Why does it hurt so much during menstruation? To let go: How to make life easier during your period

The symptom of pain is quite common not only before the menstrual period, but also during and after it.

It can cause hormonal disorders in the body, as well as various infectious and inflammatory processes in the pelvis.

The most relevant is the localization of pain in the mammary glands, since such a symptom may indicate the presence of benign formations and therefore requires careful differentiation.

Pain during menstruation

Every month, women of reproductive age are faced with a natural physiological function of the body - menstruation. Under normal conditions, it is practically painless, but many women experience a variety of unpleasant sensations, pain in the lower abdomen, which appear in the first days of the menstrual cycle and last two to three days.

The intensity of such aches and pains can vary widely from minor discomfort to severe pain that can limit normal daily activities.

During menstruation, the uterus contracts rhythmically in order to expel everything that is unnecessary and has served its purpose. In some women, pain receptors in the abdominal cavity are very sensitive, and they respond to every contraction with pain.

In some people, the uterus is located non-standardly (deviated back) and then it puts pressure on specific nerve centers, which leads to heaviness in the lower abdomen, aches in the lower back and sacrum - menstrual pain.

Sensitivity to pain and activity of the uterus are highly dependent on the state of hormonal levels. With an increase in the hormone estrogen, which is most often observed in women after thirty years of age, periods can be not only painful, but also long and heavy. If the level of all sex hormones deviates from the norm, then women simultaneously suffer from premenstrual syndrome and pain during menstruation.

The occurrence of a similar symptom may also be associated with a violation of the natural balance between sex hormones (progesterone) and prostaglandins, towards an increase in the amount of the latter.

Prostaglandins are specific chemicals that play a decisive role in the occurrence of many symptoms associated with discomfort during the menstrual period.

They are produced directly by the tissue of the uterus and stimulate the contraction of its muscle elements. The higher the level of these substances in the body, the stronger the force of contraction of the muscles of the uterus and, consequently, the strength of pain. Excess prostaglandins can also cause nausea, headache, vomiting, chills, sweating, and tachycardia.

Heavy menstruation and insomnia, as well as weight loss, can sometimes occur with increased activity of the thyroid gland, which regulates the synthesis of all hormones in the human body.

Pain during menstruation is most often observed in young women, mostly nulliparous, and can be a symptom of infertility. In addition, painful periods are observed with intrauterine contraception, which may be due not only to the presence of a foreign body in the organ, but also to the activation of prostaglandin synthesis due to this method of contraception.

Symptoms of painful periods

Menstruation may be accompanied by the appearance of symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, stomach upset, and fainting. There are primary and secondary algodismenorrhea (painful periods).

In the first case, the cause of the pathological condition is underdevelopment, incorrect position of the uterus and other anatomical features of the female body. Endocrine metabolism disorders that are not associated with organic lesions of the genital area can lead to a similar result.

Secondary algodismenorrhea is caused by inflammatory processes, fibromatous nodes, cysts, the use of intrauterine devices, abdominal and gynecological operations.

Treatment of pain during the menstrual cycle

If there is intense pain during menstruation, special treatment is prescribed, which consists of maintaining bed rest with the choice of a certain body position that relieves pain, taking medications every three to four hours: spasmalgon, methindol, platifillin, baralgin, validol (under the tongue). Then, pathogenetic treatment is prescribed for four months.

In case of primary algodismenorrhea, analgesic and antispasmodic drugs are prescribed: no-shpa, baralgin, analgin, spasmalgon and others. Sedative drugs are almost always added: motherwort, valerian, oregano, hop cones, peony, as well as vasodilators.

A good effect is observed during acupuncture, psychotherapy, pine baths, and endonasal electrophoresis with novocaine.

With the development of secondary algodismenorrhea, treatment is determined by the nature of the underlying disease. Thus, for Stein-Leventhal syndrome, ovarian cystoma, certain types of anomalies of the genital organs, and rapidly progressive forms of endometriosis, surgical intervention is indicated.

At the same time, for perisalpingitis, infantilism, polycystic ovary syndrome, oophoritis, surgical treatment is almost never required; they are limited to normalizing hormonal status, improving local blood flow, and activating metabolic immunological processes. Absorbable and anti-inflammatory therapy is also indicated.

Almost every woman experiences pain before menstruation, but its intensity and nature may vary.

