Pain during menstruation: main causes and ways to relieve pain. Causes of severe pain during menstruation

Every month women have their period. Nobody likes this period, and some look forward to it with fear because of the terrible cramping pain. There are times when a representative of the fairer sex is forced to stay at home and call an ambulance because she feels terrible. What causes severe pain during menstruation, how to prevent their occurrence and relieve cramps if they have already appeared, you need to know in order to be able to help yourself before visiting a doctor.

Why does my lower abdomen hurt?

Dysmenorrhea- these are the ones that accompany menstruation. They arise due to the fact that within a month the epithelium grows in the uterus, to which the embryo will attach after fertilization, and if this does not happen, the body gets rid of it through bleeding. Doctors have found that it is impossible to get pregnant on the first day of the cycle.

During menstruation, a woman experiences slight malaise, discomfort in the abdomen and fatigue. However, this does not prevent her from adhering to the usual rhythm of life. If your critical days are very painful and your cycle is irregular, then you need to consult a gynecologist.

Types of pain during menstruation

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary.

Primary occurs within two years from the beginning of the girl’s first menstruation in her life. It is not associated with any pathologies, and the pain is natural and occurs due to the expulsion of an unfertilized egg from the ovary. This type of malaise usually disappears after the first birth. With primary dysmenorrhea, the cycle does not go astray, but remains normal and regular.

Secondary, or as it is also called, acquired dysmenorrhea, occurs due to diseases and changes in the genital organs. It appears more often in women over 30 years of age and is accompanied by cardiac arrhythmia, tachycardia and vegetative-vascular abnormalities (dizziness).

If the unpleasant sensations do not change over the years, then such dysmenorrhea is called compensated. If the pain only intensifies with age, then, accordingly, it is decompensated.

Types of associated ailments

In addition to nagging pain in the genital area, menstruation may be accompanied by:

Discomfort in the heart.
Severe headaches or migraines.
Fatigue quickly.
Unpleasant sensations in the eye area.
Sleep disturbance.
Pressure surges.
Irritability and depressed mood.
Swelling.
Mood swings.
Pain in the lower back.
Dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Increased sweating.
Breast pain or tenderness.
Constipation, diarrhea or other abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Severity of dysmenorrhea

There are 4 types of pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation:

Causes of menstrual pain

Menstrual pain can occur due to the following factors.

Incorrect location of internal organs, in particular the uterus.
Formed adhesions and scars after artificial termination of pregnancy (abortion).
Heredity.
Constant psycho-emotional stress.
Lack of iron, calcium and magnesium in the body.
Hormonal imbalances.
Avitaminosis.
Installed intrauterine device.
Ectopic pregnancy.
Sedentary and inactive lifestyle.
Inflammation in the pelvis.
Diseases such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis.
Formation of cysts or polyps in the uterus.
Sexually transmitted infections.

If the sensations do not interfere with the girl’s normal activity, then there is no need to worry and draw hasty conclusions. If the spasms interfere very much and cannot be tolerated, then you need to consult a specialist.

Treatment of dysmenorrhea

When medications no longer help to get rid of terrible symptoms and a woman is forced to give up all her duties for several days every month, then an examination by a gynecologist is vitally important.

Most of the medications your doctor will prescribe are aimed at reducing the amount of prostaglandins produced and thereby reducing the contractions of the uterus that cause attacks.

The doctor may prescribe low-dose hormonal drugs - oral contraceptives. Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs and antispasmodics will also have an effect.

Some time before the onset of menstruation, the doctor prescribes complex medications that include iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamins. You need to drink them in advance so that by the beginning of the cycle the necessary microelements accumulate in the body and have the desired effect.

Electrophoresis and UHF provide pain relief and warming. These procedures will help relieve pain, but it is also better to start them in advance.

Treatment at home

If menstruation is regular, the pain is tolerable and there is no need to reconsider your schedule, then you can alleviate the patient’s condition at home in the following ways:

Lie down for a while in the fetal position (on your side with your legs tucked in).
Stand under a warm shower, which will relax your muscles and dilate your blood vessels.
Massage the abdomen in a clockwise circular motion and massage the lower back.
Attend a yoga class or do some exercise at home (rotate your body in different directions, bend over).
Take an antispasmodic or pain reliever.
Before and after menstruation, take baths with sea salt for about 20 minutes. During cramps, apply compresses from it to the lower abdomen.
An ice pack for 15 minutes will help relieve tension and reduce bleeding.
Drink mint and chamomile tea several times a day.
If there are no contraindications, you can rub a solution of essential oils into the lower abdomen and sacrum: 5 drops of sage and yarrow and 50 ml of St. John's wort.

For prevention, doctors advise doing yoga and swimming, which relax the muscles. You should not overwork, be very nervous and drink alcohol, especially during and before menstruation. Limit your intake of bloating foods and sugary foods. But chocolate, on the contrary, will help the production of endorphins. It is best to lead a healthy lifestyle and get rid of the causes of pain during menstruation than to suffer and treat their consequences in the future.

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is a common condition for many women during the menstrual cycle. Scientifically, this phenomenon is referred to as “algomenorrhea” (dysmenorrhea).

