Period Pains and Their Possible Causes

Posted by drdesouza on Dec 7, 2011 in GP Services, Women's Health | 6 comments

Worried about unbearable abdominal pains during menstruation? Not in all cases are they considered serious. In fact, some may be managed at home.

 Cramps are very common during menstruation, especially at the start of the cycle. Usually, these follow an episode of discomfort felt just before menstruation (premenstrual syndrome), although both (premenstrual and menstrual cramps) are not related to each other. When a menstrual cycle starts, the womb starts to contract. This is a normal reaction which tends to shed the inner walls of the womb and produce menstrual bleeding.

 Cramps are normally felt on the first and second days of each menstruation, which occurs on and off, usually lasting for 15 to 30 seconds per cramp with a resting interval of about 10 minutes. Normally, it decreases in intensity. In some others, for instance in those who are more sensitive to pain or those who produce higher amount of hormones called “prostoglandins”, pains tend to be felt more intensely and sometimes can be accompanied by shivers, sweating and weakness. This stage of severe pain can interfere in one’s daily chores. Usually, women who experience such pain tend to lie in bed most of the time in a fetal position (bent at the hips and knees resembling a fetus). Increased prostoglandins are one of the causes of contractions of certain muscular organs in the body, including the uterus and the rectum. Thus, women often feel the urge to defecate during menstruation.

 Common period pains can be managed with mild anelgesics, over-the-counter non-inflammatory agents, warm compression and, of course, a lot of rest. Heavy activities tend to contract the womb even more, thus intensifying the pain.

 Fifty percent of all women have menstrual pains, 15% of them complaining them to be “unbearable”. These cramps are most often felt in girls who have just started their periods. They usually subside when menstruation stabilizes, normally after 6 to 12 months.

 More severe and serious cramps include those which are constant, worsen by the day, accompanied with heavy bleeding, prolong throughout the menstruation and has no effect whatsoever when remedies are taken. Underlying causes of such pains are more severe. At this stage, it is best to consult a doctor.

Dr (Ms) De Souza

MD (Russia), M Med (Obs&Gyn)