Causes

One of the reasons for the appearance of painful sensations before menstruation is a disorder of the hormonal composition of the blood. Throughout life, there are fluctuations in hormonal levels.

The next cause of pain is inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Moreover, such conditions manifest themselves not only in the form of painful menstruation, but also as characteristic symptoms of an infectious process.

Pain before menstruation can be a consequence of artificial termination of pregnancy.

Moreover, they arise during a certain period after the abortion, then disappear without a trace.

There are suggestions that pain may occur due to a dysfunction of the thyroid gland (increased secretion of its hormones). Psychological and emotional disorders can also contribute to the appearance of this symptom.

Symptoms

Usually, painful sensations before menstruation are localized in the lower abdomen, as well as in the area of ​​the mammary glands. As a rule, during this period women experience aching and pulling in the lower abdomen, lower limbs, and lower back. Before the onset of menstruation, the breasts usually swell, causing some discomfort to the woman.

Common symptoms of premenstrual symptoms are apathy, emotional tension, weakness and dehydration. Signs can appear both in aggregate and individually. Against the background of such phenomena, a woman develops irritability and imbalance.

Thus, the signs of a premenstrual symptom are:

• excessive mental stress, which provokes the development of emotional disorders and depression;
• pain in the mammary glands, swelling of the extremities (lower) and chest, increased functioning of the gonads, pain in the lower abdomen;
• changes in blood pressure, which can have a certain effect on intracranial pressure, ocular pressure, and myocardial functioning. This kind of discomfort also contributes to the development of depression.

Pain after menstruation

Usually pain after menstruation is not physiological, but pathological. Therefore, it is important to know the reasons for the development of such a condition and eliminate them in a timely manner.

If one and a half or two weeks after menstruation there are painful sensations in the lower abdomen, then this condition may be associated with the ovulation process. The rupture of the follicle is accompanied by the release of the egg from the ovary. Some women may experience this as a pulling or stabbing sensation in the lower abdomen.

During this period, there is also an increase in mucous secretions in women. The amount of estrogen is at a fairly high level, which has a positive effect on appearance and sexual activity.

However, ovulation is not always the cause of pain after the menstrual period. In some cases, such symptoms are observed with the development of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. Infection ascending from the lower genital organs can enter the uterine cavity, tubes, and also the peritoneum. This can be facilitated by excessive physical activity, hypothermia and sexual activity during this period.

In quite rare cases, bleeding occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, which resembles discharge during menstruation. The appearance of pain in this case may indicate a threat of miscarriage or the development of an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy test will help to accurately determine the causes of this condition.

Quite often, women are bothered by pain in the mammary glands before menstruation. It may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, a feeling of heaviness, severe sensitivity and swelling of the nipples. However, the presence of pain indicates the development of an oncological or mammological disease in a woman.

A few days before your period, your breasts hurt and swell. A similar process is called mastodynia. It appears before almost every girl's menstruation.

The main reason for the development of this symptom is a change in hormonal levels during menstruation.

During its course, a woman’s breasts can undergo significant changes, for example, in the second phase, the level of progesterone increases, and there is a significant increase in the amount of epithelium of the lobules and ducts.

It is this process that causes unpleasant pain, engorgement and swelling of the mammary glands.

Pain before menstruation may become more intense under the influence of certain factors: stress, taking certain medications.

To relieve breast pain before menstruation, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and painkillers (acetaminophen). In addition, this symptom can be suppressed with the help of contraceptives and magnesium supplements. It is also important to avoid consuming caffeine and nicotine.

Breast pain after menstruation

Chest pain after menstruation, which is prolonged, is called mastalgia. This phenomenon occurs quite often in young women, during premenopause, and sometimes postmenopause. In this case, pain can be both cyclical and non-cyclical.

The first type is directly related to the menstrual cycle, spreads to the tissue of both glands, and is characterized by swelling, swelling, and irritation. A woman experiences a feeling of heaviness and fullness in her chest. The reason for the development of this symptom is a hormonal disorder. Cyclic pain can also be caused by taking antidepressants and hormonal drugs.

Non-cyclical pain is constant and not associated with the menstrual cycle. They are characterized by a diffuse nature, they can cover only one mammary gland, be localized in a certain area, also affecting the axillary zone.