Statistics show that about 70-80% of women suffer from pain during menstruation. To eliminate all kinds of unpleasant symptoms, it is first necessary to understand the etymology of pain.

Having found out the causes of pain, you can understand: is this a common phenomenon inherent in natural processes in a woman’s body, or is it a reason to immediately consult a doctor and how to reduce pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods

During menstruation, the uterine tissue produces prostaglandin, which provokes its contraction.

The severity of pain depends on the level of this hormone. Doctors distinguish two groups of causes of menstrual pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Inherent in women under 35 years of age and adolescents. With primary algomenorrhea, hormonal changes occur associated with an increase in the amount of prostaglandin.

In simple words, the causes of cramping pain and vascular spasm are hormonal disorders and a state of anxiety and stress. It is observed that teenage girls experience especially severe pain.

Symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea:

Headache.
Stool disorder.
Pain of the same intensity throughout the entire cycle.

In addition to nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar area, reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and fainting may occur. In the absence of serious problems, discomfort disappears with age, as well as after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Women over 35 years of age are susceptible.

Secondary algomenorrhea is a sign of inflammatory diseases and pathologies of the pelvic organs.

It may be associated with the development of fibromatous nodes, pelvic neuritis, endometriosis, fibroids, polyps in the uterus, as well as the consequences of gynecological and abdominal operations (abdominal adhesions).

An intrauterine device can also cause severe pain during menstruation. Bleeding and pain in this case are more intense. A visit to a gynecologist is the first thing to do in such situations, who will already tell you how to get rid of abdominal pain during menstruation.

Causes of painful periods not related to reproductive system problems:

Imbalance of the female genital organs, excessive activity of the thyroid gland.
Intrauterine device.
High threshold of sensitivity to changes in the body.
Instability of the nervous system.
Pain due to abortion or childbirth.
Incorrect position of the uterus.
Hereditary predisposition.
Deficiency of magnesium, calcium.
Unbalanced diet.

Women suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea have low libido, they feel dissatisfaction with their sex life, a tendency to depression, a depressed state, and sometimes even psychological deviations can be observed.

At the same time, cure for diseases associated with algomenorrhea contributes to the almost complete cessation of pain during critical days. But with younger, healthier looking women the situation is more complicated.

If discomfort increases, heavy bleeding, nausea, or migraines appear, you should immediately consult a specialist, take the recommended tests, undergo an ultrasound examination, which will help you figure out how to relieve pain during painful periods.

Attention!
In case of primary algomenorrhea, it is important to preserve the first pregnancy.
The first medical abortion (consequences) in a woman with painful menstruation can provoke the development of further infertility and aggravate pain during menstruation.
After pregnancy, in most cases, pain during menstruation decreases.

Pain Relief Methods

There are many ways to get rid of pain during menstruation that give a noticeable effect.

They can also be used at home (subject to existing contraindications).

Let's take a closer look at each of the categories that provide the answer to how to reduce or alleviate pain during menstruation without pills and at home.

Medications

This method is suitable for those who are adherents of traditional medical technologies in treatment, resolving the issue of how to relieve pain during menstruation if the lower abdomen hurts.

Over-the-counter medications. In this category are NSAIDs, that is, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example ibuprofen.
Antispasmodics. These include “No-shpa”, “Ketonal”, “Spazmalgon”, “Analgin”.
Sedative. Pain caused by stress or overexcitation of the nervous system can be treated with a common sedative (for example, valerian).

Before using medications, consult your doctor!

Before using medications to relieve abdominal pain, you should consult a doctor or independently study all its aspects according to the instructions. Another category of drug treatment is oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

In this case, medications are taken strictly as prescribed by a specialist. Contraceptives contain hormones that restore hormonal levels in a woman’s body and thereby relieve menstrual pain.

Birth control pills are used for daily use. They are affordable and sold in almost all pharmacies.

Contraceptive methods for eliminating pain in the lower abdomen also include contraceptive patches, a contraceptive vaginal ring, hormonal injections, and an intrauterine device. Before using these remedies to relieve pain, you should consult your doctor.

Folk recipes:

Raspberry leaves- Pour 3 teaspoons of leaves into 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, take in small sips throughout the day.
Elecampane root- Pour 1 teaspoon into a glass of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Horsetail- to prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. pour 300 ml of boiling water into a spoon, leave for one hour, take 50 mg every hour, increase the dosing interval as the pain subsides.

ethnoscience

An option for those who are interested in home treatment methods.

