxing in a certain lying position. To do this, bend your knees to your chest and fall asleep, or just lie down.
Dieting. It also helps relieve pain. Avoid fatty and meat dishes, smoked foods, pickles and marinades. It is better to give up strong tea, coffee drinks, alcohol and flour. In return, increase the amount of fresh vegetables and fruits and relaxing herbal teas.
Taking medications. You can take an analgesic or antispasmodic. These tablets are aimed at having an analgesic effect. But you can take any medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Tablets are used in cases where the stomach hurts terribly and no other methods help. They will quickly help you get rid of the problem and quickly return you to your normal life. But why are they recommended last? Most medications have contraindications and side effects.
Use of oral contraceptives. The necessary hormones contained in the drugs will restore normal balance. Several courses of medication are enough to minimize negative manifestations during menstrual periods. Like all medications, they require consultation with a doctor and his prescription.
Analgin and paracetamol during menstruation
Analgin. These are very strong tablets aimed at eliminating pain. A few decades ago it was used everywhere. Many women still use analgin as a pain reliever during menstruation, although modern analogues are now being produced that are designed specifically to suppress menstrual pain. Analgin includes a number of side effects, which manifest themselves in the form of bleeding and a decrease in the production of leukocytes, which perform the body’s protective function against various infections. Analgin is also prohibited for use by children and adolescents under 14 years of age, and the duration of use should not exceed a week. Therefore, you can drink analgin only if other, gentler drugs are powerless. This usually happens on the first day of your period.
Paracetamol. It is considered an effective remedy for menstruation. But it only helps with mild and minor pain. If the pain intensifies, he will be powerless. If paracetamol has an analgesic effect, it will be insignificant and short-lived.

You can drink it up to 4 times a day, 1 or 2 tablets. Some women continue to take paracetamol because of its rapid action, unlike its analogues.

These tablets, once in the stomach, are quickly absorbed and have their effect. Paracetamol reduces the intensity of discharge and helps for 4 hours. However, it is very important not to abuse it due to frequent hepatotoxic effects.

Special exercises to suppress pain

To avoid using pills, it is suggested to carry out special exercises. They are aimed at reducing the pain effect during menstruation and suppressing other associated symptoms.

Such exercises can be carried out every day and as a preventive measure.

Lie on your back, legs bent at the knees, and feet should rest on the floor. Hands are placed along the body, palms facing down. Make smooth bends in the abdomen for several minutes, accompanied by short breaths. Completely relax the muscles, you can do the task 4 times.
Lie on your back at a right angle. Buttocks rest as close to the wall as possible. Place your feet on the wall and bend your knees. Spend 4-5 minutes in this position.
They move away from the wall, one leg is pulled up to the chin, and the second leg remains on the floor. They spend 2-3 minutes in this position, after which they change their legs.
Stand on your elbows and knees, your head should be between your hands. Stand in this position for 2-3 minutes. This task can be done lying on the floor.
Yoga helps a lot. Lie face down on a flat surface, place your feet together, strain your knees. Exhale, lift your body up, throw your head back.

After several inhalations and exhalations, inhale again and lift the body, contracting the buttocks. Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds. Exhale again and return to the first position.

To get rid of pain in the abdomen during menstruation, you need to find out their causes and understand why they bother you. There are several ways to relieve abdominal cramps.

To do this, use all methods aimed at reducing the pain effect. Tablets are used in extreme cases when nothing else helps.

The first day may be accompanied by additional symptoms that may indicate the presence of gynecological diseases.

You need to take care of your health and listen carefully to the whole body.

Medical statistics claim that 70% of women feel discomfort and pain during menstruation. Every tenth person experiences severe pain that can lead to loss of ability to work. Painful pain in the lower abdomen, fainting with severe weakness - these symptoms are combined into the concept of “dysmenorrhea”. This is what gynecologists call painful periods, which women of all ages and different social statuses treat.

Causes of dysmenorrhea

Menstruation is a normal physiological process that occurs periodically and confirms that a woman is able to conceive. But often before the onset, a woman is overcome by fear and anxiety: menstruation begins and brings with it a headache, abdominal pain, nausea and weakness.

