Most women have experienced menstrual cramps and often think it is natural, especially when the pain is mild and they can still carry on with their daily lives as usual. However, mild menstrual pain that lasts for a long time may be a sign of a serious disease, just like severe menstrual pain that affects quality of life. If you have such symptoms, you should see a doctor promptly to get a diagnosis to find the true cause of the menstrual pain.
Interesting Topics
- How many types of menstrual cramps are there?
- Causes of menstrual cramps
- Symptoms and how to recognize “menstrual cramps” that require urgent medical attention
- Relieving and preventing menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps can be divided into 2 types
- Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of menstrual pain. It is usually caused by the uterine lining producing excessive amounts of prostaglandins.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea results from abnormalities of the uterus or other reproductive organs, such as
- Endometriosis, which occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. When it grows abnormally but still functions to produce menstrual blood, it can cause blood to accumulate in the pelvic area where the uterine lining implants each menstrual cycle, causing severe lower abdominal pain and may lead to infertility.
- Adenomyosis, where the uterine lining grows within the uterine muscle. Patients experience severe menstrual pain and/or heavier and longer menstrual bleeding than usual.
- Uterine fibroids, which are usually benign tumors ranging from very small to large sizes. Large fibroids often cause heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting for weeks, along with menstrual pain or chronic lower back pain.
- Cervical stenosis, caused by an abnormally narrow cervix, which slows menstrual blood flow. If completely closed, fluid can accumulate inside the uterus, causing severe and chronic abdominal pain.
- Congenital abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or other reproductive organs, causing lower abdominal pain during menstruation.
Causes of menstrual cramps
On average, every 28 days, women ovulate. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the uterine lining sheds as menstruation. Menstrual pain is caused by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which form in the ‘uterine lining’ during menstruation. Prostaglandins cause the muscles to contract and spasm similarly to labor pains. They also cause nausea and diarrhea. If the body releases a large amount of this substance, it increases the severity of contractions, resulting in more intense menstrual pain.
Symptoms and how to recognize “menstrual cramps” that require urgent medical attention
Many women experience abdominal pain 1-2 days before menstruation and during the first days of their period. Menstrual pain ranges from mild dull or cramping pain to severe pain in the lower abdomen, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, dizziness, and headaches.
What normal menstruation should be like
- The menstrual cycle should not be shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days.
- Menstruation should not last more than 7 days.
- The appropriate amount of menstrual flow is using no more than 5-6 sanitary pads per day.
- Normal menstruation should not contain blood clots.
What type of menstrual cramps? Require urgent medical attention
Menstrual pain is normal in women, but if the pain is prolonged or unusually severe, it is recommended to see a doctor promptly, as it may indicate that your pain is not typical menstrual cramps.
- Severe menstrual pain that worsens with each cycle, especially intense pain during the first 1-2 days of menstruation.
- Excessive menstrual bleeding requiring changing sanitary pads every hour.
- Signs of infection such as foul-smelling discharge, itching around the vaginal opening, or abnormal menstrual blood color.
- Fever accompanied by menstrual pain.
- Lower abdominal pain even without menstruation.
- Pain that does not improve after taking medication.
Ways to relieve and prevent menstrual cramps
- Apply a hot water bag to the lower abdomen and back, as heat helps relax muscles and gradually reduces pain.
- Engage in light exercise such as walking or yoga, but avoid heavy exercise because the body is fatigued during menstruation and may risk fainting.
- Drink warm water, which helps regulate estrogen levels to normal, reducing menstrual pain. Avoid cold water as it can cause blood to clot and be difficult to expel, worsening pain.
- Get enough rest and sleep on your side. Which side to lie on depends on the position of your uterus; you may need to test which side reduces your pain.
- Eat vegetables and fruits. Studies show that foods rich in Vitamin E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and Magnesium help reduce menstrual pain.
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when pain starts or before pain begins. Painkillers may have side effects, so they should only be used for severe pain.
Menstrual cramps are a common condition that occurs in all women of reproductive age. The severity varies, but in those with severe or chronic symptoms, it may be a warning sign of diseases that require specialized care. Therefore, those with abnormal symptoms should consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and timely treatment to ensure comfortable and quality daily life.