Alternative ways to relieve menstrual pain without pills include:

Warm. In some cases, ordinary heat has an even greater effect than medications. A heating pad or thermal patch applied to the lower abdomen (for no more than 10-15 minutes) will help relax the muscles and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Adhesive patches are very comfortable and retain heat for a long time. An alternative option could also be a warm bath, shower, or swimming in the pool.
Water will soothe the pain. After water procedures, it is recommended to put on warm clothes and lie down for a couple of hours.
Behavioral or imagery intervention. Relaxation, a positive attitude, and breathing exercises have a positive effect on your emotional state. These techniques help take your mind off the pain.
This also includes doing your favorite things: chatting on the Internet with friends, playing computer games, reading books, magazines, watching an interesting movie.
Massage. Lightly stroking the abdomen (clockwise) will reduce discomfort and relieve cramps. In this case, you should lie down and place some object under your feet so that they are in an elevated position.
Do not press too hard on your stomach and lower back, this will relax the muscles and eliminate pain.
Herbs. Hot tea from the leaves of lemon balm, raspberry, chamomile, cherry, nettle, as well as other warm infusions will help with painful periods.
If you are not allergic, you can optionally add honey to the decoctions. To improve your well-being, it is recommended to drink as much fluid as possible during menstrual periods.
Other techniques. This group contains ways to relieve menstrual pain that are available at home. Adopting the correct position will help reduce discomfort.
To do this, you need to lie on your side and curl up, that is, take the fetal position. This condition will help relieve the pain a little and get rid of the discomfort that occurs during blood flow to the genitals.
Another way to relieve pain is “belly breathing.” The procedure must be done in the following sequence: place a book on your stomach, take a slow breath, while lifting the book with your lower abdomen.
Having raised it to a certain height, pause in this state. Repeat the exercise for 2-5 minutes.

Nutrition

Pain during menstrual periods is often caused by a woman’s poor diet. There are several rules that, if followed, can significantly reduce the possibility of unpleasant sensations:

Limiting the amount of dairy, flour, and meat products in the diet. Recommended before menstruation and throughout the entire cycle.
More vegetable juices. Green vegetables and berries contain antioxidants that fight various inflammations.
Take the recommended amount of vitamin and mineral complexes. They should contain vitamins A, E, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, iron. These drugs are prescribed after passing the appropriate tests.
Limiting the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Drinks containing alcohol can cause fluid retention in the body and bloating. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, which can reduce the flow of blood into the uterus and increase painful cramps.
The day before your period, take a fasting day.

Physical exercise

Moderate physical activity for pain in the lower back and abdomen will help relieve discomfort. Leisurely walking walks in the open air will also be in order.

A set of exercises to reduce pain during menstruation:

Starting position: lying on your back. Raise your legs at an angle of about 90 degrees. Stay in this position for several minutes.
Starting position: lying on your stomach. Resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your chest and bend as much as possible.
Starting position: lying on your back. Bend your legs at the knees. Bend your stomach up, resting on your feet. Smoothly lower down.

Physical activity leads to the production of endorphins in the body, i.e. natural pain relievers. Walking, jogging, working out in the gym, cycling, swimming - this whole set of exercises will help with the problem to one degree or another.

Using herbal decoctions during menstruation, following a diet along with exercise can give an even more pronounced effect. Pilates and yoga have also proven themselves well as painkillers that work on muscle tone.

Preventing the occurrence of painful sensations

A healthy lifestyle is the best option for preventing various diseases, including pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation.

Take an integrated approach to pain management!

Quitting harmful habits that aggravate the condition, such as smoking, alcohol, drugs.
Limiting the consumption of hot and spicy foods, coffee.
Regular sex life. On average up to 3-4 times a week.
Positive emotions, avoiding stress and hypothermia.
Regular physical activity (dancing, running, yoga, swimming).

If you have persistent, ongoing pain during menstruation, you should consult a doctor..

You can find additional information on this topic in the section.

Pain during the menstrual cycle is common. As a rule, menstrual pain is quite tolerable and does not interfere with everyday activities; three quarters of women of reproductive age experience it. However, 10% of women experience severe pain during menstruation, which can cause significant discomfort. This pain syndrome is called algodismenorrhea (dysmenorrhea).

Experts distinguish between two forms of dysmenorrhea. The primary form is typical for all women and occurs, as a rule, one to two years after the onset of menstruation, and the secondary form is caused by changes in the structure and pathologies of the uterus or pelvic organs. The secondary form of dysmenorrhea can lead to cycle disorders, early menopause and infertility.

If you notice that the pain before and during menstruation has become sharply dynamic or that special, unprecedented symptoms have arisen, you need to undergo a thorough examination. Our clinic’s specialists have been treating the female reproductive system for a long time; they will conduct a thorough diagnosis and recommend a number of necessary measures.

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Symptoms of dysmenorrhea

Often, pain during menstruation is accompanied by general weakness, chills, headaches, increased sweating, diarrhea, nausea and even vomiting are possible.

However, pain during menstruation can be accompanied by more serious symptoms. If you have a stomach ache after menstruation, abnormal stools (there is blood in it or its color has turned black), fainting, a rash appears on the body, discharge has become more abundant, and painkillers do not improve your well-being, you urgently need to consult a gynecologist.

Pain during menstruation: causes

Pain during menstruation is cramping in nature and is felt in the lower abdomen. Sometimes it “gives” to the lumbar region, hips, groin or external genitalia.

The cause of such pain during menstruation is the rejection of the endometrium of the uterus (mucous membrane), which is accompanied by blood loss. In order to reject the endometrium, the uterus actively contracts, and therefore pain occurs.

Another reason why your stomach hurts during your period is hormonal imbalance. The levels of progesterone and estrogen change chaotically in relation to each other. When progesterone levels decrease, prostaglandins take its place. They are responsible for contraction of the uterus, and the more of them above normal, the more pronounced the pain syndrome.