Causes of symptoms:

The uterus contracts intensely and releases endometrial cells and menstrual blood.
Anatomically incorrect position of the uterus can compress the nerve endings and radiate to the lower abdomen, lower back and sacrum.
Often in women after 30 years of age, the level of the female hormone estrogen increases, which is responsible for contraction of the uterine walls and susceptibility to pain.
High levels of hormone-like substances prostaglandins, which are produced in the uterine mucosa and are responsible for the rhythmic contractions of the walls. May cause nausea, sweating, diarrhea.
The presence of an intrauterine device, which can provoke excessive production of prostaglandins by the uterus.
Functional disorders: inflammatory processes, neoplasms, fibromatous nodes, disruptions in the endocrine system.
Heredity. Often transmitted through the female line.
Neuropsychogenic factor: labile nervous system with a reduced pain sensitivity threshold.

Pain may be associated with the onset of so-called premenstrual syndrome. The likelihood of pain increases if there are at least five signs from the list:

tearfulness;
depression;
irritability;
aggressiveness;
increased sense of smell;
feeling of hopelessness;
excessive appetite;
attention is impaired;
sleep disorders;
bloated stomach;
swollen and painful breasts;
lump in throat;
excessive sweating.

If the pain is short-term, at a tolerable level, this is normal.

But there are times when you need to consult a gynecologist:

If during menstruation the pain and amount of blood increase significantly.
The temperature rises, accompanied by chills and sweating.
The discharge has an unpleasant odor and an unusual color.
There are a large number of clots in the discharge.
Painful urination.
The pain does not go away after taking analgesics.
If severe pain lasts more than two days, and you cannot get up to work or study.

How to relieve this pain?

Before you start taking medications to get rid of unpleasant symptoms during menstruation, it is better to consult a gynecologist. Of course, you can just take some painkillers and delay the visit, but taking medications can have unwanted side effects and complicate the situation.

Drug therapy for algomenorrhea includes drugs that inhibit the production of prostaglandin. Treatment with butadione and indomethacin begins a few days before the expected menstruation and is completed on the second day. To reduce pain, therapy is supplemented with vitamin E and physiotherapy: acupuncture and electrophoresis with novocaine.

Your doctor may prescribe oral hormonal contraceptives. Regular use significantly reduces pain. You can get rid of it with the help of solpadeine, ketanov, spasmalgon, nimesil, baralgin, no-shpa, suppositories with buscopan. Traditional methods will help to completely remove or reduce pain.

How to relieve pain with folk remedies

“Cool” your stomach and head.

Take a few drops of valerian, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your lower abdomen, and lie down comfortably for 15 minutes. This way you can fight not only pain, but also remove excessive irritability during this difficult period.

You can fight with heat, heating pads, hot showers only after consulting a doctor. To prevent unpleasant consequences, he must exclude concomitant diseases of the pelvic organs.

Massage.

You can relieve spasms with a massage of the lumbar region. Two tennis balls placed in socks are suitable for the procedure. Place the balls on the right and left under your back at lumbar level, press your back and roll them in a circle with your muscles.

Medicinal herbs: decoctions and tinctures will help get rid of spasms.

Nettle decoction will help reduce pain and has a strengthening effect on blood vessels. Pour a tablespoon of herb into a glass of boiling water and let it brew. Take a third of a glass three times a day.

You can brew chamomile. To prepare the decoction, pour two teaspoons into a glass of boiling water, leave and drink twice a day. Using this recipe, you can prepare decoctions of parsley, mint and lemon balm.

You can get rid of pain and reduce bleeding using water pepper extract. Take 30 drops twice a day half an hour before meals.

A chamomile-based decoction will help reduce discomfort:

pour a tablespoon of herbs, 2 g of cinnamon, 2 cloves into a liter of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour;
Take half a glass three times a day half an hour before meals.

You can get rid of constant pain with the help of simple physical exercises: bending, circular rotations, stretching. Pilates and yoga classes are suitable. These types of workouts tone the muscular system, and are an excellent exercise against pain.

Diet for dysmenorrhea

For the female reproductive system to function fully, it needs calcium. And calcium should be supplied not only in emergency cases, but be in reserve. Of course, you can take calcium supplements in courses, but to get rid of unpleasant symptoms, it is better to stick to the right diet.

Calcium enters the body only with healthy, mineral-rich foods. It is advisable to eliminate sugar completely. Eating sugars can significantly reduce calcium levels in the body. Sodas, tea, coffee, and potatoes also wash away calcium.

