Home Analyzes Pain in menstruation: causes, symptoms and treatment. Why does the lower abdomen hurt during menstruation? How long does the pain in menstruation last?

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Pain in menstruation: causes, symptoms and treatment. Why does the lower abdomen hurt during menstruation? How long does the pain in menstruation last?

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is a common condition for many women during the menstrual cycle. Scientifically, this phenomenon is referred to by the term "algomenorrhea" (dysmenorrhea).

Statistics show that about 70-80% of women suffer from pain during menstruation. To eliminate all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, first of all, you need to deal with the etymology of pain.

Finding out the causes of pain, you can understand: this is a common phenomenon inherent in the natural processes in the body of a woman or an occasion to immediately consult a doctor and how to reduce pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods

During menstruation, uterine tissue produces prostaglandin, which provokes its contraction.

The severity of painful sensations depends on the level of this hormone. Doctors distinguish two groups of causes of monthly pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Inherent in women under 35 years old and adolescents. With primary algomenorrhea, hormonal changes occur associated with an increase in the amount of prostaglandin.

In simple words, the causes of cramping pain and vasospasm in hormonal disorders and anxiety, stress. At the same time, it is observed that adolescent girls experience especially severe pain.

Symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea:

Headache.
Upset stool.
Soreness of the same intensity throughout the cycle.

In addition to pulling pains in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting may occur. In the absence of serious problems, discomfort disappears with age, as well as after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Exposed to women older than 35 years.

Secondary algomenorrhea is a sign of inflammatory diseases, pathologies of the pelvic organs.

It can be associated with the development of fibromatous nodes, pelvic neuritis, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps in the uterus, as well as the consequences of gynecological and abdominal operations (abdominal adhesions).

Intrauterine devices can cause severe pain during menstruation. Bleeding and pain in this case are more intense. A visit to a gynecologist is the first thing to do in such situations, which will already tell you how to remove abdominal pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods that are not related to problems of the reproductive system:

Imbalance in the female genital organs, excessive thyroid activity.
Intrauterine device.
High threshold of sensitivity to changes in the body.
Instability of the nervous system.
Pain due to abortion or childbirth.
Incorrect location of the uterus.
Hereditary predisposition.
Deficiency of magnesium, calcium.
Unbalanced diet.

Women suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea have a decreased libido, they feel dissatisfaction with their sexual lives, a tendency to depression, a depressed state, sometimes even psychological deviations can be observed.

Moreover, the cure for concomitant algomenorrhea diseases contributes to an almost complete cessation of pain during critical days. But with younger and healthier women, things are more complicated.

With increased discomfort, excessive bleeding, the appearance of nausea, migraine, you should immediately contact a specialist, take the recommended tests, undergo an ultrasound examination that will help you figure out how to relieve pain during painful periods.

Attention!
With primary algomenorrhea, the preservation of the first pregnancy is important.
The first medical abortion (consequences) in a woman with painful menstruation can provoke further development of infertility and aggravate the soreness during menstruation.
After pregnancy, in most cases, pain during menstruation is reduced.

Pain Relief Techniques

There are many ways to get rid of pain during menstruation, giving a tangible effect.

They can also be used at home (taking into account the existing contraindications).

Let us consider in more detail each of the categories that give the answer, how to reduce or alleviate pain during menstruation without pills and at home.

Medications

This method is suitable for those who adhere to traditional, medical technologies in treatment, solving the question - how to relieve pain during menstruation, if lower abdomen hurts.

Over-the-counter medicines. In this category - NSAIDs, that is, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen can be mentioned as an example.
Antispasmodics. These include No-shpa, Ketonal, Spazmalgon, Analgin.
Sedative. Pain, the cause of which is stress, overexcitation of the nervous system can cope with the usual sedative (for example, valerian).

Before using medications, consult your doctor!

Before using drugs to relieve abdominal pain, you need to consult a doctor or independently study all its aspects according to the instructions. Another category of drug treatment is oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

In this case, medication is taken strictly as prescribed by a specialist. In contraceptives, there are hormones that restore the hormonal level in a woman's body and thereby weaken menstrual pain.

Birth control pills are used for daily use. They are affordable and are sold in almost all pharmacies.

Contraceptive methods for treating pain in the lower abdomen also include birth control patches, a contraceptive vaginal ring, hormonal injections, and an intrauterine device. Before using these funds to eliminate pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Folk recipes:

Raspberry leaves - Pour 3 teaspoons of leaves with 1 cup boiling water, insist 15 minutes, take in small sips throughout the day.
Elecampane root- 1 teaspoon pour a glass of boiling water, insist 1 hour, take 1 tablespoon 3 r / day.
Horsetail - to prepare the infusion, 1 tbsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water in a spoon, insist one hour, consume 50 mg every hour, increase the intake interval as the pain subsides.

ethnoscience

An option for those interested in home treatments.