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Pain during the menstrual cycle is common. As a rule, menstrual pain is quite tolerable and does not interfere with everyday activities; three quarters of women of reproductive age experience it. However, 10% of women experience severe pain during menstruation, which can cause significant discomfort. This pain syndrome is called algodismenorrhea (dysmenorrhea).

Experts distinguish between two forms of dysmenorrhea. The primary form is typical for all women and occurs, as a rule, one to two years after the onset of menstruation, and the secondary form is caused by changes in the structure and pathologies of the uterus or pelvic organs. The secondary form of dysmenorrhea can lead to cycle disorders, early menopause and infertility.

If you notice that the pain before and during menstruation has become sharply dynamic or that special, previously unheard-of symptoms have arisen, you need to undergo a thorough examination. Our clinic’s specialists have been treating the female reproductive system for a long time; they will conduct a thorough diagnosis and recommend a number of necessary measures.

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Symptoms of dysmenorrhea

Often, pain during menstruation is accompanied by general weakness, chills, headaches, increased sweating, diarrhea, nausea and even vomiting are possible.

However, pain during menstruation can be accompanied by more serious symptoms. If you have a stomach ache after menstruation, abnormal stools (there is blood in it or its color has turned black), fainting, a rash appears on the body, discharge has become more abundant, and painkillers do not improve your well-being, you urgently need to consult a gynecologist.

Pain during menstruation: causes

Pain during menstruation is cramping in nature and is felt in the lower abdomen. Sometimes it “gives” to the lumbar region, hips, groin or external genitalia.

The cause of such pain during menstruation is the rejection of the endometrium of the uterus (mucous membrane), which is accompanied by blood loss. In order to reject the endometrium, the uterus actively contracts, and therefore pain occurs.

Another reason why your stomach hurts during your period is hormonal imbalance. The levels of progesterone and estrogen change chaotically in relation to each other. When progesterone levels decrease, prostaglandins take its place. They are responsible for contraction of the uterus, and the more of them above normal, the more pronounced the pain syndrome.

If your lower abdomen hurts after your period, this is often a sign of inflammation of the uterus or appendages. Normally, after the end of the cycle there should be no pain at all.

Progesterone itself, on the contrary, prepares the uterus to accept the embryo and is designed to relax it. A relaxed uterus increases in size and women experience harmless bloating. As a rule, this process occurs before the start of the cycle and this is what explains why the stomach hurts before menstruation (usually 2-3 days before it).

If pain in the lower abdomen is observed a week before menstruation, this may be a sign of endometriosis - the growth of the inner layer of the uterus outside the organ. This is a pathology and can lead to the inability to get pregnant or other pathological processes. Problems with the organs of the reproductive system are also indicated by an increase in temperature before menstruation (basal), which is combined with severe pain.

We should also talk about why breasts hurt before menstruation. The cause of this type of pain is also hormonal levels, which, remember, changes during menstruation.

During the second phase of the cycle (luteal), the sensitivity of the breasts and nipples increases. This is caused by an increase in the amount of epithelial tissue in the mammary ducts. As a result, an increase in breast density, slight swelling, and enlarged glands are observed. If your breasts stop hurting before your period, this indicates that pregnancy has not occurred.

As a rule, in the last days of bleeding, discomfort in the chest area goes away. If this does not happen, the woman probably has some kind of gynecological disease. You should also examine the glands themselves for mastopathy, infections or cancer.

Chest pain before menstruation sometimes has an unusual character. Thus, a common complaint is pain only under the left breast. This is a sign of gastrointestinal problems, vegetative-vascular and cardiac disorders.

Tension in the pelvic area, water imbalance and the same hormonal changes explain why the lower back hurts during menstruation. A lot depends on the nature of the pain. Thus, severe pain in the lumbar region indicates a backward deviation of the uterus (in this case it touches the nerve trunks innervating the pelvic organs), its inflammation or diseases of the genitourinary system, ectopic pregnancy, or incorrectly selected intrauterine devices. Mild, intermittent lower back pain may be an echo of normal menstrual pain in the lower abdomen.

Since the body needs strength to reject the endometrium of the uterus, it accumulates fluid. The reason why you get a headache before your period lies in a violation of the water-salt balance. In this case, it is accompanied by swelling of the face and limbs. However, headaches can occur due to stress (mood swings before menstruation) and problems with blood circulation in the brain.