If your lower abdomen hurts after your period, this is often a sign of inflammation of the uterus or appendages. Normally, after the end of the cycle there should be no pain at all.

Progesterone itself, on the contrary, prepares the uterus to accept the embryo and is designed to relax it. A relaxed uterus increases in size and women experience harmless bloating. As a rule, this process occurs before the start of the cycle and this is what explains why the stomach hurts before menstruation (usually 2-3 days before it).

If pain in the lower abdomen is observed a week before menstruation, this may be a sign of endometriosis - the growth of the inner layer of the uterus outside the organ. This is a pathology and can lead to the inability to get pregnant or other pathological processes. Problems with the organs of the reproductive system are also indicated by an increase in temperature before menstruation (basal), which is combined with severe pain.

We should also talk about why breasts hurt before menstruation. The cause of this type of pain is also hormonal levels, which, remember, changes during menstruation.

During the second phase of the cycle (luteal), the sensitivity of the breasts and nipples increases. This is caused by an increase in the amount of epithelial tissue in the mammary ducts. As a result, an increase in breast density, slight swelling, and enlarged glands are observed. If your breasts stop hurting before your period, this indicates that pregnancy has not occurred.

As a rule, in the last days of bleeding, discomfort in the chest area goes away. If this does not happen, the woman probably has some kind of gynecological disease. You should also examine the glands themselves for mastopathy, infections or cancer.

Chest pain before menstruation sometimes has an unusual character. Thus, a common complaint is pain only under the left breast. This is a sign of gastrointestinal problems, vegetative-vascular and cardiac disorders.

Tension in the pelvic area, water imbalance and the same hormonal changes explain why the lower back hurts during menstruation. A lot depends on the nature of the pain. Thus, severe pain in the lumbar region indicates a backward deviation of the uterus (in this case it touches the nerve trunks innervating the pelvic organs), its inflammation or diseases of the genitourinary system, ectopic pregnancy, or incorrectly selected intrauterine devices. Mild, intermittent lower back pain may be an echo of normal menstrual pain in the lower abdomen.

Since the body needs strength to reject the endometrium of the uterus, it accumulates fluid. The reason why you get a headache before your period lies in a violation of the water-salt balance. In this case, it is accompanied by swelling of the face and limbs. However, headaches can occur due to stress (mood swings before menstruation) and problems with blood circulation in the brain.

Factors that cause pain during menstruation are also:

low endorphins

lowered pain threshold in women

insufficiency of the luteal phase of the cycle compared to the follicular phase

pelvic circulatory disorders due to physical inactivity (inactive lifestyle)

consequences of artificial abortion

pathologies of the reproductive system (including those associated with hereditary factors)

An important indicator of a woman’s reproductive health is the basal temperature before menstruation. Before the start of the cycle, it increases, because menstruation is stressful for the body. It is best to measure it immediately after sleep, while lying in bed. Within an hour after waking up, temperature readings vary chaotically, so the temperature is measured rectally or vaginally within the first five minutes after waking up, and orally - within three minutes.

Normal basal temperature during menstruation is 36.9 - 37.2˚C. An alarming sign is its increase with the onset of menstruation. Thus, an indicator of 37.5˚ C at normal body temperature indicates possible endometritis. If such numbers are observed during ovulation, and on the last day of bleeding they drop sharply, the cause may be a miscarriage at an early stage of fetal development.

Many people are scared by a basal temperature of 37˚C before menstruation: they don’t understand what it means and why it appears. In fact, this indicates a normal menstrual cycle, it’s just how the body reacts to the riot of hormones that occurs at this time. Just before the onset of menstruation, the temperature drops, during the cycle it continues to decrease, and returns to normal only at the end of menstruation. Let us remember that sudden changes in basal temperature in combination with severe pain are a sign of diseases of the reproductive system.

If the basal temperature is stable both during ovulation and menstruation, this indicates pregnancy and explains why the mammary glands hurt before menstruation.

Since pain during menstruation can be a symptom of several diseases at once, consulting one doctor may not be enough. In our clinic you will find all the necessary specialists who will conduct a comprehensive examination and select effective treatment individually for each specific case.

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Pain during menstruation: what to do

Before and during the menstrual cycle, a diet is advisable. You should consume more fruits and vegetables (except those that cause fermentation), and increase your average daily water intake. Bran and grains are very useful during this period, since the fiber they contain helps the normal functioning of the intestines (due to the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation, the pressure on it increases). Natural pain relievers for menstruation are recommended: herbal infusions from raspberry branches, chamomile, lemon balm and mint leaves. Apples, buckwheat porridge and liver, cooked in any form, will help restore the level of lost iron. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of coffee, salt and sugar, meat and fatty dairy products, baked goods

A good way to get rid of pain during menstruation is a warm shower. It should be taken no more than 15 minutes, this will relax the muscles and reduce pain

Abdominal massage is also effective. Movements should be made in a circle, similar to a clockwise direction. This can reduce tension in the abdominal muscles and lower back, which in turn will reduce pain.

When your stomach hurts during menstruation, you can relieve cramps by sleeping in the fetal position - lying on your side with your knees pulled up to your stomach. This position relaxes the body as much as possible, which is very effective in relieving menstrual discomfort.