A week before menstruation, it is better to reduce the consumption of not only the above foods, but also fats. Preference should be given to fermented milk products, vegetables and fruits. To replenish calcium reserves, eat more legumes, nuts and dried fruits. To get rid of pain and accompanying unpleasant symptoms, it is better to give up vegetarianism and eat dishes made from lean meat and fish.

Following these simple diet rules will help make life easier during menstrual periods.

They say that the ancestor Eve is to blame for women's ailments - painful childbirth and menstruation. She managed to snatch the forbidden fruit, and even incite Adam to commit an ungodly act! This is why, as history testifies, the creator commanded the entire female sex not only to give birth in pain, but also to lose blood with pain every month.

This, of course, is also the question of why the entire weaker sex takes the rap for the sin of Eve alone. But, one way or another, the problem of painful periods confronts seven out of ten women almost from the very beginning of menstruation.

Causes of pain during menstruation

If we ignore the biblical story, there may be several reasons for pain during menstruation.
One of them is a lack of calcium and magnesium in the body. Another, more common in women of mature age, is the presence of fibroids, fibroids or endometriosis.

In addition, various inflammatory processes in the pelvis, as well as genital infections, provoke pain during menstruation.

In cases where the source of pain is not associated with severe damage to the reproductive organs and infectious diseases, physiological discomfort during menstruation can be significantly reduced with the help of traditional painkillers or using folk remedies.

Folk remedies for pain during menstruation

Among the recipes for folk remedies for relieving pain during menstruation, the most common are herbal teas, decoctions of chamomile and oregano, as well as an infusion of the so-called red brush. This is such a traditional “female” herb, used in ancient times by healers in villages to treat heavy and painful menstruation. In addition, in such cases, following a certain diet and some pleasant indulgences in food also help to achieve the goal and cope with pain during menstruation.

Herbal tea against period pain

If the monthly natural process of cleansing the reproductive organs occurs with pain, then the first thing you need to do is put a taboo on yourself. Well, or at least significantly reduce consumption, especially a few days before the start of your period.

Classic black tea against period pain

An excellent proven remedy for painful periods is black, strong, freshly brewed tea, sweet to the point of cloying and very hot. It is better to drink it reclining in bed, placing a warm heating pad on your lower abdomen.

Chocolate against period pain

Dark chocolate has the inexplicable property of relieving cramping pain during menstruation. Although there is a plausible explanation: eating is accompanied by an increase in the level of happiness hormones - endorphins. These are the ones that provide the analgesic effect. Therefore, eat chocolate during your period as much as you like - today you can not give a damn about your waist.

And in general, some people manage to lose up to five or six kilograms of weight!

Bananas against period pain

By the way, you can dip a banana in dark chocolate dissolved in a water bath or in honey - the amount of endorphins in the blood will definitely go through the roof.

Cognac against pain during menstruation

Just don’t get carried away with this product! Overdo it, and it will get even worse if it also adds to painful periods. Experts say that to eliminate discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation, 50-70 grams of cognac is enough.

However, remember that it is better not to even get cognac from the bar if you are using antispasmodics, sedatives or painkillers.

Other effective ways to deal with period pain

Very often, painful periods occur in those who move little. Not everyone works as a fitness instructor; some work in the accounting department working on numbers!

To some extent, you can reduce the risk of painful periods by doing at least ten to fifteen minutes a day of at least some semblance of physical exercise.

Menstruation in itself is not a particularly pleasant physiological process. And if it is also accompanied by painful symptoms, as happens in 60% of women of reproductive age, the anticipation of these days is spent in horror from the upcoming sensations.

The thing is that during menstrual bleeding the body is cleansed of unnecessary substances, which is regulated by impulses passing through nerve cells. This may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations, but severe pain during menstruation is not normal. Under no circumstances should it be ignored.

There are many methods that can be used to reduce or relieve pain during menstruation, but you should initially consult a doctor and diagnose the presence of diseases of the reproductive system.

Types of menstrual pain

Menstruation can be accompanied by several unpleasant symptoms. According to the location of the unpleasant sensations, they are divided into pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation and severe headaches. Each of the syndromes is difficult for the body to tolerate and unsettles you.

Menstrual migraines appear before menstruation. They are characterized by spasms of blood vessels in the brain, as a result of a sharp narrowing and expansion of which nerve receptors are affected. With migraines, throbbing headaches, nausea and other autonomic or neurological symptoms occur.

