What exactly are menstrual cramps?
Menstrual Cramps, otherwise called Dysmenorrhea a Greek
word for painful menstruation is classified as primary
(from the beginning and usually lifelong) or secondary
(due to some physical cause and usually of later onset).
The Uterus is a muscle that contracts and relaxes. Strong
uterine contractions are very painful, which cause the cramping,
vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.
During strong contractions, the uterus may contract too strongly
or too frequently, causing the blood supply to the uterus
to be temporarily cut off. This deprives the muscle of oxygen,
causing pain.
There are two different types of menstrual cramps.
The first is Primary Dysmenorrhea Primary dysmenorrhea is
the more common than secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary is due
to the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are natural
substances made by cells in the inner lining of the uterus
and other parts of the body. The prostaglandins, which are
made in the uterus force the uterine muscles to contract and
to help the uterus shed the built up lining during the menstrual
cycle. The danger comes in when there are excessive prostaglandins
produced. These excessive prostaglandin cause women to experience
excessive pain and dysmenorrhea (the vomiting, cramping, and
diarrhea.)
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Secondary Dysmenorrhea is not as frequent as Primary Dysmenorrhea,
it is defined as menstrual pain due to pelvic pathology. Secondary
Dysmenorrhea occurs after a woman has been having normal menstrual
periods for some time. Secondary Dysmenorrhea is different
from primary dysmenorrheal because it is caused by a diseased
or abnormality in the uterus, tubes and/or ovaries.
With Secondary Dysmenorrhea the pain is similar to that of
primary dysmenorrheal except that it lasts longer and it may
occur at other times of the month.
The most common causes of infections are endometriosis (tissue
from the lining of the uterus implants outside the uterus)
and adenomyosis (benign growths in the uterine walls), and
adhesions (scarring or adherence of two surfaces).
How to get relief:
If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps then the most
effective therapies for primary dysmenorrhea include rest,
heating pad to the lower abdomen and/or back, nutrition, aerobic
exercise and medication such as an NSAID (aspirin ibuprofen,
naproxen sodium).
The NSAID Should be taken 1-3 days before the onset of your
menstrual cycle.
Another useful supplement is PMS ProCycle, Vitamin B6 , 50
to 100 mg. each day, Also calcium supplements of 1000 mg.
per day may be helpful.
Progesterone cream can also help by increasing your progesterone
levels and combating unopposed estrogen.
Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on finding the
cause and treating it appropriately. Medical and/or surgical
treatment may be needed.
More information about Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps consult
your health care provider.
|