Alternative ways to relieve menstrual pain without pills include:

Heat. In some cases, ordinary heat has an even greater effect than medicines. A heating pad or thermal plaster applied to the lower abdomen (for no more than 10-15 minutes) will help relax muscles and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Adhesive plasters are very comfortable, they keep heat for a long time. An alternative can also be a warm bath, shower, as well as swimming in the pool.
Water will soothe the pain. After water procedures, it is recommended to wear warm clothes and lie down for a couple of hours.
Behavioral or imaginative intervention. Relaxation, a positive attitude, breathing exercises positively affect the emotional state. These techniques help distract from pain.
This also includes doing your favorite things: talking on the Internet with friends, computer games, reading books, magazines, watching an interesting movie.
Massage. Light strokes of the abdomen (clockwise) to reduce discomfort, relieve cramping. In this case, you should lie down and put some object under your legs so that they are in an elevated position.
Press on the stomach and lower back not very much, this will relax the muscles and eliminate the pain.
Herbs. Hot tea from the leaves of lemon balm, raspberry, chamomile, cherry, nettle, as well as other warm infusions will help with painful periods.
In the absence of allergies, you can optionally add honey to the decoctions. To improve well-being, drinking as much fluid as possible during critical days is recommended.
Other techniques. In this group, methods for relieving monthly pain, available at home. Reducing discomfort will help the adoption of the correct position.
To do this, lie on your side and curl up, that is, take the position of the embryo. This condition will allow you to slightly relieve pain and get rid of the discomfort that occurs during the flow of blood to the genitals.
Another way to relieve pain is to "breathe with your stomach." The procedure should be done in the following sequence: put a book on your stomach, take a slow breath, while lifting the book with your lower abdomen.
Raising it to a certain height, withstand a pause in this state. Repeat the exercise for 2-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Pain during critical days is often due to malnutrition of women. There are several rules that can be used to significantly reduce the possibility of discomfort:

Restriction in the diet of dairy, flour, meat products. Recommended before menstruation and throughout the cycle.
A lot of vegetable juices. Green vegetables and berries contain antioxidants that fight various inflammations.
Reception in the recommended amount of vitamin and mineral complexes. They should contain vitamins A, E, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron. These drugs are prescribed after passing the appropriate tests.
Limit the use of tobacco, alcohol. Alcohol-containing drinks can cause fluid retention and bloating. Nicotine leads to a narrowing of blood vessels, this can reduce the intensity of blood flow to the uterus and increase painful cramps.
The day before menstruation to make a fasting day.

Physical exercise

Moderate physical activity with pain in the lower back and abdomen will help relieve unpleasant sensations. There will also be leisurely walks in the air.

A set of exercises to reduce soreness during menstruation:

Starting position: lying on your back. Raise your legs at an angle of about 90 degrees. Stay in this position for several minutes.
Starting position: lying on your stomach. Resting on the floor with your hands, slowly raise your chest, bend as much as possible.
Starting position: lying on your back. Bend your legs at the knees. Bend belly up, resting on the feet. Slowly go down.

Physical activity leads to the production of endorphins in the body, i.e. natural painkillers. Walking, jogging, gym classes, cycling, swimming - all this set of exercises will help to some extent with a problem.

The use of herbal decoctions during the month, following a diet along with physical exercises can give an even more pronounced effect. They have also established themselves as painkillers working on the muscle tone of Pilates and Yoga.

Prevention of pain

A healthy lifestyle is the best option for the prevention of various diseases, including pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation.

Take an integrated approach in the fight against pain!

Refusal from harmful, aggravating habits, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs.
Limit the use of spicy and spicy foods, coffee.
Regular sex life. On average, up to 3-4 times a week.
Positive emotions, avoiding stress and hypothermia.
Regular physical activity (dancing, running, yoga, pool).

For persistent, ongoing pain during menstruation, consult a doctor.

You can find additional information on this topic in the section.

Cramping during menstruation is a nasty thing, but at least familiar. That is why it is worth paying special attention to any changes - for example, if usually quite tolerable discomfort has turned into real suffering. Or the pain does not leave you even a few days after the menstruation has ended. Finally, the discharge is unusually plentiful and lasts abnormally long. Whatever the change is expressed, it signals that something might be wrong with the body. “And you can't ignore it,” concludes Alice Duque, obstetrician-gynecologist at Mount Kisco Clinic in New York.

To have an idea of \u200b\u200bpossible problems, read on.

Very severe pain and heavy discharge

Possible reason: uterine fibroma. This is a benign tumor on the inner or outer wall of the uterus. Why fibromas appear is not fully understood, but the problem is very common among women 30-40 years old. The pain, the level of which the Duque describes as "going off scale," usually occurs due to the mechanical pressure of the tumor on the uterus or as a result of inflammation.

What to do: make an appointment with your gynecologist and talk about the symptoms. The doctor is likely to conduct several examinations, as a result of which it will become clear whether you have fibroma and whether you need to remove it. The latter depends on many factors - including the location of the tumor and its size (varies from button to medium grapefruit). Since fibroids are sensitive to estrogen levels, COCs may be prescribed as an anesthetic.

Constant pulling pain

Possible reason: inflammatory process in the pelvic organs, that is, an infection of the ovaries, bladder, uterus and / or fallopian tubes. Where does inflammation come from? Well, for example, any STI can lead to it in an advanced stage (recall that chlamydia and gonorrhea are often asymptomatic). “The pain is almost constant, usually without severe bouts, but at the same time very unpleasant,” Alice said. And during menstruation, in combination with cramping, the pain from inflammation can intensify.

What to do: go immediately to the gynecologist. “The inflammatory process rarely becomes an excuse for very urgent action, but you can't start it,” says Duke. - The sooner the doctor examines you and determines the reason, the faster he can prescribe antibiotics. If you ignore inflammation for a long time, it can cause the formation of scar tissue, which ultimately affects your ability to conceive a child.

Sharp pain in one side

Possible reason: torsion of the ovary. “This happens when a phenomenon (for example, the formation of a cyst) causes the ovary to twist, making it harder for blood to flow,” says Duque. “This is a very strong, almost unbearable pain that requires immediate medical attention.” One of the consequences is the extinction of ovarian function.

What to do: call an ambulance. Most likely, ultrasound and other studies will be required. When confirming the diagnosis of torsion, an immediate laparoscopic (that is, with a minimum level of intervention) operation is needed to bring the organ to a normal position. “Sometimes, with timely intervention, the ovary can be saved. But if it already looks unviable, it will have to be removed. Fortunately, this organ is paired, and the remaining ovary will take over the production of estrogens and eggs ”.

