How to Effectively Treat Period Pain
How do I effectively treat period pain? Most women are familiar with pain during menstruation officially known as dysmenorrhea, but more commonly known as period pain.
Approximately 84% of women report experiencing period pain during each period or at least during some periods. This blog will provide some advice and tips on how you can reduce your period pain.
What Causes Period Pain?
Women’s menstruation involves the breakdown of the lining of the uterus which is passed through the body during the monthly menstrual bleed. The breakdown of the lining is caused by muscle contractions in the uterus. The muscle contractions are triggered by a substance named prostaglandins, which unfortunately also causes pain and inflammation. Some women produce more prostaglandin during their period resulting in more pain.
What are the Main Symptoms of Period Pain?
Period pain presents differently in many women and as pain is subjective some women experience mild pain while others experience more intense pain.
Some commonly reported symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower abdomen, back or legs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Pain associated with heavy menstrual (period) bleeding
Most women suffering from period pain experience mild to moderate period pain which lasts for the first 2-4 days of their period and generally does not interfere with their ability to carry out normal daily activities.
If you are suffering with severe period pain and experiencing symptoms preventing you from carrying out usual daily activities, you should visit your general practitioner (GP) as they may need further investigation to rule out any serious causes of the period pain.
Treatments used to Effectively Treat Period Pain
Mild to moderate period pains have licensed treatments available that can help. These treatments, often referred to as NSAID’s work by blocking an enzyme involved in producing prostaglandin.
The most effective NSAID’s used for period pain are:
You can purchase Ibuprofen over the counter in most pharmacies however Naproxen and Mefenamic acid are available only on prescription. A pharmacist from WePrescribe can prescribe these treatments for you if they are necessary.
When using these treatments for period pain it is important you take them with food to prevent the risk of stomach ulcers and you only take them when suffering from period pain. Should these treatments not improve the pain it is important that you do not continue to take them.
How to Effectively Treat Period Pain at Home
You can also use other non-medicinal methods to relieve period pain.
- You can use a hot water bottle and apply to the lower stomach and lower back area. This helps relax the muscles that are responsible for the cramping pain. Using heat patches or soaking in a bath are also methods of applying heat.
- Increasing exercise levels releases the substance endorphins in the body which often results in feeling less pain.
- Using other stress reducing activities such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- A healthy and balanced diet is an area continuously under research but evidence shows increasing levels of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and magnesium in the diet can lead to reducing period pain.
Conclusion
For many women their period often feels inconvenient and is almost never a fun experience. Often women anticipate the beginning of their period before it begins and this can help increase preparation. Treating period pain can help women experience a more comfortable period and reduce the stresses associated with a painful period.
View the treatments offered for period pain and start a consultation to see how we may be able to help and advise.