Factors that cause pain during menstruation are also:

• low endorphins


• lowered pain threshold in women


• insufficiency of the luteal phase of the cycle compared to the follicular phase


• pelvic circulatory disorders due to physical inactivity (inactive lifestyle)


• consequences of artificial abortion


• pathologies of the reproductive system (including those associated with hereditary factors)

An important indicator of a woman’s reproductive health is the basal temperature before menstruation. Before the start of the cycle, it increases, because menstruation is stressful for the body. It is best to measure it immediately after sleep, while lying in bed. Within an hour after waking up, temperature readings vary chaotically, so the temperature is measured rectally or vaginally within the first five minutes after waking up, and orally - within three minutes.

Normal basal temperature during menstruation is 36.9 - 37.2˚C. An alarming sign is its increase with the onset of menstruation. Thus, an indicator of 37.5˚ C at normal body temperature indicates possible endometritis. If such numbers are observed during ovulation, and on the last day of bleeding they drop sharply, the cause may be a miscarriage at an early stage of fetal development.

Many people are scared by a basal temperature of 37˚C before menstruation: they don’t understand what it means and why it appears. In fact, this indicates a normal menstrual cycle, it’s just how the body reacts to the riot of hormones that occurs at this time. Just before the onset of menstruation, the temperature drops, during the cycle it continues to decrease, and returns to normal only at the end of menstruation. Let us remember that sudden changes in basal temperature in combination with severe pain are a sign of diseases of the reproductive system.

If the basal temperature is stable both during ovulation and menstruation, this indicates pregnancy and explains why the mammary glands hurt before menstruation.

Since pain during menstruation can be a symptom of several diseases at once, consulting one doctor may not be enough. In our clinic you will find all the necessary specialists who will conduct a comprehensive examination and select effective treatment individually for each specific case.

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Pain during menstruation: what to do

• Before and during the menstrual cycle, a diet is advisable. You should consume more fruits and vegetables (except those that cause fermentation), and increase your average daily water intake. Bran and grains are very useful during this period, since the fiber they contain helps the normal functioning of the intestines (due to the enlargement of the uterus during menstruation, the pressure on it increases). Natural pain relievers for menstruation are recommended: herbal infusions from raspberry branches, chamomile, lemon balm and mint leaves. Apples, buckwheat porridge and liver, cooked in any form, will help restore the level of lost iron. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of coffee, salt and sugar, meat and fatty dairy products, baked goods


• A good way to get rid of pain during menstruation is a warm shower. It should be taken no more than 15 minutes, this will relax the muscles and reduce pain


• Abdominal massage is also effective. Movements should be made in a circle, similar to a clockwise direction. This can reduce tension in the abdominal muscles and lower back, which in turn will reduce pain.


• When your stomach hurts during menstruation, you can relieve cramps by sleeping in the fetal position - lying on your side with your knees pulled up to your stomach. This position relaxes the body as much as possible, which is very effective in relieving menstrual discomfort.


• At the same time, do not forget about moderate physical activity. For example, walking can also help reduce pain levels. Basic exercises are also useful in this regard (exclude only complex long-term workouts, as well as moving heavy objects). Many women talk about the effectiveness of yoga breathing exercises. They help reduce pain during menstruation and normalize the nervous system.


• It's worth pampering yourself. It is known that stress or anxiety increases pain by at least a third. Do what is synonymous with comfort for you. A cup of chocolate, visiting your favorite cafe with close friends, engaging in hobbies, etc. will significantly relieve pain.


• The topic of sex during menstruation causes a lot of controversy. Pain and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen during menstruation are associated with impaired circulation of the pelvic vessels. You can reduce discomfort thanks to orgasm, because it causes the uterus to contract, and during this the blood vessels narrow. According to statistics, women who are sexually active during this period practically do not take painkillers during menstruation. Thus, sex during menstruation is quite beneficial. The main thing is to use condoms, because during the menstrual cycle the uterus is very susceptible to foreign microorganisms

When the stomach hurts during menstruation, each woman chooses independently what to do and what measures to take. If the above tips do not help, you need to take pills for period pain. However, only a doctor can correctly prescribe a pain reliever.

Normal periods come regularly and last 3-5 days. These days, the woman quickly gets tired and feels unwell. However, this does not cause too much discomfort and does not interfere with the usual way of life. However, some people feel severe abdominal pain. Sometimes it is so painful that a woman is forced to abandon everything, stay at home, take painkillers. Such pain during menstruation is a sign of pathology. The cause may be diseases and hormonal imbalances. It is impossible to endure and hope that the malaise will go away on its own. We need to go to the doctor.