Severe cramps that ordinary painkillers do not help

Possible reason: endometriosis is a disease in which uterine tissues move to other organs (for example, to the ovaries or fallopian tubes) and take root there. According to the American Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, endometriosis is found in almost 10 percent of women. But the thing is that it can take years to establish the correct diagnosis. Before this happens, most patients believe that severe pain during menstruation is a common phenomenon, and they suffer. Plus, they often experience discomfort during sex.

What to do: again, go to the doctor and describe your symptoms. You are prescribed several tests and studies to determine treatment options. Since endometrial tissues are sensitive to hormone levels, taking hormonal contraceptives will help reduce pain. But the only way to confirm endometriosis is still laparoscopy, during which the doctor may try to remove as much excess tissue as possible.

Severe cramping after installation of intrauterine contraceptives

Possible reason: copper (non-hormonal) intrauterine device. Within three months after installing this tiny T-shaped device, intensification of pain is possible, because the spirals need time to “take root” in the body.

What to do: “if the pain lasts for a long time or suddenly occurs after a long period of normal functioning of the IUD, you need to sign up for an ultrasound scan that will help you find out what condition the spiral is in,” advises Duque. The doctor can check and slightly correct the position of the IUD, after which the pain should go away.

Pain in the lower abdomen for most women during critical days is a normal occurrence that they experience every month. The most severe pains during menstruation are felt in the first days, and starting from the third day their intensity gradually subsides. Menstrual pains are pulling in nature, but the pain syndrome has the form of colic and acute pain in the lower abdomen. This phenomenon is commonly called, it often affects young, nulliparous women, as well as overweight ladies and harmful addictions.

Dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when a woman has painful regulation accompanied by a whole range of pathological symptoms, including headaches, nausea, weakness, and fatigue. For some women, severe pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation prevents them from doing household chores and significantly reduces their working capacity, so you should know the main reasons that provoke pain and be able to cope with them.

In this article you will learn why the stomach hurts during menstruation, and what to do if the sensations are manifested very strongly.

What can be sick and related symptoms

- This is a normal process that occurs in all women of reproductive age every month, starting from puberty and until the onset of menopause, when reproductive function withers. During menstruation, a woman feels a certain discomfort and there is an additional need to observe hygiene standards.

Very often, the process of rejection of the inner layer of the uterus is accompanied by menstrual pain, they resemble short cramps in the lower abdomen, which pass on the second day of menstruation.

Both biological and mechanical processes are involved in cleansing the body during regulation. The nervous system gives a signal to the muscles of the genitals, causing its spasm. That's what actually hurts during menstruation, it is the contracting walls of the uterus, which thus push out the exfoliated endometrium and blood through the vagina. The whole process is controlled by impulses that pass through the nerve cells. Pain is felt only when there is insufficient nutrition of nerve cells, as a result of which they stop nerve impulses.

Usually the pain begins to be felt even on the eve of menstruation, in which case we can talk about the presence or dysmenorrhea. So in medicine is called a condition in which the stomach is very sore during menstruation. The nature of the pain is usually aching, stitching or cramping, the woman pulls the lower abdomen, and pain can also be given to the kidneys or lower back. For menstruation, mild pains are characteristic, if they intensify, you should definitely seek help from a doctor, as they are the only symptom in some dangerous gynecological diseases, including oncology. But even in the absence of obvious reasons, severe pain in some cases may require medical treatment.

If diseases and infections in the organs of the genital and urinary systems became the cause of pain during the regulation, then the accompanying symptoms may be observed:

pain in the back and in the sacrum;
heaviness and pain in the lower extremities;
general weakness and poor health;
emotional changes in which aggressiveness and irritability are replaced by complete apathy.

The intensity of pain in each woman is different and depends on the characteristics of the body, on its general condition, on the heredity and lifestyle of the woman. About 32% of women aged 18 to 25 years experience very severe pains that adversely affect their performance and disrupt the normal way of life. At 25-35 years, this percentage decreases slightly and amounts to 28%, and at the age of 35-45, almost 40% of the fair sex face monthly pains. The choice of treatment for this pathology will depend on the type of dysmenorrhea and its severity.

Classification and Degrees of Deviation

Most often, the stomach hurts a lot on the first day of menstruation, and from the second day the pain subsides. If a woman has severe pain on the eve of menstruation and accompanies all critical days, then a diagnosis of dysmenorrhea is made. Depending on the causes, there are two types of pathology:

primary dysmenorrhea or functional. It is diagnosed when the body produces an increased amount of prostaglandins, which cause excessive contraction of the uterine muscles. In this case, painful sensations appear on the eve of menstruation and continue for another 3-4 days. This type of dysmenorrhea is characteristic of girls aged 16-25. Concomitant symptoms are headache, diarrhea, and nausea. Since pain in this case is not associated with any pathologies, an ultrasound scan of the pelvic organs will not show anomalies of development and lesions. The situation may improve with age or after the birth of the baby;
secondary or acquired algomenorrhea. It manifests itself most often in women after 30 years. The cause of such dysmenorrhea may be excessive excitability of the nerve roots during uterine contractions, inflammation and pathology in the organs of the reproductive system, endometriosis. Also, painful sensations can be a reaction of the body to the intrauterine device.

In the case when, over the years, pain during menstruation remains at the same level of intensity, then they are usually called compensated, but if they increase with each cycle, these are decompensated pains.

