Women have, at some point or the other, had to face uterine cramps as well as excruciating pain around the time of their period, typically in the abdomen, back or thighs.
Most people first notice menstrual cramps about six months to a year after getting their first period. At first, it may come and go, but later, it turns into a monthly occurrence. And this pain, experts say, isn’t one to be ignored.
“For the first few years, periods is generally painless, as cycles are anovulatory. As the pituitary-ovarian axis matures and cycles become ovulatory, it’s common to have mild dysmenorrhea just before and during periods.
Which comes as discomfort around the lower abdomen, lower back and thighs,” explains Dr Nisha Kapoor, director and HOD, obstetrics gynaecology and advanced gynae laparoscopy, QRG Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad.
“Due to social taboos the pain during menses affecting daily routine is accepted as a normal aspect of the menstrual cycle and therefore is tolerated, women do not report it and do not seek medical care,” feels Dr Rahul Manchanda, Senior Consultant, Endoscopic Gyneacology, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr Anjali Kumar, founder and senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Maitri Woman’s Health, says pain can be of two types: “One is primary dysmenorrhoea, which is caused due to chemical substances called prostaglandins, which are released from the uterus.
This usually subsides within a couple of days during periods and does not require any special medical treatment, except some home remedies or mild painkillers. However, secondary dysmenorrhoea is usually caused due to certain diseases of the genital tract such as pelvic infections, adenomyosis, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.”
Causes
Finding out what’s causing painful menstrual cycles isn’t always easy. Some women are simply more prone to unpleasant moments than others. “A family history of painful periods, smoking, having excessive bleeding during periods, irregular periods, never having had a baby and hitting puberty before the age of 11, are all risk factors.
Endometriosis, fibroids in the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Adenomyosis, and cervical stenosis are all medical conditions that can cause painful menstrual cycles,” shares Dr Manisha Ranjan, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Noida.
Easing the pain
Physical activity can boost energy levels and reduce the intensity of period pain. Walking at an average pace helps to loosen pelvic muscles and alleviate pain associated with menstrual cramps. Also, planks strengthen the back and help to reduce the discomfort during periods.