Period Cramps – Tips for Managing the Pain
The beauty of the female body and its various cycles, can be something that can be quite painful and inconvenient to many women. Period cramps, or dysmenorrhoea, is a fairly common symptom of a menstruating woman. Dysmenorrhoea affects a woman’s life far beyond the physical pains of cramps. A woman may have a lower level of productivity, concentration, and an increased level of stress and anxiety, due to the physical symptoms brought on by period cramps. Here are just some of the tips which can help manage and reduce the discomforts associated with period cramps.
What Causes Period Cramps?
Period cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus. The uterus, like the muscles in any other region of the body, contains cells that are sensitive to tensions and contractions. When these muscles contract, they constrict and cause a cramp-like sensation in the abdominal region, mostly near the lower abdomen. Women with stronger muscles in the lower abdominal region tend to experience more painful cramps than those with weaker muscles.
The intensity of the menstrual cramps is usually dependent on the amount of prostaglandins which are released in a woman’s body during her cycle. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are released from the lining of the uterus that are believed to cause contractions of the uterus. Other factors that may increase the intensity of the menstrual cramps could be stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Tips to Manage the Pain
There are plenty of ways to ease the pain of period cramps and here are just some tips to help manage the pain.
– Heat therapy: Using a hot water bottle or a heat patch over the aching abdomen can work wonders. The heat helps to relax the muscles and this in turn reduces the pain.
– Exercise: engaging in mild to moderate exercises such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, or brisk walking is a great way to get some relief from menstrual cramps as it helps to reduce stress and also helps to improve circulation in the body.
– Diet: eating foods that are high in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts and seeds, can drastically reduce the pain associated with cramps. Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood and fish, can also help.
– Herbal teas: Herbs such as ginger, rosemary, chamomile and oregano can help reduce the pain caused by menstruation cramps. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce the pain.
– Relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage, and visualization can help lessen the intensity of the cramps, and relieve any stress and anxiety associated with them.
Period cramps can be quite painful and inconvenient. With the tips above, it is possible to find relief from the pain and discomfort caused by dysmenorrhoea. It is important that women take steps to manage and reduce their period cramps as this can also improve their overall health and wellbeing.