Menstrual pain also commonly referred to as menstrual cramps is experienced by many women especially in their teens. However much it is considered normal, it may be associated with non-cancerous tumors in the uterus in some instances.
The pain medically known as primary dysmenorrhea normally begins around 2 to 3 years after the first period.
There various ways to relieve the pain and some of them include:
1) Regular exercises, meditation and physical activity for instance walking regularly helps reduce the menstrual cramps for women. Regular intake of water after this is very necessary preferably 6 to 8 glasses daily.
2) A heating pad on the lower abdomen and back or a warm bath that is filled with aromatherapy has also been proven to help relieve the menstrual pain.
3) There are also pain relievers that can be easily bought over the counter like naproxen and ibuprofen that should be taken regularly starting from when the first sign of a woman’s period begins. It inhibits the release of prostaglandins thus reducing the intensity of the cramps. One should however make sure they stick to the dose prescribed for it to be more effective and not cause harm.
4) Supplements like zinc and calcium added to food and also obtained from various foods reduce menstrual cramps, bloating and other related symptoms. It is also advisable to avoid refined foods like sugar, excessively fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco and reduce on red meat intake.
5) There are several herbal remedies with antispasmodic effect that may help reduce menstrual cramps. They include Cimicifuga raemosa, Scutellaria spp., Viburnum prunifolium and herbs like unicorn root and squaw vine.
6) Acupuncture and acupressure are also becoming a popular treatment for menstrual cramps.
However, if the pain persists even after trying out the various methods, it is advisable to visit a doctor most preferably a gynecologist so that any signs of something more severe can be detected early and managed in good time before it becomes fatal.