Abdominal pain during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea or algomenorrhea. It is divided into primary and secondary. Dysmenorrhea is also classified according to severity as mild, moderate and severe. Primary occurs with the onset of the menstrual cycle or some time after that. With age or (most often) after childbirth, it goes away on its own. Secondary algomenorrhea occurs at a more mature age due to gynecological diseases. Its manifestations are stronger than with the primary one. With mild dysmenorrhea, the pain is moderate and does not interfere with social activity. The average degree implies general weakness of the body, poor health. In the severe stage of dysmenorrhea, the pain is very severe, accompanied by vomiting and other unpleasant symptoms.

About migraine

As a result of an increase in testosterone levels in the blood, hormonal levels increase. Because of this, your health deteriorates significantly. Changes in the chemical composition of the blood affect the blood vessels of the brain, which can cause menstrual migraines.

Another factor that can provoke such a pain syndrome is a violation of the water-salt balance. Since cell shedding during menstruation is accompanied by heavy bleeding, the body begins to accumulate a lot of fluid in advance. Swelling of tissues appears, including the brain, resulting in severe headaches.

Menstrual migraine, also called cephalgic syndrome, is manifested primarily by long-term throbbing pain that is concentrated in one part of the head - most often the frontal, occipital or temporal. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, and general weakness. The body reacts painfully to external stimuli - light, sound, smell. Sometimes heart pain and pressure surges may occur.

Treatment of menstrual migraine

If you observe signs of cephalgic syndrome, you should undergo examination by a gynecologist and neurologist, who, based on the results of tests and diagnostics, will prescribe treatment. It may include taking vitamin complexes, hormonal medications, and homeopathy. Tablets such as Aspirin, Nurofen, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, and Ketorol are good for relieving headaches during menstruation.

If a woman is prone to menstrual migraine, she needs to especially carefully monitor her lifestyle. It is recommended to spend a lot of time outdoors, enough time to sleep and rest. It is necessary to eat properly, because some foods can have a negative effect.

Symptoms of dysmenorrhea

The main symptoms of dysmenorrhea are general weakness of the body and abdominal pain during menstruation. They occur on the eve of the onset of menstrual bleeding or directly on that day. The pain is located in the uterine area and can radiate to the lower back, sacrum, groin, and external genitalia. The character can be cramping, pulling, sharp, dull. The severity of discomfort ranges from moderate to very intense.

Severe pain during menstruation is sometimes accompanied by dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Intestinal function is disrupted, resulting in constipation, bloating or diarrhea. You may feel sick or dizzy, have chills, the temperature rises to 37°, and tachycardia may occur. Severe pain or general weakness of the body sometimes leads to fainting.

In addition to poor physical well-being, dysmenorrhea causes emotional and mental disorders. The woman becomes irritable, distracted, restless. Memory may deteriorate and insomnia may appear. Performance decreases. Against the background of dysmenorrhea, a short-term depressive state may develop.

Causes of pain

If a woman experiences pain during menstruation, the reasons can be different - both physiological and as a consequence of diseases of the genitourinary system. Depending on this, dysmenorrhea is divided into primary and secondary.

Menstruation is the process of cleansing the body of unnecessary and harmful tissues located in the uterus. The sloughing endometrium produces hormones called prostaglandins, which are chemical substances. They lead to contraction of the muscles of the uterus, as a result of which the blood arteries are pinched, the blood supply to the tissues deteriorates, and pain receptors are stimulated. The more prostaglandins in the blood, the stronger the contractions and, accordingly, the pain.

Severe pain during menstruation can occur due to various disorders, diseases, and inflammatory processes. Then they are called secondary dysmenorrhea. Most often its cause is:

endometriosis;
sumbucous fibroid;
fibroids;
adenomyosis;
ovarian cysts;
genital infections;
varicose veins of the pelvic veins.

Sometimes the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms can be affected by incorrect position, bending of the uterus, its too narrow neck and other malformations of the internal and external genital organs. Pain can be caused by an abortion or an intrauterine device. Low levels of progesterone or calcium can also cause you to feel unwell during your period. Menstrual pain can occur due to stress, nervous breakdowns, and emotional experiences.