Depending on the intensity of menstrual pain, there are 4 degrees of dysmenorrhea:

Zero degree. The pains are mild, tolerant and do not require painkillers.
The first degree is characterized by mild pain, which is accompanied by a depressive state, digestive upset and headaches. Mild malaise and drowsiness may be felt, but the woman does not lose her working capacity and is still physically active. In 40% of women, this stage of algomenorrhea manifests itself from the first menstruation. After childbirth or with age, the situation changes, and until the end of reproductive function with moderately painful periods, about a quarter of all women live. If the pains are at the same level, then no measures need to be taken, 1-2 tablets of a painkiller in special cases are enough. If they grow, a mandatory consultation of a specialist is required.
The second degree is severe menstrual pain, accompanied by nausea, chills, dizziness, migraine-like pain, general weakness and irritability. Analgesics and sedatives help to correct the situation.
The third degree of dysmenorrhea is diagnosed with very severe pains in the lower abdomen, which begin 2 or even 3 days before the regulation, and pass only with their end. In addition, body temperature may increase, severe headaches occur that can provoke vomiting, the heart rate goes astray, and heart problems may occur. A woman may faint, lose working capacity and ordinary painkillers from a home medicine cabinet can not cope with the situation. This is a very dangerous degree of algomenorrhea, which can lead to a malfunction of the menstrual cycle, and even cause infertility. Often at this stage, dysmenorrhea is also diagnosed with concomitant diseases of the reproductive system or nearby organs.

Why pain occurs on critical days

In adolescents, primary algomenorrhea is most often diagnosed, associated with an incorrect location of the uterus or an abnormality in the development of reproductive organs. Often after the first birth, pain during menstruation for women with primary dysmenorrhea ceases to cause discomfort.

If dysmenorrhea occurs after puberty, then it is considered to be secondary, various causes of such pain in the abdomen:

uterine contractions. This is the main factor that causes severe pain during the regular period, even during the menstrual cycle, which proceeds without any violations. The contraction of the smooth muscles that make up the walls of the uterus causes the hormone prostaglandin, the higher its level, the higher the contractility of the uterine muscles. Normally, this hormone is responsible for the timely cleansing of the uterus from exfoliated endometrium, but with its increased concentration, intense muscle contractions cause a woman to feel pain. Not only the intensity, but also the nature of the pain depends on this hormone;
critical days are especially painful if a woman has diseases of the genital area. Intolerable pain during regulation occurs with endometriosis, uterine fibrosis and inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system. Pain can signal an existing disease, and may be a consequence of already eliminated gynecological ailment;
deficiency of certain trace elements can lead to malfunctions in the menstrual cycle, resulting in painful periods. Thus, a lack of calcium and magnesium in a woman's body may occur;
genetic predisposition. If a woman's immediate family suffered from severe menstrual pain, then she is at risk. Could inherit not only pain, but also their pathology causing;
imbalance of hormones and, as a result, painful periods can cause stress and poor nutrition.

If pain during menstruation does not go away even after taking an anesthetic, the following factors can provoke them:

bending and displacement of the uterus. If these are congenital anomalies, then there is a high probability that after childbirth the pain will go away;
avitaminosis;
a sharp drop in progesterone levels;
cysts and polyps in the ovaries;
spontaneous abortion;
emotional overstrain, shock state;
adhesive processes;
polycystic ovary;
hormonal imbalance caused by increased activity of the thyroid gland;
intrauterine device;
excessive excitability of the nervous system;
pelvic overload syndrome;
cervical stenosis;
recent operations, including abortion, childbirth;
sedentary lifestyle;
malignant tumors.

If the pain during the regulation is tolerable and lasts a short period of time, you should not panic, but with severe pain you need to consult a specialist.

Diagnostics

To determine the exact reason why a woman is worried about severe pain during menstruation, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination. It must include the following activities:

an oral survey, during which the gynecologist makes an overall picture and makes an assumption about a possible cause of menstrual pain;
gynecological examination in the chair and palpation of the mammary glands;
Ultrasound examination of the organs of the reproductive system;
hormone blood tests;
a smear on flora and cytology, the latter will help determine the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.

In some cases, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may be necessary, as well as additional consultations of narrow specialists (surgeon, endocrinologist, psychologist, etc.).

When to see a doctor

If the abdomen hurts very badly during menstruation, this can be one of the signs of serious problems with a woman’s health, and it’s impossible to eliminate them yourself without the help of a gynecologist. You need to go to an appointment with a specialist in such cases:

due to pain, performance drops so much that a woman is forced to take a day off from work and lie in bed;
if menstruation has been going on for 2-3 days, and pain does not reduce its intensity;
bleeding has been profuse for more than 2 days, and there are large, dark clots in the discharge;
if a woman has been systematically taking hormonal contraceptives for a long time, and pain during regulation does not reduce its intensity;
if painful periods began to bother a woman of a mature age;
if painkillers and antispasmodics are not able to calm the pain;
if the intensity of spotting during regulation only increases;
when, in addition to pain in the lower abdomen, headache, nausea and diarrhea begin;
menstruation cycle is broken;
woman dramatically lost weight.

With the symptoms listed above, you should immediately seek help from a specialist who, after a comprehensive diagnosis, can determine the cause of the pain and prescribe the correct treatment.