At the same time, do not forget about moderate physical activity. For example, walking can also help reduce pain levels. Basic exercises are also useful in this regard (exclude only complex long-term workouts, as well as moving heavy objects). Many women talk about the effectiveness of yoga breathing exercises. They help reduce pain during menstruation and normalize the nervous system.

It's worth pampering yourself. It is known that stress or anxiety increases pain by at least a third. Do what is synonymous with comfort for you. A cup of chocolate, visiting your favorite cafe with close friends, engaging in hobbies, etc. will significantly relieve pain.

The topic of sex during menstruation causes a lot of controversy. Pain and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen during menstruation are associated with impaired circulation of the pelvic vessels. You can reduce discomfort thanks to orgasm, because it causes the uterus to contract, and during this the blood vessels narrow. According to statistics, women who are sexually active during this period practically do not take painkillers during menstruation. Thus, sex during menstruation is quite beneficial. The main thing is to use condoms, because during the menstrual cycle the uterus is very susceptible to foreign microorganisms

When the stomach hurts during menstruation, each woman chooses independently what to do and what measures to take. If the above tips do not help, you need to take pills for period pain. However, only a doctor can correctly prescribe a pain reliever.

There are women who consider critical days to be the most terrible days in their lives. Dysmenorrhea, or very severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which can only be identified by a gynecologist, simply unsettles women. Such symptoms are not normal, but indicate serious health problems. You cannot hesitate here; you should consult a doctor for help as soon as possible.

What is the menstrual period

Menstruation, or menstruation, is the process of shedding a certain part of the endometrium, during which bleeding occurs. menstruation is considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle. During this period, a woman cannot become pregnant.

During monthly bleeding, intense contraction of the uterine muscles occurs. Vascular spasms occur, which prevents adequate tissue nutrition, and therefore severe pain occurs during menstruation. The reasons for this lie in the increased level of prostaglandins in the blood. That is, throughout the entire month, the uterus prepares for fertilization of the egg, and its internal cavity is covered with small blood vessels, which should nourish the embryo in the event of conception. If pregnancy does not occur, then these tissues become unnecessary for the body. He seeks to get rid of them by bleeding.

The situation is reminiscent of a “mini-birth”, where the uterus contracts and tries to push out unnecessary tissue, opening the cervix. Moderate pain is quite acceptable here, but severe pain indicates health problems. You don’t need to endure them and you need to do everything possible to get rid of monthly pain.

Severe pain during menstruation: causes

As a rule, behind such an uncomfortable state lies a number of different factors, these are:

disruption of a woman’s hormonal levels;
inflammation of the uterus or appendages;
endometriosis, including adenomyosis;
fibroids (fibroids) or any other formation in the uterus;
polyps in the uterine environment;
disruption of progesterone production;
ovarian cyst;
ectopic pregnancy.

Severe pain during menstruation can cause stress and prolonged nervous tension. A specialist will help determine the reasons. So, you should contact a gynecologist if you have prolonged menstruation, which lasts more than seven days and is accompanied by very severe pain. You should go to the doctor if your body temperature rises to 38°C. Symptoms that occur for the first time in a woman are especially alarming. And severe pain in the first days of menstruation. The reasons need to be found out.

Type of dysmenorrhea

There are primary and secondary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The first occurs as a result of a failure in the production of progesterone. This is a kind of response to the non-fertilization of the egg. A woman experiences pain during the release of an egg from the ovary. In the absence of ovulation, the body begins to rebel and experiences a number of ailments. These are abdominal pain, migraine, dizziness and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, neuropsychological disorder, etc.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs if there is a place or appendages. In addition, pain in the lower abdomen may indicate an inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity or pregnancy. This could be the consequences of surgery, injury or a viral disease. Similar ailments are provoked by some methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy. For example, a spiral.

Types of ailments

Severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which often indicate health problems, can be different, these are:

headache (migraine);
discomfort, increased pressure in the eye area;
sudden jumps in blood pressure;
discomfort in the heart;
nausea, dizziness and vomiting;
excessive sweating;
depression, irritability;
mood swings;
sleep disturbance;
fast fatiguability;
swelling;
excessive breast sensitivity;
lower back pain;
disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, etc.).

It has been proven that most women experience some discomfort during menstruation (especially on the first day) between the ages of 13 and 45 years.

About pain syndrome of varying severity

Changes in blood chemistry during menstruation affect brain function, which causes migraines. This condition can be caused by a violation of the water-salt balance. In order for the body to fully carry out the procedure of cell rejection during the menstrual period, it accumulates fluid, which then participates in this process. Causes swelling of the limbs, joints and brain tissue. All this provokes severe headaches during and before menstruation.

Lower abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain during menstruation, the causes of which are different for each woman, occurs in many people. Moderate pain is considered normal, while severe pain indicates certain gynecological disorders.

Pain in the abdominal area can be mild, moderate or severe. Manifest in the depths of the pelvis as a dull, pulling or pressing pain. They can be constant or pulsating. It is considered normal to have a pain syndrome that begins to manifest itself before the onset of menstruation and goes away immediately after the end of menstruation.