Content:

When pain during menstruation is considered a pathology

The lining of the uterus (endometrium) is regularly renewed, resulting in menstruation. The removal of dead epithelium from the uterus is carried out by contracting its muscles. In this case, compression of the nerve endings and compression of the blood vessels occurs, which causes pain in the lower abdomen. The pain radiates to the sacrum and lower back. They usually appear on the eve of menstruation and in the first 2 days after their arrival.

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is a pathology. In addition to pain in the lower abdomen and back, accompanying ailments of varying severity appear. If a woman has a regular cycle, the nature of her periods corresponds to the norm, then the unpleasant symptoms quickly pass without causing her much suffering. In severe cases, serious treatment is required.

Types of dysmenorrhea

There are two types of dysmenorrhea:

1. Primary (functional), not associated with any diseases. Usually, menstruation becomes painful 1.5-2 years after the onset of puberty, when the cycle normalizes, ovulation occurs regularly. Often, pain during menstruation significantly weakens after the first birth.
2. Secondary (acquired), associated with pathological changes in the genital organs and various diseases. Occurs most often in women over 30 years of age. Usually accompanied by vegetative-vascular disorders (dizziness, excessive sweating and others), as well as tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia.

If over the years the intensity of pain during menstruation remains constant, then such dysmenorrhea is called compensated. If the pain during menstruation becomes stronger every year, then it is called decompensated.

Degrees of dysmenorrhea

There are 4 degrees of dysmenorrhea, differing in the intensity of pain.

0 degree. Abdominal pain is mild, painkillers are not required.

1st degree. The pain is moderate and quite tolerable. Natural accompanying symptoms are mild depression, headache, and indigestion. The malaise can be completely eliminated by taking a painkiller.

2nd degree. Pain during menstruation is severe, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, chills, general weakness, migraine, irritability. The duration of illness increases. Painkillers and sedatives help make you feel better.

3rd degree. Severe abdominal pain appears in a woman 2-3 days before the start of menstruation and continues until its end. At the same time, the temperature rises, the head hurts very much (to the point of vomiting), tachycardia and pain in the heart occur. Fainting may occur. The woman is completely incapacitated. It is not possible to improve the condition using conventional means.

Addition: Pain during menstruation can vary in nature (cramping, pulling, aching, stabbing), radiating to the lower back and hips.

Causes of painful menstruation

Functional pain during menstruation can occur as a result of the pathological location of the uterus, the formation of adhesions and scars after an abortion, the increased sensitivity of the woman’s body to changes occurring in it, and emotional excitability. Heredity plays an important role. The occurrence of pain can be caused by vitamin deficiency and lack of magnesium and calcium in the body. A sedentary lifestyle is also a cause of progressive dysmenorrhea. A factor such as hormonal disorders in the body also contributes to the occurrence of pain during menstruation. An excess of the hormone prostaglandin causes increased contractions of the uterus and constriction of blood vessels.

The appearance of primary dysmenorrhea is facilitated by the use of an intrauterine device. Secondary dysmenorrhea can appear as a result of pathologies such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Severe pain during menstruation occurs due to the formation of polyps and cysts in the uterus.

Video: What are the causes of painful periods

How to reduce period pain

If the pain is moderate, the cycle is regular, menstruation is normal in volume and duration, then with the help of certain techniques you can ease the pain.

Recommendation: In case of severe pain, it is recommended to visit a doctor and make sure there are no asymptomatic diseases. In some cases, chronic inflammatory diseases and even tumors may not manifest themselves in any way. A pain symptom may be the only signal of trouble.

