Menstrual pains are severe cramps that occur during a woman’s monthly period, also known as menstruation. The medical name is dysmenorrhea. In teens, menstrual cramps are almost always caused by too much of prostaglandins (hormone-like chemicals that are produced within the cells of the human body), not necessarily by the presence of a disease condition.

In older women however, the pain could be associated with condition such as uterine fibroid. In many cases the root cause of the pains are not clearly understood.

Generally, women that have higher levels of prostaglandin or those who are more sensitive to it, tend to have more painful periods.

There are two types of menstrual pain:

·        Primary dysmenorrhea: When the menstrual pains are not associated with any underlying disease, disorder or structural abnormality either inside or outside the womb (uterus). 

·        Secondary dysmenorrhea: When menstrual pains are linked to an underlying disease, disorder or structural abnormality either inside or outside the uterus.

Women at higher risk of experiencing menstrual pain include:

o   Smokers

o   Alcohol consumers: alcohol consumption during a woman’s period prolongs the menstruation

o   Overweight women

o   Those whose periods started before they were 11 years old

 

The 7 ways to handle menstrual pain include:

1. Analgesics (painkillers): The drugs in this group are very effective for treating menstrual pain and discomfort. This could include paracetamol, naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. They block the action of prostaglandin which is the main culprit in menstrual pain.

2. Contraceptives: oral contraceptives often bring relief to menstrual pain. They are said to suppress the synthesis of prostaglandins, and therefore limits the contraction of the uterus.

3. Exercise: Mild to moderate exercise helps reduce the level of discomfort and pain experienced by women with menstrual pain.

4. Relaxation techniques: different relaxing methods such as breathing exercises, massage and medication could help in relieving pain during menstruation.

5. Hot water bottle:  holding a hot water bottle against the abdomen may help in reducing discomfort.

6. Oral supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements have been indicated as effective in treating menstrual pain.

7. Warm bath: Apart from helping the person relax, a warm bath may also provide some pain/discomfort relief.   

In addition to these seven things, avoiding foods that contains caffeine and salt would also be of help.

Thanks Op! Will let my lil sis know about these guides coz i don't av a girlfriend..

Thanks op make I go tell my gf her own na die, I dey fear wen d tin wan start

Rukaaa, come and read oo,