Ways to reduce pain

Experts argue that any pain can not be tolerated, because it not only adversely affects the emotional state, but can harm both physical and mental health. If a woman experiences severe pain during the regulation, first of all she is advised to consult a gynecologist, but if this is not possible, there are some ways to help with pain during the regulation:

thermal procedures perfectly relieve muscle cramps, but they can not be used for inflammatory or purulent processes, as well as for inflammation of appendicitis. If you do not know the exact cause of severe menstruation pain, then you do not need to experiment with warming procedures. If the cause is muscle spasm, then warm will be the best help. It is applied to the lower abdomen for a quarter of an hour, but no more than twice a day. A more gentle method of heating is the application of a warm diaper, which is ironed on several sides;
water treatments. A hot bath relaxes, but during the regular season it is better to replace it with a short reception of a warm shower. Such a procedure will eliminate fatigue and relieve pain, while you can additionally massage your stomach with a washcloth to relax your muscles and relieve spasm;
you can make a compress with sea salt and attach it to the lower abdomen, this will remove the pain during regulation;
massage using warm mala containing warming additives or essential oils that are preheated in a water bath to body temperature. Essential oils of saffron, bergamot and grapefruit relieve spasm, but they can be replaced with ordinary children's massage oil. Before massage, it is necessary to measure the temperature of oil heating to prevent thermal burns of the massaged area. Massage movements on the abdomen and lower back should be done clockwise, this will reduce pressure on the abdominal cavity. If the woman does not have allergies, then you can rub a composition of essential oils into the lower abdomen and lower back throughout all the regula, which includes 4 drops of clary sage oil, 5 drops of marjoram and yarrow oil and 50 ml of St. John's wort oil;
if painful periods are caused by dehydration, which often accompanies heavy menstrual blood loss, then as a treatment it’s enough to normalize the drinking regimen. With a lack of fluid in the body, the pain in the lower abdomen will be dull or acute, but in no case cramping. Usually this kind of pain is not too intense, but it may well cause discomfort to women with a low pain threshold. You can fill the lack of fluid with spring water, mineral water without gas, teas and infusions from herbs, berry compotes and decoctions of dried fruits. You can drink fruit juices, but it is better not to drink alcohol, strong tea, coffee and cocoa;
it is useful not only throughout the entire cycle, but also during exercise to engage in not too intense physical exertion, which improve tone and eliminate cramps - Pilates, gymnastics, yoga, morning exercises and swimming;
some experts recommend applying an ice pack to the lower abdomen, but not more than 10-15 minutes, not all gynecologists support this advice, so before using it, you should consult your doctor;
physiotherapeutic procedures - electrophoresis, acupuncture, auto-training, psychological therapy, etc. can cope with menstrual pain;
you need to improve your psycho-emotional state, relax, for this you can read a book or watch an interesting movie, go to the cinema or spend time in the company of a loved one. Positive emotions can reduce pain intensity;
take an embryo pose. This position relieves spasm and relaxes the muscles. For a positive effect, a woman needs to lie on her side, pull her legs to her chest and lie down, sleep even better.

In especially severe cases, treatment of pain during critical days cannot do without medication.

Preparations

In some cases, a doctor prescribes a woman to cope with the pain of regulation. Usually, medications from several groups with a different mechanism of action are prescribed:

gestagens;
hormonal contraceptives in the form of tablets;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The first group of drugs affects the secretory changes in the uterine mucosa, but does not affect ovulatory function. Actively used progesterone and testosterone. These artificial hormones reduce the uterine tone and the amount of prostaglandins produced, and reduce the excitability of the nerve roots located in the uterine muscles.

The use of hormonal contraceptives has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background of a woman and normalizes her menstruation cycle. Birth control pills suppress ovulatory function, reduce the intensity of menstruation, and suppress nervous excitability and uterine tone. Therefore, with the systematic administration of oral contraception, menstrual pain is significantly reduced. Progestogens and oral contraceptives have a prolonged effect.

If women have a contraindication or excessive susceptibility to hormonal drugs, for menstrual pain, the doctor may prescribe non-steroidal drugs that reduce prostaglandins, but the effect of their administration will be observed for 2-6 hours. This group of drugs includes Mig, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Nimesil, Ibuprofen, Nurofen Express, Next, Ibufen.

antispasmodics. They weaken spasms of smooth muscles and blood vessels. The most famous drugs in this group are Drotoverin,. To relieve spasm, it is enough to drink 1 tablet, you can repeat the reception 2-3 times a day. You can also use intramuscular injections, they quickly stop the pain syndrome. The antispasmodic Papaverine has a milder effect, it is released in the form of rectal suppositories. It must be put in 1-2 candles for 3-5 days, it has a cumulative effect, so do not wait for a lightning effect;
if in addition to pain there are other unpleasant symptoms, experts recommend taking complex-acting drugs that not only anesthetize, but also eliminate spasm and inflammation. Pentalgin also belongs to this group of drugs;
if pain during regulation provokes overexcitation of the nervous system, sedation (Persen, Fitosed) can be prescribed.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the well-known Analgin. These pills were previously used to eliminate any pain. Most women still use it for menstruation pains, although Analgin has too many side effects that are eliminated by modern counterparts. Since this drug can cause bleeding and reduce the production of white blood cells, it can only be used if other medicines are powerless. For mild pain, you can use Paracetamol, women choose this medication because of its quick action, although with severe pain it is useless.

Any medication whose action is aimed at eliminating pain has a number of contraindications and side effects, therefore it should only be prescribed by a doctor, based on the diagnosis and general health of the patient.

Help folk remedies

There are many folk remedies that can soothe menstrual pain, they can be easily prepared at home. It is important to remember that the intake of any medicine from alternative medicine should be coordinated with your doctor.

