It’s that time of the month again, and your monthly visitor is already causing pain. How do you handle it? What is the best dysmenorrhea remedy that can help ease the pain?
What Is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea refers to the painful menstrual periods experienced by women. Some may experience mild symptoms that are tolerable. But others may have frequent and severe cramps that may prevent them from doing their daily activities.
Women commonly experience these cramping pains in the lower stomach area shortly before and throughout their periods.
Other conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can also cause menstrual cramps. However, menstrual cramps that aren’t caused by another condition tend to fade as you get older, and they usually improve after you give birth to a child.
The key to minimizing pain is to address the underlying cause and find a dysmenorrhea remedy that works best for you.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea has two different types: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to describe persistent menstrual cramps that aren’t caused by other conditions.
It starts when you first get your period and may reoccur for the rest of your life. Due to strong and atypical uterine contractions, it can produce severe and frequent menstrual cramping with mild to severe pain felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs.
You may also experience other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or even diarrhea.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
When the pain is due to another physical cause or other conditions from the female reproductive system, it is usually referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea. In such cases, the right dysmenorrhea remedy may involve treatment of the underlying condition.
Some conditions of the female reproductive organs are:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Cervical stenosis
- Fibroids (benign tumors)
The discomfort from secondary dysmenorrhea typically starts earlier in the menstrual cycle and may last longer than regular period cramps.
Unlike in primary dysmenorrhea, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea are not common side effects.
Causes of Dysmenorrhea
When the uterus contracts abnormally, it might cause a painful period. This is due to a chemical issue within the body involving prostaglandin, which is responsible for regulating uterine contractions. Finding the right dysmenorrhea remedy can help you manage the pain.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
The tell-tale signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful cramps in the lower abdomen (may be severe or intense)
- Lower back pain
- Pain from the hips, lower back, and down to the legs
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fainting
- Headache and/or dizziness
Dysmenorrhea symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses or medical disorders. Make sure to discuss your concerns with the doctor to find a suitable dysmenorrhea remedy for you.
Dysmenorrhea Remedy and Treatment
Mild menstrual cramps can be treated at home by doing the following:
- Rest as much as needed.
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
- Use a heating pad and place it on the lower abdomen (the use of a hot water bottle may be an alternative).
- Massage lower back and abdomen.
- Exercise regularly.
Below is a list of things you should avoid might as well avoid to reduce the pain:
- Avoid caffeinated drinks and foods.
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
Other dysmenorrhea remedies and methods that may come helpful include:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture and acupressure
- Relaxation or breathing exercises
- Physical therapy and other nerve stimulation therapies
Key Takeaways
Every woman has a menstrual battle they fight every month. And knowing a good dysmenorrhea remedy can help you manage the pain. It is still essential to consult your doctor to understand and address your situation accordingly.
Learn more about Menstruation here.
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