Severe pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, the causes of which are often unknown, can occur in combination with migraines and be accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition cannot be considered normal. In this case, you should undergo a full medical examination.

Consequences of painful menstruation

Very severe pain during menstruation, the causes and consequences of which must be identified by a gynecologist, leads to complete loss of ability to work. They influence the well-being and psychological state of a woman.

Mild and moderate form does not cause complications. Average pain syndrome, provoked by diseases of the genital organs and pathologies, can progress in connection with the development of gynecological disease. In this case, the pain itself does not have any effect on the complication of the symptom.

Menstruation should not be accompanied by very severe pain that deprives a woman of full legal capacity. Treatment of such symptoms is not limited to painkillers; one should look for the true cause and eliminate it. Severe pain is debilitating. They are difficult to endure not only physically, but also emotionally, because it harms the nervous system. In addition, the constant use of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers causes addiction and a number of side effects.

Very painful critical days signal a serious problem in the body. It is simply necessary to treat such periods.

Diagnosis of painful menstruation

Severe pain during menstruation, the causes and treatment of which can be determined by correct diagnosis, is a real problem for women. To begin with, the lady should visit her gynecologist, who can prescribe the following:

hormone analysis;
performing a pelvic ultrasound;
laparoscopy;
curettage to examine intrauterine material;
general clinical examination;
Dopplerography of blood vessels.

In addition, a woman should constantly keep a diary of her monthly cycle and a calendar of critical days. All the symptoms that were present during this period are entered there. Duration of menstruation, abundance. All this helps to establish the severity of the disease. The specialist may also advise you to undergo examination by a neurologist, psychotherapist and osteopath. Often, at the end of the examination, a diagnosis of algomenorrhea is made. Depending on the severity, treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of menstrual pain

Menstrual pain affects 90% of women aged 18 to 35 years. Such pain is often intense, so timely administration of an effective analgesic helps patients restore the rhythm of life and completely eliminate menstrual pain.

Dialrapid is a fast-acting analgesic that eliminates pain of any intensity. Potassium bicarbonate acts as a pH buffer, ensuring the drug is completely dissolved in water, and subsequently creating a microenvironment around the active substance - potassium diclofenac. It is this microenvironment that promotes accelerated absorption and helps the drug to be completely absorbed by the body. Dialrapid shows a pronounced effect in the first 5 minutes after application. The powder is absorbed by the body almost as quickly as an injection, and unlike tablet analogues, it has a high peak plasma concentration.

Folk remedies that can reduce pain

Very severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which lie in diseases of a number of organs, can be eliminated by traditional medicine.

The pain symptom will help to remove. To prepare the infusion, pour a tablespoon of the herb into a mug (300 ml) of boiling water. Let it brew for an hour. Take 50 mg every hour and reduce the dose as the pain subsides.

Severe pain before menstruation, the causes of which are individual for each woman, can be relieved by water pepper. Two tablespoons of the plant are poured with half a liter of boiling water, after which the mixture is boiled over fire for another 10 minutes. Before use, the herbal infusion must be cooled and strained. Take 100 grams three times a day.

Collecting the following herbs will help relieve pain: knotweed, centaury, horsetail, in a ratio of 1:3:1:5. Here a tablespoon of the mixture is steamed with a glass of boiled water. They insist for an hour. Drink one sip at a time

Elecampane root helps cope with pain. Pour a teaspoon of boiled water into a glass, wait an hour, and filter. Take a tablespoon in the morning, lunch and evening.

These and other folk recipes can overcome menstrual pain, so they cannot be discounted.

Preventive measures

Severe pain during menstruation causes many problems. How to treat it without medications and what to do so that such a symptom does not bother you in the future? So, the following measures help eliminate the cause and have a preventive effect on the body:

Correct daily routine.
Full sleep.
Physical exercise, including swimming.
Diet menu with a predominance of raw vegetables and fruits.
Drink the right amount of water, at least 1.5 liters per day.
Quitting bad habits (alcohol and cigarettes).
Relaxation and relief from stress and depression.
Yoga, acupuncture, massage, electrophoresis with novocaine.
Soothing herbal tea.
Bath with essential oils.

Such events will have the best impact on a woman’s health, her well-being and will reduce the pain of menstruation. They can relieve such discomfort forever.

There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult a specialist.

Menstruation is a natural process for all women of reproductive age. Their arrival signals that the female reproductive system is fully mature and ready to bear offspring. In most cases, it causes only mild discomfort, but there are exceptions when painful periods completely disrupt the lifestyle and affect the performance of the fair sex.

Every woman of childbearing age should know exactly what to do during very painful periods, and in what cases it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment of painful menstruation.

Causes

Mild ones provoke uterine contractions, which contribute to the release of menstrual blood and the mucous layer of the uterus. If the excretion process is disrupted due to any factors, a woman becomes excruciatingly painful during her period. Too painful periods have a scientific name "" or "". In nulliparous women, the most common cause of painful periods is the incorrect location of the uterus, which compresses the nerve endings, causing pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and sacrum. This condition can also be caused by congenital anomalies of the female genital organs.