Let's talk about the most effective folk recipes that help to cope with menstrual pain:

ginger tea. At the root of ginger there are many volatile, esters and glycosides that can quench pain and have an antibacterial effect. To make tea, you need to take 1 teaspoon of grated, fresh or half dry ginger root, pour boiling water, add a pinch of cinnamon and leave for 6-7 minutes. The drink can be supplemented with a piece of lemon balm, a slice of lemon or sweetened with sugar. A woman will be able to feel the effect of tea in half an hour. This recipe is not suitable for women with acute digestive diseases and blood diseases. Ginger tea should also not be drunk with heavy periods;
peppermint tea with lemon balm. This herbal mixture has a pronounced analgesic effect. To prepare the drink, 2 g of dry or fresh leaves of peppermint and lemon balm are mixed, 4-5 drops of lemongrass oil are added and a glass of boiling water is added. Tea is brewed for 6-7 minutes. Schisandra can be replaced with 5 g of zest of orange, lemon or other citrus. Tea is drunk daily until the regul is completed. It can serve as a prophylactic, for this it is taken daily in the morning and a couple of hours before bedtime;
chamomile tea with raspberries. This recipe uses raspberry berries, not leaflets, since the latter, on the contrary, contribute to the strengthening of uterine contractions. Eliminate muscle spasm in the uterus and thereby remove the pain will help a tablespoon of pharmacy chamomile, pouring a glass of boiling water, into which 15 g of dried raspberries are added. The drink is infused for 10 minutes, then a little cinnamon and honey is added. Such tea will not only calm and relieve spasm, but will also have a general strengthening effect on the female body;
herbal decoctions with horsetail and bearberry will help get rid of pain, but have a diuretic effect. You need to drink such a drug before menstruation;
tea with catnip will help calm and relax the uterine muscles;
an infusion of oregano will help get rid of spasms not only in the uterus, but also in the intestines, this greatly facilitates the condition of a woman during menstruation. A spoon of dry raw material is poured into a glass of boiled water and infused for a while, taken three times a day before meals;
good decoction for menstruation pain shows a decoction of viburnum bark. 4 tsp dry bark, pour 0.25 liters of water and boil for half an hour. Drink a tablespoon before meals;
strawberries also work well.

Physical exercise

Specialists have developed a whole range of physical exercises that allow you to get rid of not only severe menstrual pains, but also the associated symptoms without the use of medications. The following exercises can be performed every day for prevention and during menstruation for pain relief:

lying on the back, the legs bend at the knees and rest their feet on the floor. Hands are placed along the body with palms to the floor. On a short exhalation, a smooth deflection of the abdomen lasts several minutes. The muscles are completely relaxed. Repeat 4 times;
you need to lie on your back while the buttocks should be located as close to the wall as possible, and the legs raised upward perpendicular to the floor, then the legs bend at the knees. In this position, you need to stay for 4-5 minutes;
you need to lie on your back, straighten your legs, pull one leg to the chin, and leave the other on the floor. In this position, you need to spend 2-3 minutes, and then do the exercise on the other leg;
you need to get on all fours and lean on the floor with your elbows, you need to keep your head between your hands. In this position you need to stay for 2-3 minutes. A similar exercise can be done lying on your back;
you need to lie face down on the floor, bring your feet together and strain your knees. On exhalation, the body rises, the head throws back and the buttocks contract. In this position, you need to linger for half a minute. On exhalation, return to the starting position.

These exercises are suitable for those who are contraindicated in medical treatment, but they should be performed only as prescribed by the doctor in cases where the woman has a broken spine and is diagnosed with arterial hypertension.

Prevention

In order not to have to treat dysmenorrhea, it is better to initially follow simple preventative recommendations:

do not drink alcohol, especially during critical days;
quit smoking;
avoid hypothermia, overheating and any stressful situations for the body;
do not eat junk food, spicy and very spicy dishes, drink no more than 2 cups of coffee per day;
consume fermented milk products rich in calcium (yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir) every day;
lead an active sex life. This helps to normalize blood circulation and relaxes the muscles of the genitals;
should move more, walk in the fresh air, if possible do yoga, swimming or gymnastics;
daily baths with sea salt, which alternate with a cold shower, will help improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs;
consume vitamin complexes containing calcium and magnesium;
remove foods from the diet that cause fermentation and bloating;
you should regularly visit a gynecologist at least once a year, and for any unpleasant symptoms, you must urgently seek medical help.

A bar of chocolate, which contains calcium and magnesium and stimulates the production of endorphin, the hormone of happiness, will help improve mood during menstruation.

Every woman is familiar with the symptoms associated with menstruation: depressed mood, irritability, discomfort in the chest, cramping and abdominal pain. Sometimes the pain in the lower abdomen is so pronounced that the usual lifestyle is disrupted. Doctors call this condition dysmenorrhea.

Many women put up with pain during menstruation. But such an attitude to such a delicate problem is erroneous, since pain can be a difficult natural ailment, but also indicate the presence of a serious disease. Severe pain on critical days should not be ignored.

Menstruation is the process by which the female body is freed from unnecessary waste products.

It is regulated by nerve impulses, so mild discomfort and pain can not be a pathology. Very severe pains indicate problems in the female reproductive system.

Usually the pain begins to be felt several hours before the onset of menstruation, and lasts up to two days. By its nature, it is cramping, stitching, aching and revealing itself not only in the lower abdomen, but in the sacrum and lower back.

Specialists classify menstrual pain according to the following criteria:

The pain is slightly expressed, there is no discomfort. Slight malaise, drowsiness, and fatigue are possible. 40% of women suffer from this form of dysmenorrhea from the very first menstrual cycle. In 25% of women, this condition manifests itself during life. Doctors do not recommend doing anything with these pains if they do not increase and do not violate the usual way of life.
The average form of dysmenorrhea is algomenorrhea, accompanied by chills, severe abdominal pain, darkening in the eyes, tinnitus, and sometimes fainting before menstruation begins. The woman’s activity at this time is markedly reduced. Many resort to the help of strong painkillers and antispasmodics on the first day of menstruation, but the pills only drown out the pain, but do not solve the problem. It is recommended to consult a gynecologist and find out the causes of this condition.
The third form of dysmenorrhea is very severe. The symptoms of algomenorrhea described above are supplemented by arrhythmia, heart pain, vomiting, and a general disturbance in well-being. Analgesics do not always give the desired result. Urgently see a doctor.

