Why Do Menstrual Pain Occur? Right Way To Deal With Pain?

Menstrual pain is pain that occurs with menstruation, so unlike a sudden headache, it can be predicted to a certain extent. Therefore, it is a pain that can be controlled if you know the right way to deal with it.

Stop believing that "menstrual pain is something you have to put up with"! Take proactive measures to relieve menstruation pain which we will discuss later.

Some pain is a physiological phenomenon. Severe pain may be due to illness

Let's first review the mechanism of menstruation. To prepare for the implantation of a fertilised egg, the endometrial lining that lines the inside of the uterus gradually thickens during ovulation. However, if pregnancy does not occur, this lining becomes unnecessary and sloughs off, leaving the body with blood. This is your period.

When the uterus contracts to force out menstrual blood, it results in menstrual pain. Substances produced by the endometrium called prostaglandins are responsible for causing the uterus to contract. The uterus contracts more forcefully and the discomfort intensifies when more prostaglandins are released than is necessary. Menstrual pain is most likely to start the day before your period starts and last until the second or third day of your cycle, however, this varies from person to person.

Some pain can be said to be a physiological phenomenon, but when menstrual pain causes pain that interferes with daily life, such as taking time off from housework or work, it becomes a disease called “dysmenorrhea”.

Hence, various types of pain occur during menstruation. The primary symptoms are dull or tightening pain in the lower abdomen or lower back pain around the uterus. The menstrual cycle may also be linked to headaches, including migraines.

Some patients may have nervous symptoms such as nausea, vertigo, irritability, sadness, sleepiness, sluggishness, and fatigue, in addition to pain, such as lower abdomen pain. These symptoms often occur along with pain, and the symptoms may disappear by controlling the pain.

Don't put up with menstrual pain, Try to control it!

The only self-care you can do in the first half of your menstrual cycle is to take painkillers early in the day and relax because prostaglandins are created quickly during this time and the pain is really acute. If you like it to warm up your stomach, that might be a good idea. But don't expect any notable improvements. In other words, when you are in pain, the best thing to do is to take painkillers.

However, do you believe that "menstrual pain is something you have to live with" or that "taking painkillers is bad because they become addictive"? Once a month, using painkillers for a few days throughout your menstrual cycle won't harm your health or cause your body to become less responsive to the medication. For pain relief and more pleasant menstruation, over-the-counter drugs are preferable. Pain is caused by prostaglandins, which are suppressed by substances found in over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. These ingredients effectively reduce pain right away. If you notice that your painkiller is not working, then you are not taking it on time. The timing of taking painkillers is important. It is crucial to take painkillers before the peak of pain to receive the maximum benefit of them. If you take painkillers but they don't work, you likely took them too late. Finally, when taking over-the-counter medicines, be sure to follow the directions and dosage. If the pain does not improve even after taking medicine, please visit a gynaecologist and consult a doctor, as there may be a hidden gynaecological disease.

Other Self-care Ways To Relieve Menstrual Pain

Now, we'll discuss a few self-care techniques that you may try out with little effort. Why not try something easy to incorporate?

The important things for self-care are lifestyle habits that keep your body cool and refreshing!

Menstrual pain is opposed to the cold that soothes your lower back and stomach. Try wearing thermal knickers or warmers to warm your lower back and tummy. Take caution when using heavy air conditioning, especially in the summer. Menstrual pain can also be brought on by tight clothing and undergarments because they restrict blood flow.

All year long, we endure the cold in the winter, drink copious amounts of cold beverages, spend our days in intensely air-conditioned rooms in the summer, wear light clothing and take a shower instead of taking a bath. Avoid actions like finishing things.

Warming up your body and increasing blood circulation with a leisurely bath might help reduce menstrual pain and soothe the irritation brought on by it. To increase blood circulation, slowly immerse in lukewarm water. For hygienic reasons, some people avoid bathing during their menstrual cycle; yet, the water pressure in the bathtub keeps water from entering the uterus and menstrual blood from flowing out. However, it's preferable to avoid hot springs and public baths out of courtesy, as menstruation blood may unexpectedly spill out when you get out of the bathtub.