Painful menstruation occurs in women who suffer from the following diseases:

infectious pathologies (trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea). Most often, they are transmitted during sexual contact, contributing to the occurrence of purulent and inflammatory diseases of the appendages and uterus, which disrupts the cycle and aggravates painful symptoms. Both partners need to be treated for the disease. There are a number of infectious pathologies that can be contracted at home, these include candidiasis;
inflammatory processes. They can be provoked by non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, which contributes to the growth of opportunistic microflora - streptococci, staphylococcal infections, E. coli. Also, pathological reproduction of these microorganisms can be caused by hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, changes in the composition of microflora in other organs, etc. Cervicitis, endometritis or salpingitis can cause severe pain during regulation. These diseases must be treated, since inflammation can lead to bending, disruption of the blood vessels, the appearance of cysts, polyps, and even cause cancer;
benign and malignant neoplasms. In the case of cancer, painful periods sometimes become the only symptom of this pathology. As the tumor grows, it compresses blood vessels and nerves in the uterus and nearby organs. Due to the neoplasm, the shape of the uterus may change, menstrual blood stagnates, causing unbearable pain. As the tumor grows, the pain also intensifies;
endometriosis. With this disease, the cells of the inner layer of the uterus grow into other organs, and the regularity of the cycle is disrupted, and menstruation becomes longer and more painful, hormonal disorders caused by endometrioid cysts begin;
dysplasia, cervical erosion and other diseases associated with damage to the epithelial layer in the cervix;
hormonal dysfunction. It can be triggered by taking hormonal medications, sudden cancellation of prescribed hormonal contraceptives, disruption of the ovaries, thyroid or pituitary gland. Due to hormonal changes, metabolic disturbances occur, which provoke the development of diabetes mellitus or sudden changes in weight, both upward and excessive decrease;
consequences of childbirth and surgery. During childbirth or abortion, the ligaments that fix the uterus can be damaged, so its normal location is disrupted, which causes severe pain during regulation. Bends may occur in which blood stagnates and inflammatory processes occur.

Algomenorrhea can be inherited, so if a grandmother or mother had too painful periods, then with a high degree of probability this pathology will be passed on to her daughter.

Associated symptoms

With painful periods, it is important to pay attention not only to the nature of the pain, but also to the accompanying symptoms. Algomenorrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

nausea up to vomiting, diarrhea;
severe headache;
increased sweating, hot flashes, dizziness and fainting;
sharp, jumping pulse or increased heart rate;
weakness, muscle and joint pain.

The duration of the monthly discharge itself may be disrupted and increased, they or, conversely,. Between menstruation sometimes occurs in the form of spotting. Pain due to dysmenorrhea may not appear on the first day of menstruation, but 1-2 days before its onset. They have a pulling, cutting, aching or cramp-like nature and pass only after the end of menstruation. In cases of severe secondary dysmenorrhea, pain may be felt throughout the entire menstrual cycle.

Degrees of pain

Painful menstruation has 3 degrees of severity:

The mild stage is accompanied by short and tolerable pain.
The average degree of algomenorrhea is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and back, chills and psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, depression, photophobia, intolerance to strong aromas and loud sounds).
In the severe stage of dysmenorrhea, in addition to severe pain, the work of the heart muscle is disrupted, the temperature rises, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness appear, and the woman may lose consciousness.

Primary form

Primary dysmenorrhea is not caused by diseases or damage to the organs of the reproductive system, but occurs during puberty for three years after the arrival of the first menstruation. Painful periods in a teenager cause sudden hormonal changes that occur in the body at this time.

During puberty, the concentration of various hormones may change, depending on which of them increases, one of 2 types of primary dysmenorrhea occurs in adolescents:

Adrenergic. It is diagnosed when there is an increase in adrenaline in the blood. Typical symptoms for this pathology of the reproductive system are fever, rapid pulse, headaches, pale skin, hiccups, a feeling of a full stomach, and constipation.
Parasympathetic. Diagnosed when there is an increased level of serotonin in the spinal cord. At the same time, the pulse slows down, body temperature may be lowered, the face and limbs swell, and body weight increases.

Kinds

Depending on the cause that causes pain in a girl, there are several types of primary dysmenorrhea:

spasmogenic. The cause of its occurrence is spasms of the uterine muscles;
psychogenic. Pain in the lower abdomen causes fear of symptoms experienced once and leaving difficult memories for the teenager;
essential. The cause of the disease in this case is a decrease in the pain threshold caused by disturbances in the functioning of individual centers in the brain. In this case, even minimal irritation of the nerve roots causes severe pain.

Why does it occur

The following factors can provoke the development of primary algomenorrhea:

a congenital disorder of connective tissue growth that is caused by magnesium deficiency. This disease has a dangerous complication in the form of a violation of the composition of cartilage tissue, which leads to improper formation of joints, elongation of limbs, flat feet and scoliosis. Myopia, problems with the digestive system and varicose veins may occur;
genital tuberculosis;
nervous and mental disorder;
congenital uterine anomalies (bicornus, malposition or underdevelopment).

If the curvature of the uterus arose during puberty due to improper development or excessive stress, then there is a high probability that painful periods will no longer bother the girl after childbirth. If the pathology is congenital, then childbirth will not correct the situation; only a qualified specialist should treat the disease.