If after a gynecological examination no diseases are detected in a woman, then at home you can alleviate the condition in the following ways:

1. Massage the abdominal muscles in a clockwise direction, which will help relieve tension in them and ease cramps. It is also good to massage your lower back.
2. Take a warm shower, which helps relax muscles and dilate blood vessels.
3. Lie on your side with your legs tucked to your stomach (fetal position).
4. Take no-shpa to eliminate spasms in the uterus, ketonal or ibuprofen (have a strong analgesic effect), valerian (as a sedative).
5. Do light physical exercises (bending, body rotation). Yoga helps with menstrual pain.
6. Apply compresses with sea salt to the lower abdomen during menstruation. Before and after menstruation, it is useful to take relaxing short (15-20 minutes) baths with the addition of this salt.
7. Drink soothing chamomile and mint tea (add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to 1 glass of tea). It is useful to take an infusion of parsley and strawberries.
8. If you are not allergic, you can rub essential oil into the skin in the area of ​​the sacrum and lower abdomen. The procedure is carried out 2 times a day, 2 days before menstruation and in the first 2-3 days after their onset. A mixture containing 50 ml of St. John's wort oil, 5 drops each of yarrow and sage oils helps relieve severe pain during menstruation.
9. In case of pain and heavy bleeding, ice should be applied to the lower abdomen for 15 minutes (on top of clothing, put it in a bag).

Swimming is recommended. During swimming, muscles relax and nervous tension is relieved. The body intensively produces endorphins (the so-called joy hormones, pain-relieving substances).

Video: Exercises against period pain

When to see a doctor

Clear signs of serious pathologies are most often severe pain that lasts a long time (more than 2 days). Moreover, the painful sensations are so strong that the woman is forced to postpone all her affairs and stay at home. Abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Dizziness, headache, and stabbing pain in the abdomen may be signs of excessive blood loss and anemia.

Severe cramping pain in the abdomen occurs with an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the woman requires urgent surgery.

When painkillers and no-spa do not help, the pain and volume of discharge intensify, consulting a doctor is simply necessary. If severe pain suddenly appears during menstruation against the background of a cycle disorder or weight loss, this may be a sign of a tumor. You need to be examined by a gynecologist urgently.

Drugs prescribed for dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain affects 90% of women aged 18 to 35 years. Such pain is often intense, so timely administration of an effective analgesic helps patients restore the rhythm of life and completely eliminate menstrual pain.

Dialrapid is a fast-acting analgesic that eliminates pain of any intensity. Potassium bicarbonate acts as a pH buffer, ensuring the drug is completely dissolved in water, and subsequently creating a microenvironment around the active substance - potassium diclofenac. It is this microenvironment that promotes accelerated absorption and helps the drug to be completely absorbed by the body. Dialrapid shows a pronounced effect in the first 5 minutes after application. The powder is absorbed by the body almost as quickly as an injection, and unlike tablet analogues, it has a high peak concentration in plasma 1.

To eliminate pathological pain during menstruation, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with antispasmodics. They are able to suppress the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing uterine contractility.

To treat dysmenorrhea, oral contraceptives are widely used - low-dose hormonal drugs that prevent the formation of excess prostaglandins. Herbal preparations based on phytoestrogens are also used, which help improve hormonal levels, as well as homeopathic remedies with non-hormonal action (menalgin). Gradually accumulating in the body, they help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce pain and improve the condition of the nervous system.

Complex preparations containing vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, as well as plant extracts (for example, time factor) are prescribed. It is recommended to start taking medications in advance, before the start of your period. Then, by the time they occur, the required dose has accumulated in the body, and the drug acts more effectively.

Physiotherapy methods - UHF and electrophoresis - help reduce pain during menstruation. In this case, the procedure is carried out in advance. Before the onset of menstruation, special solutions (novocaine, sodium bromide) are applied to the stomach and exposure to ultrasound or electrical impulses is performed. Warming and pain relief occurs.

Prevention of dysmenorrhea

To make your periods less painful, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol on menstrual periods, avoid stress, avoid catching colds, move more, and do yoga. It is necessary to limit the consumption of sugar and foods that cause bloating these days. It is useful to eat chocolate, which stimulates the production of endorphins, as well as foods containing calcium and magnesium.

Video: Yoga classes during menstruation

1. There are contraindications. You need to read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Text: Karina Sembe

MENSTRUATION IS A NATURAL PROCESS, which is not easy for many of us. Lack of information and opportunity causes us to perceive mood swings, body aches, changes in appetite and other related symptoms as something wrong or shameful. Often, because of this, we ignore the needs of our body and decide to endure each month instead of trying to alleviate our lot. Remember: most women face similar problems and they can be solved. Here are some proven ways to make life during your period easier and more enjoyable.