Pills for menstruation

For dysmenorrhea, you can take one of several types of medications - painkillers, sedatives, hormonal medications. You should consult your doctor about each of these.

The most commonly prescribed pills for pain during menstruation are “No-shpa”, “Ibuprofen”, “Ketonal”, “Solpadein”, “Paracetamol”, “Tempalgin”, “Baralgin”. Injections of “Analgin” and “Papaverine” also help well. These drugs reduce prostaglandin levels, which reduces the intensity of contractions and, accordingly, pain.

If a woman is often nervous and pain occurs due to this, she should take sedatives. For example, “Valerian”, “Novo-Passit”.

Oral contraceptives on a hormonal basis help to significantly reduce or completely eliminate severe pain during menstruation. You should definitely consult your doctor about this.

Traditional methods for pain during menstruation

If you are bothered by pain during menstruation, how to get rid of it using folk remedies? Infusions and decoctions of herbs that have a diuretic effect - horsetail, bear ears, nettle - help well. An excellent remedy is oregano, the tea from which should be steeped for half an hour and drunk three times a day half an hour before meals. An infusion of raspberry leaves makes the muscles of the uterus more elastic, which also reduces pain.

Tea made from chamomile, peppermint, and valerian has not only an analgesic but also a calming effect, which is especially important for stress and nervous tension. Viburnum bark gives good results, 4 teaspoons of which can be poured into a glass of water, boiled for half an hour and strained. Take it one tablespoon three times a day. Ginger tea with honey is recommended.

It should be remembered that if you have diseases of the genitourinary system, you should not use traditional methods. A doctor's consultation is required here.

Nutrition during menstruation

If pain occurs during menstruation, it is recommended to follow a diet. Bowel movements should occur in a timely manner so that it does not put pressure on the uterus, which is expanding these days. Preference should be given to vegetables, bran, unpolished rice, and buckwheat porridge.

Meat and liver will help restore the balance of protein and iron in the body. Lettuce, tomatoes, fermented milk products, due to the presence of calcium, potassium and magnesium, will reduce uterine tone. Olives, corn, and beans will improve your well-being thanks to vitamin E.

You should exclude foods that contain sodium, caffeine, and large amounts of salt. This affects the psycho-emotional state and the accumulation of fluid in the body.

Massage for pain

An excellent remedy for relieving pain during menstruation is acupressure. It involves pressing on a point located on the inside of the leg between the knee and ankle. You need to press for 1-2 minutes, on the left leg, and then on the right. Another option is a point located on the inner surface of the leg, four fingers up from the ankle. There are places on the tailbone and in the center of the back that, when pressed for ten seconds, also reduce pain.

You can stroke and massage the lower abdomen and lower back clockwise in a circular motion. This improves blood flow and reduces pain. Applying a heating pad, a warm dry towel, or a bottle of hot water to the stomach reduces the intensity of cramps.

Physical exercises to relieve pain

During menstrual bleeding, exercise is undesirable, and if it is painful, it is completely contraindicated. However, walking in the fresh air, doing yoga and simple exercises will only bring benefits.

Exercise:

1. Stand in a knee-elbow position, lower your head down. Stand in this position for two minutes.

2. Lie down on a flat surface. Bend your legs at the knees, resting your feet. Extend your arms along your body, palms down. The muscles should be as relaxed as possible. For two minutes, gently bending your stomach, take short breaths and exhales.

3. Lying on a flat surface, on your back, place a book on your stomach. Slowly inhaling air through your nose, lift it, tense your muscles, and hold in this position for five seconds. Repeat the exercise for about two minutes.

Yoga poses:

1. Cobra pose. Slowly leaning face down, gradually lift your head up, and then your chest, without helping yourself with your hands. Then, using your hands, continue to lift your chest until back pain appears. Move your head back as far as possible, looking up. When lifting, inhale, when lowering, exhale. Then rest a little and repeat again.

2. Bow pose. Lie on your stomach, bend your back, bend your knees and grab your ankles with your hands. When bending, you need to inhale, and when releasing your legs, exhale. You can hold your breath and roll back and forth on your stomach.

When performing physical exercises during menstruation, the main thing is not to overdo it. If more discomfort occurs, you need to stop.

Many women experience pain during their periods. What to do about this? First of all, you should consult a doctor who will conduct an examination and identify the cause of the ailment. Based on this, treatment and measures that should be taken to eliminate pain will be determined.