Menstrual cramps are so painful that I doubt my life, how to relieve and regulate

Menstrual cramps, also known as menstrual pain or menstrual pain, are a common physiological phenomenon for many women during menstruation. Menstrual cramps are usually caused by excessive uterine contractions, poor blood circulation, or fluctuations in hormone levels. While menstrual cramps are a natural phenomenon, for many women, it can affect their daily life and work, and even affect their mood and quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to help relieve menstrual cramps and make women more comfortable during menstruation.

What are the causes of menstrual cramps?

There are many causes of menstrual cramps, mainly including the following:

1. Cervical stenosis: The cervical canal is the passage connecting the uterus and the vagina, if the cervical canal is too narrow, the menstrual blood will be obstructed, resulting in pain. This condition usually occurs in adolescent women, and as the reproductive organs mature, the cervical canal gradually widens and the symptoms of dysmenorrhea lessen or disappear.

2. Uterine hypoplasia: Congenital uterine hypoplasia refers to the difference in size, shape and function of the uterus from that of normal women. This condition can cause poor blood flow during menstruation, which can lead to menstrual cramps. For such patients, treatment under the guidance of a doctor is required to improve symptoms.

3. Endocrine disorder: Endocrine disorder refers to the imbalance of hormone levels in the body, resulting in physiological dysfunction. The growth of the endometrium is affected by hormones, and if too much or too little hormone is secreted, it can cause the endometrium to thicken abnormally or shed incompletely, which can trigger menstrual cramps. In addition, endocrine disorders such as thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia can also cause dysmenorrhea.

4. Pelvic organic diseases: such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, etc. These disorders can cause structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs, affecting normal physiological functions, which can lead to dysmenorrhea. This type of dysmenorrhea usually needs to be resolved with medication or surgery.

5. Psychological factors: long-term mental pressure, anxiety, depression and other bad emotions will affect women’s endocrine balance, leading to endocrine disorders, which can lead to dysmenorrhea. Therefore, maintaining a good mindset is very important to relieve the symptoms of menstrual cramps.

6. Lifestyle habits: Bad lifestyle habits, such as irregular diet, lack of sleep, overwork, etc., may lead to endocrine disorders and aggravate dysmenorrhea symptoms. Maintaining a regular routine, eating a reasonable diet, and exercising properly can help improve the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Are there any side effects from taking painkillers?

In order to relieve the discomfort caused by menstrual cramps, many people choose to take painkillers. However, the side effects of taking painkillers for menstrual cramps vary from person to person, and different medications may have different effects and side effects.

In general, medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safer pain relievers. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce pain and inflammation during menstrual cramps. Acetaminophen is a common antipyretic analgesic and can also provide relief for mild to moderate menstrual cramps. The side effects of these two drugs are relatively minor, but it is still necessary to pay attention to the method of use and precautions. If you have stomach ulcers, asthma, etc., it is not recommended to take NSAIDs. Because these drugs may worsen the symptoms of the disease or cause other adverse effects. In this case, it is advisable to consult a doctor and choose a pain medication that is suitable for you.

What else can you do besides taking painkillers?

First of all, using a warm patch is a very effective way to relieve the symptoms of menstrual cramps. These patches can generate heat in the lower abdomen, which helps to maintain the temperature of the uterus, which reduces pain. In addition, the patch can also help improve blood circulation and further relieve menstrual cramps.

Secondly, warm compresses are also a very effective adjunct treatment for relieving menstrual cramps. You can use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to apply a warm compress, which can help relax muscles and improve blood flow, which can reduce pain. Warm compresses not only relieve menstrual cramps, but also help you relax your body and fall into a deep sleep.

In addition to this, there are a few other lifestyle changes that can also help relieve menstrual cramp symptoms. For example, maintaining a good diet and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol intake can worsen menstrual cramps. In addition, regular exercise can also help improve blood circulation and reduce menstrual cramps.

Dysmenorrhea is a common gynaecological symptom with a variety of causes. For mild dysmenorrhea, it can be relieved by adjusting lifestyle habits and maintaining a good attitude; Women with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea or other symptoms should seek medical attention promptly so that the cause can be identified and targeted treatment can be given.

References:

“The Five “Masterminds” Behind Menstrual Cramps! These 4 tips to prevent menstrual cramps are indispensable! 》. Physiotherapy Encyclopedia.2023-09-01