Understanding Painful Menstrual Cramps: Causes, Remedies, and Solutions

Introduction

For every woman, from the age of 14 to around 50, menstruation is a regular monthly visitor. While for some it’s manageable, around 20-30% of women experience such severe pain that it disrupts their daily life, sometimes requiring hospitalization and pain relief injections. In contrast, 60-70% of women experience mild to moderate discomfort or none at all. In this blog, Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, one of the best fertility specialist in Pune talks about why some women suffer from severe menstrual cramps, and what can be done to alleviate this pain.

Why Do Menstrual Cramps Occur?

The pain during menstruation is caused by the release of a hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone is responsible for contracting the uterus to expel the lining (endometrium) and blood that has built up during the menstrual cycle. The uterus has three layers:

1. Serosa (outermost layer)
2. Muscle layer (myometrium)
3. Endometrium (innermost layer)

When the muscle layer contracts to shed the endometrial lining, prostaglandins can irritate the nerves, causing pain. Here are some conditions that can make this pain more severe:

1. Fibroids: Uterine fibroids, particularly those in the muscle layer or endometrium, can cause intense pain during the uterus’s pumping action.
2. Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the endometrial tissue migrates outside the uterus, sometimes attaching to the ovaries or other areas, causing pain when it contracts.
3. Adenomyosis: When endometrial cells are found in the muscle layer of the uterus, it leads to painful cramps.
4. Cervical Stenosis: If the cervix is tightly closed, it can obstruct blood flow, causing increased pressure and pain.

Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

Thankfully, there are both home remedies and medical treatments available to manage menstrual cramps:

Home Remedies:

• Dietary Changes: Avoid salty foods, junk food, and MSG-heavy meals (like Chinese takeout), especially a few days before your period. Excess salt leads to water retention and bloating, which can increase cramping.
• Exercise: Regular exercise before your period helps reduce water retention and eases cramps by improving blood flow.
• Herbal Remedies: Ajwain (carom seeds) water and cinnamon powder are known to help relieve menstrual pain.
• Yoga and Stretching: Gentle yoga and stretching exercises relax the muscles, providing relief from cramps.

Medical Treatments:

• Over-the-counter Medications: Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid (Meftal-Spas) are commonly prescribed to manage menstrual pain. Taking these medications occasionally does not cause side effects, but if you rely on them frequently, consult your doctor for further evaluation.
• Evening Primrose Oil: Capsules made from this flower are effective in providing relief from menstrual cramps.
• Other Options: In severe cases, a doctor may recommend an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to identify any underlying conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.

Conclusion

Menstrual cramps are common, but they can vary in intensity. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a positive attitude can go a long way in managing period pain. If you’re struggling with severe pain, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

If you need more information or want to consult, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to help answer your questions.