Very severe pains before and during menstruation can occur against a background of hormonal disorders, gynecological pathologies, genital injuries, and cause a mental disorder, depressive syndrome, and even infertility.

Causes

Severe menstrual pain can be caused by the following reasons:

inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs;
polyps in the uterus;
endometriosis;
adhesive process;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
benign neoplasm - fibroma;
spontaneous miscarriage in the days of menstruation;
hormonal disorders, increased activity of the thyroid gland;
the presence of an intrauterine device;
atypical location of the genital organ;
genital infections
increased excitability of the nervous system;
genetic predisposition;
lack of magnesium and calcium in the body;
recent artificial abortion or childbirth;
passive lifestyle;
malnutrition.

If the menstrual pain is short-term, and the pain is not so strong as to disrupt the usual way of life, then everything is within normal limits, nothing needs to be done.

Diagnostics

Examination for painful periods should be comprehensive. The doctor examines the patient on a gynecological chair and performs palpation of the mammary glands.

The most important is the history of complaints, with which you can identify possible causes of dysmenorrhea.

After interviewing and examining the patient, the specialist can suggest the following diagnostic examinations, depending on the alleged cause of the disease:

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs;
determination of hormonal status;
cytological analysis for STDs;
hysteroscopy to exclude intrauterine abnormalities;
laparoscopy to assess the condition of the abdominal organs;
consultation of narrow specialists: endocrinologist, surgeon, psychiatrist.

Treatment

When choosing adequate conservative therapy, the specialist takes into account the form of dysmenorrhea (mild, moderate or severe), the nature of the pain syndrome, its causes and individual characteristics of the patient. Surgical intervention is indicated only in case of severe dysmenorrhea, which is accompanied by pathologies of the reproductive system (tumors, adhesions, etc.).

refusal of bad habits: alcohol, smoking, caffeine;
normalization of working and resting conditions;
elimination of stress factors;
full sleep;
healthy nutrition, excluding fatty, fried and indigestible foods;
normalization of weight (it is proved that women with obesity more often than others suffer from painful periods);
moderate sports, water treatments.

Non-drug therapy is aimed at reducing the intensity of pain during menstruation and reducing the body's need for pain medications. Depending on the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea, it includes the following methods of exposure:

acupuncture;
electrophoresis;
manual therapy;
breathing exercises;
psychological help;
auto training.

Drug treatment of dysmenorrhea is based on the use of several groups of drugs that differ in their mechanism of action:

gestagens;
oral contraceptives (COCs);
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Progestogens affect the secretory changes of the endometrium, but do not affect the ovulatory function of the ovaries. Actively used progesterone and its derivatives, as well as testosterone. They qualitatively reduce the contractile activity of the uterus, inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. They also reduce the excitability of nerve fibers localized in the muscle layer of the uterus.

Oral contraceptives favorably affect the hormonal background of a woman and normalize the menstrual cycle. They reduce blood loss during menstruation, suppressing the process of ovulation. Also, birth control pills reduce nervous excitability and contractile activity of the uterus, which is why the pains that precede COCs are significantly reduced.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to patients who, for whatever reason, do not want to use oral contraception. The effectiveness of NSAIDs is due to their analgesic characteristics, which are interrelated with a decrease in prostaglandin production.

The main disadvantage of these drugs is their short exposure - from 2 to 6 hours. The plus is in episodic rather than constant medication, as is the case with COCs and gestagens. It is enough to use NSAIDs with tension before the onset of menstruation and on its first day, that is, only at a time when it is really necessary. Preparations of this group are Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesil, Mig.

At the discretion of a specialist, the groups of the above drugs can be supplemented with such drugs as antispasmodics, tranquilizers, antioxidants, as well as vitamin complexes, herbal remedies, and homeopathic remedies.

Traditional medicine for painful periods

Every time you do not need to rely on serious painkillers if the pain during menstruation is tolerant. Folk recipes will help calm even very severe ailments on the first day of menstruation.

Folk recipes:

Herbal decoctions based on field horsetail and bear ears have a diuretic effect and successfully relieve pulling pains in the abdomen before menstruation.
Tea with chamomile, raspberries, mint and catnip is recommended to drink before and during menstruation. These drinks, known for their soothing properties, help relax the muscles of the uterus.
Oregano infusion relieves pain during menstruation and spasms in the intestines, which often occur in women on the first day of bleeding. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour a tablespoon of grass with a glass of boiling water. After the remedy is infused, it is drunk before meals three times a day.
A decoction of viburnum bark also makes life easier during menstruation. To prepare the broth, four teaspoons of the bark is poured with a glass of water, boiled the broth for 30 minutes and filtered. Drink the remedy before eating a tablespoon.
If a woman suffers a headache on the first day of menstruation, you can prepare an infusion of raspberry leaves. Three teaspoons of leaves are poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted and drunk during the day before meals in small sips.
A simple way to get rid of pain is cold. An ice pack can be placed on the lower abdomen for a short time before and during menstruation. The pain and cramps will go away, because under the influence of low temperature the vessels will narrow. But you need to be careful not to freeze the pelvic organs.
Heat can also help cope with pain on critical days. A warm heating pad is applied to the stomach for a short time several times a day. But we must not forget that this method can increase bleeding, so it is important not to overdo it.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent the symptoms of dysmenorrhea cannot be underestimated, but for some reason many women do not attach due importance to this.

