Menstruation or menstrual periods are a normal part of a woman’s life. Every woman is happy whenever she sees her menstrual period, the problem arises when the flow is accompanied by a discomforting pain at which point it becomes known as dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual flow).


Menstrual cramps are the painful contractions observed during menstruation. The cramps are due to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin which causes the contraction of the uterine muscles, the uterus contract so as to help expel the menstrual contents.


The pain is experienced in varying degrees by different persons; it varies from mild to severe pain. The severity of this discomforting pain may sometimes result in interference with social and economic activities as the individual may not be able to perform some functions. In extreme cases the individual may go into coma.





The pains or cramps are usually felt as a dull or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen, it radiates to the lower back and thighs. Cramps are usually observed for the first 2 to 3 days of menstrual flow although some women may get cramps just before the flow. For some women these cramps may reduce or completely disappear after first childbirth.


The following factors can increase your chances of suffering from menstrual cramps;

v Reaching puberty at an early age i.e before the age of 11.

v Heavy bleeding during periods also known as menorrhagia.

v Family history i.e having a sister or relative who suffers from menstrual cramps.

v Smoking.

v Excess alcohol consumption.

v Inactivity.

v Obesity.

v Taking illegal drugs.


Many over the counter drugs can be used to treat this discomforting pain. The drugs act mainly to stop production of the hormone-like substance, prostaglandin which causes the contraction. Apart from these drugs, there are some simple home remedies that can equally reduce or stop the pain and even prevent it.


v Put hot water in a plastic bottle and place it on your lower abdomen until you feel better. Applying the heat will help relax the uterine muscles.

v Soak a towel in water, squeeze out the excess water, heat the towel and apply the heat on your lower back and abdomen.

v Take a hot shower, this may help relieve the pain and make you feel more relaxed.

v Make ginger tea by grating and boiling a small piece of ginger for about 5 minutes then add a little lemon juice and drink the tea for about 3 times a day during your flow.

v You can also add ginger to your food while cooking.

v Get a massage to the back and lower abdomen.

v Keep your legs elevated while lying down or lie on your side with your knees bent.

v Exercise prior to the start of your menstrual period.

v Stop smoking.

Source:http://www.joeterryscorner.com/2014/11/menstrual-cramps-dysmenorrhea-risk.html#more

i heard getting an organism cn help reduce the pain.

emygreat747:
i heard getting an organism cn help reduce the pain.

I've never heard of that.... learnt something new today