What Causes Period Cramps Before And During Your Cycle?
Is your 'that time of the month', around? Chances are your body is about to experience a range of mood swings, cravings and above all - period cramps! For most women, cramps before period is a common feat. Likewise, experiencing cramps during your periods is also quite normal. But when this pain becomes severe and unbearable, it requires medical attention. Thus, to help you out we've laid out what causes period cramps, symptoms of menstrual cramps, its risk factors and much more.
What Are Period Cramps?
Period cramps are dull or sharp aches that occur in your lower abdomen
Period cramps are dull or sharp aches that occur in your lower abdomen, most likely in your pelvic region. You might experience these menstrual cramps before or during your periods. It's noted that they tend to get less painful as you age and might stop completely once you have a baby. While most of them are easy-going and cause mild discomfort, some women complain of experiencing severe and painful period cramps.
What Causes Period Cramps
There are quite a few reasons associated with what causes period cramps. But the reason behind the cause of menstrual cramps is an increase in the levels of prostaglandins. When you menstruate, your uterus contracts and sheds its lining along with blood and tissue. This motion of contraction is triggered by the presence of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. This particular substance tends to rise in amount before your cycle begins.
Apart from this primary reason, there are a few underlying conditions that can cause painful menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea.
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Adenomyosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Cervical stenosis
Risk Factors Associated With Menstrual Cramps
Few things can put you at a higher risk of experiencing menstrual cramps such as:
If you smoke
If you are under the age of 30
If you are experiencing heavy flow
If you hit puberty before or at the age of 11
If you have an irregular cycle
If you have a family history of painful period cramps
Symptoms Of Menstrual Cramps
Here are some of the common symptoms of the lower abdomen or stomach period cramps experienced by women.
1. Dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen
2. Pain begins one to three days before periods and rises on day 1 of periods
3. Pain that tends to follow to your lower back and towards your thighs
Apart from these symptoms, one might experience that following along with period cramps:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Loose stools
Home Remedies For Period Cramps
While painkillers prescribed by your doctor can be one of your quickest period cramp remedies, a few at-home tricks could also help period cramps.
Here are a few easy home treatments for menstrual cramps meant for mild aches:
1. Use a heating pad over the affected area
2. Try massaging your abdomen to ease out the pain
3. Practise yoga
4. Do light exercises
5. Take vitamins and supplements like vitamin E, B-6, B-1, calcium and magnesium. Make sure to consult a doctor before taking these supplements
6. Refrain from eating too much salt or sugar foods
7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
While dealing with period cramps can seem like a task, you shouldn't forget to be prepared for your periods. Using the best period protection during your cycle is a must. For sanitary pad users, you need to experience the ALWAYS Platinum Ultra Thin Pads which are designed with innovative micro-cushions and gel-based extra-absorbent core. It offers comfort and complete protection at a go! On the other hand, the odour neutralising technology keeps you fresh and clean.
Coming to tampons, the ALWAYS TAMPAX Cardboard Tampons equipped with quick-absorption channels and a cardboard applicator, provide you with leak-free periods. Additionally, its anti-slip grip feature allows a smooth and easy insertion.
Experiencing period cramps during your cycle is normal and common.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know what causes cramps when on period, make sure to note your symptoms. Experiencing period cramps during your cycle is normal and common. But when you feel that the severity of your menstrual cramps is increasing or is abnormal than usual, consulting a doctor is a must. He will be able to diagnose and treat the underlying cause associated with your cramps if there's any.
Read more about period symptoms, causes of irregular periods and what causes period pains.
FAQs
1. What causes period pains?
Period pains are caused by the production of prostaglandins which triggers the uterus to contract and shed lining while menstruating.2. How to get rid of period cramps fast?
Here are a few ways to get rid of period cramps:1. Apply heat on the affected area
2. Have anti-inflammatory foods
3. Take over the counter relievers, after consulting a doctor
4. Yoga
3. How long does period pain last?
Once you start menstruating, period pain lasts for around two to three days that is 48 to 72 hours.Disclaimer
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