Period Pain
For many girls and women, monthly menstruation is associated with discomfort such as cramps and pain in the lower abdomen. The medical term for painful periods is "dysmenorrhea. Even though menstruation is part of a woman's life: this is not true for severe menstrual cramps. No woman has to endure them, and most of the time they can be treated well. If the pain is very severe or becomes more severe over time, a medical examination is advisable for clarification.
Symptoms
What To Expect
In each monthly cycle, the lining of the uterus rebuilds and is shed again at the end with menstruation - unless a woman is pregnant. During menstruation, the muscles of the uterus contract and relax again in an irregular rhythm. This causes the mucous membrane to detach from the uterine wall, allowing the tissue mixed with blood to drain through the cervix and vagina. The contraction of the muscles may go unnoticed or cause only a slight pulling sensation, but it can also cause painful cramps. Period pain may be confined to the lower abdomen, but may equally radiate to the back and legs. In some women, the cramps also trigger nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Headache or general malaise may also occur. Women with heavy bleeding often also have more severe menstrual pain.
Made Worse By
If you suffer from period pain, you should avoid alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body, which in turn can cause more pain. The same applies to coffee: it constricts the blood vessels, which can lead to cramps and headaches. And cigarettes also hinder good blood circulation in the vessels, which can increase the pain. Stress can also fuel period pain, so in the days leading up to menstruation, get plenty of rest, get fresh air, get enough sleep, and eat a healthy diet. If you suffer from period pains, you should avoid dairy products as much as possible during the first few days of your period. This is because they often contain acid, which can cause additional pain. The same applies to heavily salted food: This affects both our weight and well-being. If you suffer from water retention during your period, salty food will make it even worse. Therefore: It is better to eat a little less salt during your period.
How Common
Menstrual pain is common: Most girls and women experience more or less severe pain at times during their period. In 10 out of 100 women, the discomfort is so severe that they are unable to go about their normal daily lives for one to three days each month. In women under 20, the pain is usually more severe than in older women. Usually, the discomfort subsides a few years after the first period, and for some, it stops altogether. Many women have less discomfort after the birth of their first child.
Caution If your periods are always heavy and painful, it is wise to seek professional advice.
Products that may help Period Pain
Herbs that may help Period Pain
Remedies that may help with Period Pain
White Peony Decoction for Period Pain
The herb is very helpful against menstrual disorders. It is especially used to treat period cramps.
- Take 20 g of root.
- Mix with 750 ml of water and make a decoction.
- Drink throughout the day.
- To add some flavour add 1 heaped tsp of caraway seeds before decocting.
Herb Mix Decoction for Period Pain
The herbs listed have proven effects. They contain similar constituents to female hormones, oestrogen and help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- Mix 15 g of each herb to 750 ml of water.
- Make a decoction.
- To flavour the decoction add 1 heaped tsp of caraway seeds before decocting.
- During the day sip small amounts.
- Repeat for up to 3 days.