Secondary form

The secondary form of dysmenorrhea is caused by acquired pathologies: scars, adhesions in the uterus after surgery and abortion, hormonal imbalance, infections and inflammatory processes. Too painful regula can bother women of any age, but most often the regula becomes very painful at the age of 25-30.

Most often, secondary algomenorrhea is caused by varicose veins in the pelvic and abdominal organs, as well as inflammatory processes affecting nerve endings in the pelvic area.

Secondary dysmenorrhea often occurs in women on strict diets, which cause anorexia or bulimia. In patients suffering from painful periods due to severe weight loss, the structure of the uterine tissue is disrupted, scars and adhesions occur. Also the cause of acquired algomenorrhea are infectious and inflammatory diseases, oncology, endometriosis, hormonal disorders and diseases associated with damage to the epithelial cells of the cervix.

Statistics

70% of women of reproductive age face the problem of painful periods, but only 10% of them complain of unbearable cramp-like pain during their menstrual periods. Statistics say that pain syndrome is complemented by other symptoms:

17% of women experience fainting due to pain;
23% of the fair sex suffer from dizziness and another 13% from headaches;
in 84% of cases vomiting occurs;
79% of women complain of diarrhea.

Diagnostics

To prescribe effective treatment, the cause of pain during menstruation must be correctly identified. Diagnostics may include the following research methods:

examination on a gynecological chair;
general blood and urine tests;
microflora smears;
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
laparoscopic examination;
Dopplerography of blood vessels for suspected varicose veins.

In some cases, you may need to consult a psychologist, endocrinologist and other specialists.

Treatment methods

If painful periods are caused by primary algomenorrhea, therapy most often involves eliminating stress factors, increasing physical activity and getting rid of bad habits. In the second half of the cycle, doctors recommend refraining from active sexual intercourse and heavy lifting. Often, after pregnancy and childbirth, pain due to primary algomenorrhea completely disappears, so it is recommended not to terminate the first pregnancy for women with a similar diagnosis.

Depending on the reasons that caused the development of algomenorrhea, treatment with or without medications may be prescribed, and the doctor may also recommend. Let's look at each type of treatment in more detail.

Medicines

Treatment of painful periods is aimed not only at eliminating symptoms, but also at eradicating the cause of the disease, so it must be comprehensive. Prescription of medications and selection of dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician. The following types of medications may be prescribed:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Tamipul, Naproxen, etc.);
antispasmodics – No-shpa, Spazmalgon;
combined contraceptives or drugs containing gestagens (Diane-35, Yarina, Duphaston);
You should definitely take vitamins, in particular vitamin E;
if painful regulae are provoked by the proliferation of moderately pathogenic microflora, then antifungal suppositories and suppositories can be prescribed;
sedatives, tranquilizers (Relanium);
homeopathic medicines (Remens, Menalgin).

If algomenorrhea is caused by adhesions or neoplasms in the genital organs, then surgical intervention may be indicated.

Non-drug methods

In the case of primary algomenorrhea in adolescent girls, psychotherapeutic sessions provide effective assistance. To get rid of painful regulations, it is enough to master a special technique of relaxation and distraction.

Physiotherapeutic procedures also give good results:

acupuncture, thanks to its effect on certain points, not only reduces pain, but also eliminates inflammatory processes;
amplipulse therapy;
magnetic therapy;
treatment with dynamic currents;
electrosleep, ultraviolet irradiation;
UHF procedures;
balneotherapy;
electrophoresis.

Acupressure and general massage, as well as physical exercise, swimming or yoga, will help you cope with painful periods. There is a whole range of specially designed gymnastic exercises that can be done at home.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies and homeopathy also help to reduce pain during menstruation, but they should be used only after consulting a doctor, so as not to aggravate the situation and not waste the time necessary to treat the pathology.

The most famous homeopathic remedy prescribed for algomenorrhea is Remens. Its main active ingredients are herbal extracts (cohosh, pilocarpus and Sanguinaria canadensis), cuttlefish gland secretion and surukuku snake venom.

Traditional herbalists recommend using an infusion of horsetail or horsetail for painful periods. Other herbs can also help cope with severe pain during menstrual periods, for example, strawberry leaves infused in cold water or a decoction of mint leaves, chamomile flowers and valerian root. Among the healing roots used in the fight against menstrual pain are lovage or fragrant celery.

Prevention

To prevent the development of dysmenorrhea, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

develop the correct daily routine, in which there is time for work, sleep and rest;
choose a balanced diet, during menstruation eat easily digestible foods that are rich in vitamins;
you need to control your body weight, prevent obesity, but also not deplete yourself with strict diets;
you need to take vitamins regularly;
Do not indulge in tea or caffeine-containing drinks;
avoid stressful situations;
walk outdoors more often;
pay special attention to physical activity, be sure to do exercises and select sports hobbies in accordance with your age and general health;
Eliminate bad habits that negatively affect a woman’s health.

If preventive measures do not help, and a woman begins to experience painful regula, she should definitely consult a doctor to find out the cause of the disease and to prescribe the correct treatment. It is strictly forbidden to use antispasmodics for a long time without finding out the cause of painful menstruation.