How To Relieve Period Cramps?

Period cramps are extremely common, but they occasionally affect a woman's day-to-day life. They can be painful and, for some, even debilitating. This article discusses the causes of period cramps and tips to relieve them.

What Are Period Cramps?

Menstruation is regular vaginal bleeding that occurs every month as part of a woman's menstrual cycle. The medical term used to describe a painful period is “dysmenorrhea”.

A significant percentage of women experience cramps in the lower abdomen during their periods. The pain can be throbbing, sharp or spasmodic and sometimes mild but persistent.

Pain levels vary, and some women may have better tolerance towards it compared to others. Additionally, the intensity of the cramps could vary with each period as oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels fluctuate.

Cramping pain usually occurs in your lower abdomen and may spread to your back and legs. Other symptoms may include lower back discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, and headache.

Why Do Period Cramps Occur?

During menstruation, the uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause stronger uterine contractions, reducing blood flow to the uterine muscles and resulting in pain and cramping.

What Are the Types of Dysmenorrhoea (Painful Period)?

Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea are the two forms of painful periods.

Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that arises without any specific underlying health issues. The discomfort typically starts with the onset of your menstrual period, possibly starting a bit before.

Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain triggered by an underlying health condition. Some women may encounter more intense menstrual pain after years of experiencing what is considered "normal" period discomfort.

If you find yourself dealing with severe period pain that hinders your daily activities or causes concern, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

There are many causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as:

• Endometriosis: Tissue resembling the womb’s lining grows in other areas, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• Uterine fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus can cause painful and heavy periods.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Bacterial infection in the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• Adenomyosis: Period cramps are especially painful as the endometrial tissue in the uterus lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.

How to Ease Period Cramps?

The treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea varies depending on the underlying cause. Your doctor will provide guidance on the most suitable course of treatment tailored to your symptoms and specific condition.

On the other hand, consider the following to find some relief from milder period cramps.

1. Pain relief medication

   Various over-the-counter pain relief medicines can be taken for managing period cramps. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective for period cramps because they target prostaglandins. This, in return, makes menstrual cramps less severe.

   NSAIDs such as naproxen and mefenamic acid are most effective when taken at the onset of your period or at the first signs of pain. Typically, these medications are taken for a short duration, usually 1 or 2 days, to provide relief from menstrual discomfort.

2. Birth control

   For individuals not desiring pregnancy, contraceptive pills and other hormonal birth control methods can also serve as treatments for dysmenorrhea.

3. Sleep

   Ensuring an adequate amount of sleep before and during your menstrual period is crucial. Sufficient rest can help you manage discomfort and improve your ability to cope with the pain.

4. Suggested exercise for period cramps

   Yoga is a beneficial exercise that can ease menstrual cramps, improve flexibility, and strengthen abdominal muscles. Even mild physical activity, such as walking, can boost overall health and enhance mood.

5. Apply a heating pad for period cramp relief

   A heated pad applied to your lower abdomen might help you feel better by relaxing the muscles causing your cramps.

6. Manage or reduce stress

   Reducing stress levels is essential for obtaining relief from period cramps. You can do yoga, deep breathing techniques, meditation, or anything else that helps you to reduce stress.

When Are Period Cramps Not Normal?

While period cramps are common, severe menstrual pain is not something you should simply endure. If your cramps are affecting your daily life or becoming more severe over time, it may be a sign of an underlying condition rather than normal menstrual discomfort.

Consider speaking with a doctor if your period cramps:

• Interfere with your daily activities, work or school.
• Do not improve with pain medication or self-care measures.
• Become progressively more painful over time.
• Are accompanied by unusually heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Occur between menstrual periods.
• Develop suddenly after years of relatively painless periods.

In some cases, severe menstrual pain may be linked to conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the impact on your quality of life.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, a gynaecologist can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Don't let period cramps hold you back. Take charge of your well-being with practical solutions. If the cramps persist after a few days or are so severe that they make it impossible for you to function, consult a doctor.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.