A woman should regularly visit the gynecologist’s office, at least once a year. The first visit should occur after a steady period, but not later than 16 years of age and subject to the absence of complaints from the patient.

Any inflammatory processes that occur in the genital area should be treated in a timely manner to eliminate possible complications. This tactic will help to avoid menstrual irregularities and painful menstruation.

Non-giving birth girls are not recommended to use an intrauterine device as a contraceptive. Some specialists discourage their patients from using it in the future, to exclude the likelihood of developing inflammatory phenomena in the pelvis and to avoid painful periods, since the spiral has this side property.

Use reliable contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Since abortion leads to mechanical injury to the uterine mucosa and negatively affects the hormonal background of a woman and her menstrual cycle.

The prevention of painful menstruation is also important in order to avoid such serious complications as infertility, the development of neurosis and psychosis against the background of regular pain.

If the critical days of a woman are accompanied by severe pain, you should not self-medicate. At the first opportunity, you need to contact a gynecologist. With the help of a simple examination, a specialist will find out the causes of pain and prescribe adequate treatment.

Useful video about painful menstruation

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Anna Mironova

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Many women are familiar with symptoms of impending or onset of menstruation, such as soreness in the chest area, poor mood, loss of strength, irritability and pain in the lower abdomen. Usually, these days, work does not get stuck, and the mood is such that even households try to catch their eye less often.

What experts say about painful menstruation, and how to relieve such pain ?

Why during menstruation, stomach ache - the main causes of pain during menstruation

Any woman (with rare exceptions) experiences before or during menstruation at least discomfort. The main complaint is abdominal pain.

Why is this happening?

First of all, should not panic : if there are no accompanying “signals”, and menstruation does not break out of the framework outlined by doctors, then there is nothing to worry about. The natural physiological process (monthly rejection and secretion of the inner layer of the uterus, which, when contracted, causes pain) does not require an urgent visit to doctors.

Painful periods have a name - algodismenorea:

Primary Algodismenorrhea. Increased contractile activity of the myometrium by tissue hormones and, as a result, cramping pains and spasms of blood vessels. Peculiar to women 16-25 years old. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, upset stools and soreness in the lower abdomen a day or two before menstruation and the first two days of menstruation. Pathological changes in the pelvic organs are not noted. Usually the level of pain decreases after childbirth and with age.
Secondary Algodismenorea. In this case, there are any pathologies of the pelvic organs, and pain becomes a symptom of anatomical changes in the uterus.

TO causes of painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), not associated with diseases of the female reproductive system, include:

Imbalance of sex hormones (progesterone, which helps to reduce the uterus, and prostaglandin, an excess of which increases the strength of the contraction of the uterine muscles), excessive activity of the thyroid gland.
Intrauterine device and other contraceptives.
High sensitivity to changes in the body.
Incorrectly positioned uterus.
Excitability of the nervous system.
Pain as a result of childbirth or.
Lack of proper physical activity.
Heredity.
Deficiency of calcium or magnesium.
Improper nutrition. Read also:

If the pain during menstruation is short-term, the level of pain is tolerable, and you do not have to postpone everyday affairs - then everything is fine, and there is no reason to panic .

10 best recipes - how to get rid of pain during menstruation

Traditional folk methods can help reduce the level of pain during menstruation (provided there are no serious problems with women's health):

Dry heat, massage and rest
Heat will help relax the uterus and reduce the strength of its contractions, a light massage of the abdomen (strictly clockwise) will relax the muscles.
Pain medication
1-2 tablets of no-shp will help relieve cramping. Ibuprofen, spasmalgon or ketonal can help with severe pain. For pain caused by overexcitation of the nervous system (stress, etc.), a simple sedative, even an ordinary valerian, can help.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills contain hormones that help normalize hormonal levels. Such pills are very effective for relieving abdominal pain and other “effects” of menstruation. Of course, without consulting a gynecologist, you should not start taking it.
Physical exercise
Of course, we are not talking about shock loads and, especially, not about exercises on the press, but here the inclinations, body rotation, light stretching are quite suitable. Pilates and yoga, involving work on muscle tone, is also an excellent remedy for pain.
Compresses and bathtubs
For example, a bath with sea salt (taken before and after menstruation for 15-20 minutes, daily). Seated baths (contrast) are also suitable before the onset of menstruation and compresses during menstruation. After a bath or a contrast shower, you should dress warmer and lie down for at least an hour.
Herbal teas, infusions, decoctions
These include chamomile and mint tea (you can add honey), parsley or sorrel, mineral water, tansy, acorns, strawberries, angelica, etc.
Massage
Spasms can be relieved by lower back massage. It is advisable with someone else's help, although you can do it yourself. Put the tennis ball in two socks, lay your back on them so that the balls are at the level of the lower ribs on both sides of the spine. Gently push them with your back and lightly roll the balls with your muscles.
Essential oils
Before menstruation and the first days, you can rub a mixture of essential oils into the sacral region, as well as into the lower abdomen. Ingredients: St. John's wort oil (50 ml), marjoram (5 drops), clary sage (4 drops), yarrow (5 drops). Rub a couple of times a day. Before the procedure, carry out an allergy test by spreading a little mixture, for example, on the elbow bends. Itching or redness is a sign of an allergy.
Swimming
The most useful and least traumatic way to relieve pain. The main advantages are the release of endorphins (a natural painkiller), muscle relaxation.
Chill on stomach
To “freeze” pain is one of the effective methods. On the stomach should be put an ice pack (only in a towel and over clothes!) For 15 minutes, no more.