The feeling of having to endure pain without forcing yourself to do it can become stressful and make the pain worse. If the situation permits and with the consent of a member or supervisor, stay away from physically demanding activities, hard labour, cold labour, standing jobs, and other similar jobs if the bleeding is very heavy or the pain is severe. Try to find a way to refresh yourself. You can assist divert your attention from the pain by developing a daily refreshment routine that suits you. Choose your own method of winding down, whether it's reading, watching TV, or just kicking back in your room. You might also try rejuvenating yourself with a quick stroll, stretch, or a game of sports.

Getting your family to understand. Tell your partner or family member about your situation when you are struggling, and ask for their assistance—for example, asking them to do the cleaning or give you a back rub.

Speak with your physician is also an option. Menstrual pain can also be a sign of a hidden illness. It has been evident in recent years that menstruation pain is a primary indicator of endometriosis, a condition that can eventually result in infertility. Consider speaking with a gynaecologist and obstetrician specialist in such circumstances.

Mental maintenance is also important!

Along with physical pain, menstruation can also cause mental imbalances like depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and restless nights. Changes in female hormones are the cause of this. First of all, it is important to accept how you are feeling and take care according to that condition. We will introduce care methods tailored to your specific condition, so please try them out.

It is advised to take a hand bath if you are irritated. Pour some slightly heated (approximately 42°C) water into the washbasin and submerge up to your elbows. A few drops of your preferred scent oil can also be added.

It is advised to consume ginger or ginger juice when you are depressed. One simple method to incorporate it is to add grated ginger to drinks. It speeds up your metabolism, generates internal body heat, and energises your thoughts.

When you start to lose focus, take good care of your eyes. Rub your palms together, blow a breath of warm breath, and place it over your eyes. Deep breathing causes the parasympathetic nervous system to take over, which calms the mind. Try having a bath two or three hours before bed if you have trouble falling asleep. You can increase its effectiveness even further by adding your preferred scented bath salts.

Body Posture To Relieve Menstrual Pain

During your period, your body may tense up from the pain, or you may arch your back to shield your sore lower abdomen. Prolonged standing in that posture is not advised because it lowers blood flow to the abdomen.

We'll go over several posture techniques for reducing period pain below.

• Sitting in a chair, maintain an upright pelvis and a shallow seat. Your lower abdomen will be less strained in this position.
• Avoid holding one position for an extended period of time. The blood flow may stop and the pain may worsen if you remain in the same posture as though you are shielding a painful location. Increase insufficient blood flow with gentle stretches and walking.
• A comfortable sleeping position that promotes relaxation in your body is ideal. To ease the pressure on your lower abdomen, lie on your side and bend your knees.

Pressure Points And Stretching To Reduce Pain

We will introduce ways to improve blood circulation through pressure points and exercise, which are said to be good for menstrual pain.

Pressure points: According to experts, Pressure points that are said to be good for relieving menstrual pain, Spleen 6 (SP6), which is located approximately three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, Liver 3 (LV3), found on the top of the foot in the depression between the big toe and second toe, or you can consult with professional to find more pressure points

You can anticipate better physical health from pressure point stimulation, including the relief of menstruation pain. Try pressing the pressure points a few times with enough force to feel comfortable. It is recommended to do this from 5 days to 1 week before the start of menstruation.

Stretching & Exercise: Stretching and other gentle workouts can help to improve blood circulation. It's been suggested that stretching and mild exercise to release tense muscles not only help with poor blood circulation but also stabilise your mood. Among these, one recommended self-care method is an exercise that moves the pelvis called monthly exercise. Some monthly exercises are performed in a standing position, some on all fours, some on a chair, and some on your back.

For instance, to practise the monthly exercise while lying on your back, follow the instructions below.

• Place yourself on your back.
• Gently bring your left leg up to your chest while holding it.
• Hold your left leg and slowly pull it towards your chest
• Do the same with your right leg.
• Finally, hold both legs and slowly pull them together.