Choose the optimal hygiene product

The cause of discomfort during menstruation is often the wrong choice of hygiene products. Many of us are simply accustomed to the products we were introduced to as teenagers, but developments have moved on since then. Now there are a lot to choose from: from organic cotton tampons, which reduce the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome, to various ones that are placed in the vagina to collect secretions. The latter last a long time, are mostly environmentally friendly, and besides, you don’t have to worry about replacing them all day - others can be worn for up to twelve hours, but you must definitely focus on the manufacturers’ recommendations and the amount of discharge.

Carry wet intimate wipes with you to solve hygiene issues anywhere and anytime. If you leak frequently, carry a spare set of underwear with you. But, most importantly, do not forget that menstrual blood is as natural as or. Don't be ashamed of your discharge, the need to use hygiene products, or the fact that you look or feel different during this time.

Seek help from your doctor

In some cases, severe PMS and painful or heavy periods can be a sign of medical conditions. Do not neglect a medical examination: if there is a problem, it is unlikely to disappear on its own and can lead to more serious consequences than pain in the lower abdomen. In addition, the gynecologist will suggest ways to make periods less painful and, if necessary, reduce their duration to normal.

Many women benefit from birth control pills. They contain progesterone and estrogen, two steroid hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and determine the nature of your periods. In we talked about combined oral contraceptives, designed to reduce the number of menstruation from twelve or more to three or four per year, and subsequently eliminate them altogether. In any case, each organism has its own characteristics and needs, and OC courses of different types should be prescribed with special care - taking into account all possible contraindications and side effects. If necessary, ask your doctor to select the optimal pain reliever - self-prescription is also not recommended.

Pay attention to your body

Please yourself and relax as much as possible. Take a warm bath with salt - just don't let the water be too hot, otherwise the blood vessels will dilate and bleeding may increase. Remember the delights of daytime sleep and... Don't forget to take care of your skin. Due to changing hormone levels, her needs may change, so determine what special treatments can be introduced during this period. During menstruation, some people experience increased sebum production and breakouts: mild cleansing or balancing serums may help. For others, the skin becomes dehydrated and flaky and requires intense hydration.

Physical activity can help you relax and reduce pain. Gynecologists believe that the horizontal position reduces the tone of the uterus, increasing pain. So during painful periods, lying flat is not the only option. We also do not recommend running to CrossFit or squatting with a barbell on the first day, but if you feel strong, take a brisk walk: the blood supply to the pelvic organs will improve and spasms will decrease. Light on the floor or leisurely will help relax the muscles of the back, abdomen and hips. If menstruation proceeds without deviations, sex with penetration and masturbation too - for many this even helps relieve pain.

Take care of emotional comfort

Easy to say, harder to do. We have already told you that in terms of emotions, PMS and menstruation are... Not only does everything hurt, but sensations and reactions become aggravated, and it is not always possible to control them. Modern scientists consider premenstrual syndrome as a disorder of the central nervous system, which is influenced by external factors, congenital or acquired lability of the nervous and endocrine systems and hormonal changes within the cycle. This instability can persist during your period, so it's important to start by accepting this fact and not blaming yourself.

People rarely take time off work directly because of painful periods. But if you know that you usually have a hard time with them, find a way to explain to management the need to work from home. For those who are still forced to endure pain and a broken state on their feet, we advise you to put off trying to resolve all matters at once for a couple of days and give yourself at least an emotional break. If possible, put aside questions that are guaranteed to increase anxiety, and if unresolved problems make you worry, tackle them first. Don't bottle up your feelings too much to avoid adding to the stress, but remember that it's important not to violate other people's boundaries.

Eat mindfully and enjoyably

No matter what, eat regularly. If you feel nauseous and there is no desire to cram a full meal into yourself, don’t fight yourself: fresh vegetables, a couple of grain crispbreads, yogurt or sour fruits are quite acceptable as a meal. The main thing is not to let the body become exhausted. If you are always hungry during your period and can easily swallow a jar of Nutella, accept your desires, but control the quality and quantity of what you eat. We have already talked about reducing the amount of sugar you consume and not limiting yourself too much.

In any case, don’t blame yourself: chocolate will bring much more pleasure and, perhaps, less harm than constant self-restraint. Recommendations regarding nutrition during menstruation are very different and often contradict each other. Let us only note that scientists do not recommend relying on dairy products: cheese and milk are often overly filling, and the casein they contain is associated with the development of inflammatory processes. However, other components of milk are also individual. The most important thing is not to deny yourself what you love, because inner comfort is more important than meeting calorie standards.