WeAreEndo.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Endometriosis

Menstrual Cramps - Painful Periods

August 16th, 2009 by Danielle Camilien

If you are like most women, you have probably experienced
menstrual cramps at one time or another. For some women menstrual
cramps are debilitating, while others experience only mild discomfort
during their period. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) may be primary
or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs most often in young
women who have just begun their menstrual
cycles and often becomes less severe after a woman has given
birth or when she reaches her mid-twenties. Secondary dysmenorrhea is
diagnosed when menstrual cramps are caused by other conditions such
as endometriosis, fibroid
tumors, pelvic adhesions, and ovarian
cysts or by the use of an interuterine device (IUD) for birth
control.

Menstrual cramps are thought to be related to a hormone-like
naturally occurring substance called prostaglandins which causes the
uterus to contract. If a woman
does not ovulate it is unlikely that she will encounter cramps during
her period, for this reason physicians often prescribe oral
contraceptives to ease painful periods. However, you should be
aware that birth control pills cause abnormal
bleeding in some women.

How Can You Beat the Cramps?

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
sodium used around the clock as soon as you notice the first sign of
your period help to reduce the severity of cramps in many women by
inhibiting the release of prostaglandins. Acetaminophen
(e.g.-Tylenol) will help the pain but does not have the effect on the
prostagladins.

Regular physical activity often
reduces cramping in some women.

Natural progesterone
may help reduce the symptoms that are causing menstrual cramps.

Supplementing your diet with zinc and calcium has been found to
reduce cramps, bloating, and related PMS
symptoms.

Herbal remedies such as Viburnum
prunifolium, Scutellaria spp., and Cimicifuga raemosa have an
antispasmodic effect that may reduce some menstrual cramps. Other
useful herbs include cramp bark, squaw vine, unicorn root, bromelain,
evening primrose oil, and blue cohosh.

Try taking a warm bath and using aromatherapy or using a heating
pad on your lower abdomen or back. If you don't have a heating pad, a
heating pad can be made by filling a sock with rice and heating it in
the microwave.

Taking time for yourself, relaxing, and letting those around you
know that you are not feeling yourself will help by reducing the
stress of your everyday life that may
contribute to your menstrual cramps.