Painful Menstrual Periods: risks, Treatments

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Painful menstrual periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, can affect women of all ages and can vary in severity. Dysmenorrhoea is classified into two types: primary and secondary.

Many women experience dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps, which are frequent and occasionally uncomfortable symptoms of the menstrual cycle. These cramps are triggered by uterine contractions, which help shed the lining that has built up over the month. While some women may experience mild discomfort, others may deal with more unbearable period pain that affects their everyday life and general well-being.

Various factors contribute to the intensity of menstrual cramps. One key factor is the production of specific chemicals called prostaglandins, which play a role in triggering uterine contractions. Women with higher amounts of prostaglandins frequently have more intense period cramps.Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the menstrual cramps and manage severe period pain. Here are some treatment options below. Let’s have a look!

In This Article

Treatment of painful menstruation:

The treatment of painful menstruation includes the following:

Over-the-counter pain relievers: OTC NSAID such as Ibuprofen, are useful for menstrual pain. This medication works by reducing prostaglandin production and relieving inflammation.
Heat therapy: One of the most effective treatments for unbearable period pain is applying a heating pad or soaking in a warm bath might help relax the pelvic muscles, relieving cramps
Exercise: Engaging in light physical activity or gentle exercises, such as walking or yoga, can help increase blood flow to the pelvis and ease menstrual cramps.
Dietary changes: Some studies suggest that consuming foods strong in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds & salmon, may help reduce inflammation and relieve menstrual pain.
Herbal remedies: Certain herbs, such as ginger and cinnamon, have been used traditionally for menstrual pain relief. Talk to a doctor before taking herbal medicine.
If menstrual cramps are significantly impacting your daily life or if you are experiencing unusually severe period pain, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. In some other cases, like endometriosis or uterine fibroids may be the source of the pain, in which case a doctor might provide appropriate treatment options.
Remember, each woman's experience with menstrual pain varies, and it's important to listen to your body and take steps to manage and relieve discomfort during your menstrual period.
The primary cause of period pain is the uterus's contraction when it sheds its lining. The pelvic region may experience cramping as a result of these contractions. The degree and duration of pain might differ from person to person.
Some people may experience it as light and tolerable, while others may experience it as unbearable and disruptive to routine tasks. Period discomfort can result from uterine muscle contractions as well as other things.

1. Primary Dysmenorrhea:

This is the most common type of dysmenorrhea and is not caused by any underlying condition. Menstrual pain that is caused without any underlying medical conditions is known as primary dysmenorrhoea. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that are released during menstruation and drive the uterus to contract and shed its lining, and are responsible for its development.

Young age (typically starts in adolescence)
Early age at first period
family history of painful menstruation
Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
Smoking
Stress and psychological factors

Treatment options include:

NSAIDs: OTC NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Hormonal contraceptives: Birth control pills, patches, or IUDs can help regulate menstrual periods & reduce the discomfort caused by periods.
Heat therapy: Applying a hot water bag to the lower belly can help relax the uterine muscles and reduce the pain up to some extent.
Exercise and relaxation techniques: Regular physical activity and stress-reducing techniques like yoga and deep breathing can help alleviate discomfort.
Dietary changes: Having a balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables & whole grains while having low amounts of caffeine, avoiding or limiting alcohol and less salt intake can reduce the pain.

2. Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

Menstrual pain that occurs due to an underlying medical condition is known as secondary dysmenorrhea. Some severe period pain reasons include:

Endometriosis is a common condition in which a tissue grows outside of the uterus. This abnormal tissue growth can cause pain and inflammation during menstruation.
Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are tumors that develop in the uterus. They are typically noncancerous. They can cause painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and pelvic discomfort.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: PID is an infection that affects one or more upper reproductive organs.
Adenomyosis: It occurs when the tissue lining of the uterus grows inside the uterine wall.
Ovarian cysts are common growths on or inside the ovaries & they are mostly harmless.

Treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea varies according to the underlying cause and they may include:

– Medications: Analgesics NSAIDs can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation caused by periods.

– Surgery: In severe cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, surgery may be necessary to remove endometriosis, fibroids, or cysts.

– Hormone therapy: Hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be prescribed depending on the cause.

– Antibiotics: If the cause is an infection like PID, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the underlying infection.

Women experiencing painful menstrual periods should seek medical attention right away to avoid further complications.

Risks of a painful menstrual period.

While painful menstrual periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, are quite common and usually not a cause for alarm, in some cases, they could indicate an underlying health issue. Here are some painful menstrual period risks:

Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the tissue lining the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus and can cause severe menstrual cramps. In addition to pain, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain during sex, and fertility issues.
Adenomyosis: This condition happens when the tissue lining the uterus starts growing into the muscular wall of the uterus. It can cause intense cramping, heavy periods, and pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation.
Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, and pain in the pelvis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This condition is often caused due to sexually transmitted diseases that occur in female reproductive organs. PID can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, abnormal bleeding, and fertility issues if left untreated.
Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can form on the ovaries, and some types can cause pain during menstruation. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own, but bigger or persistent cysts might need to be treated.
Cervical stenosis: In this condition, the cervix becomes narrow or partially blocked, leading to the blockage of menstrual blood flow. This can lead to increased pressure and pain during periods. Just because you have dysmenorrhea, it doesn’t mean you got it because of some other health issue. If you experience severe or progressively worsening pain, unusually heavy bleeding, or have concerns about your menstrual health, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. The more you delay, the worse it gets.

When do I see a doctor?

If you have painful menstrual periods that are significantly impacting your daily life or if the pain is unusually severe, it is recommended that you see a doctor. Here are some scenarios when it is advisable to seek medical attention:

Severe pain: If you are unable to perform your daily activities or taking high-dose medications to reduce the pain, it is important to consult a doctor. They can help determine if the pain is within a normal range or if there may be an underlying condition causing severe discomfort.
Abnormal bleeding: If you are experiencing heavy bleeding during your periods or have irregular bleeding between periods, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately. These can be the signs of an underlying condition that needs to be looked into and treated.
Changes in pain: If your menstrual pain suddenly worsens or you notice new symptoms like pelvic (hip) pain even when you are not on your period or having pain during intercourse, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying problems.
Family history: If you have a family history of certain conditions known to cause painful periods, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, it may be prudent to see a doctor to discuss your symptoms and the potential need for further evaluation.
Suspected reproductive health issues: If you are trying to conceive but had no luck for a while or if you have concerns about your fertility, it could be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional. They will assess your menstrual pain and reproductive health to detect any abnormalities that might be affecting your fertility.
Being cautious is preferable when it comes to your health. If you have any concerns or questions about your menstrual pain, consulting with a healthcare provider can help provide peace of mind and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.

Prevention

While it may not always be possible to completely prevent painful menstrual periods, changes in lifestyle and some techniques can lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. The following are some preventive measures that you can follow:

Regular exercise: Physical activity on a regular basis, i.e., throughout the month, not just during your period, can help reduce menstrual pain. Exercise releases endorphins, which have a natural numbing effect and boost blood flow to the pelvic region.
Healthy diet: A well-balanced diet that consists of plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc can help improve your reproductive health. Additionally, certain foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate menstrual cramps.
Reduce stress: Severe stress might make menstruation pain worse. Practicing stress-relieving routines like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies can help manage stress levels and potentially lessen the severity of cramps.
Warm compresses: A heating pad or a warm compress applied to the lower belly or lower back can help relax the pelvic muscles and provide relief from menstrual cramps. Warm baths or showers can also be relaxing and helpful in relieving cramps.
Herbal remedies: Herbal medicines, such as ginger, chamomile tea, and cinnamon, have traditionally been used to relieve menstrual pain. However, it's important to discuss the use of herbal supplements with a healthcare professional before trying them.
Birth control methods: Some common birth control methods, like oral contraceptives or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), can help control the menstrual cycle and minimize the severity of menstrual cramps. You need to consult a doctor for this because they recommend the best method for you & guide you.
Each person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But it's important to listen to your body, be cautious about your menstrual health, and consult with a doctor if you have any concerns or persistent pain.