Period cramps? Can the spot look like a period? Why does it occur, and how to get rid of period cramps? Should I be concerned?
Painful menstruation is a gynecological disorder estimated to affect approximately 30% of women of reproductive age. But before going on to explain why menstrual pain occurs and how to get rid of period cramps, we will give three facts that can encourage women who suffer from it every month. Periods improve with age, usually after having children, and there are effective treatments to relieve it.
What period is, and how to get rid of period cramps?
Each month, the layer that lines the uterus inside (called the endometrium) grows to form a “bed” in which the egg will nest if it is fertilized. If there is no fertilization, the endometrium sheds and is expelled outside the body. This occurs thanks to the secretion of prostaglandins, chemical substances that contract the uterus, and these contractions, similar to childbirth, although of variable intensity, can be painful. Although no disease is usually found that causes menstrual pain, selected pathology makes it worse.
Can the spot look like a period?
Yes, often, a spot is a period. A few days before the bleeding, women may begin noticing a series of physical and psychological changes and spotting. Both the duration and intensity of these, mild or very intense, are variable and depend on each woman. Physical changes include pain, usually cramp-like, in the lower abdomen and sometimes in the back—nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, swollen belly, or headache. You can experience tiredness, sadness, anxiety, or irritability on a psychological level. When these symptoms follow the same pattern every month, the doctor can diagnose it as Premenstrual Syndrome.
How to get rid of period cramps?
What can I do to relieve menstrual pain? There are various treatments for period cramps:
- Pharmacological treatments
The use of anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, is advisable. They effectively reduce pain, especially if they are started as soon as the first symptoms are noticed and continued regularly for two or three days.
- Hormonal contraceptives
The doctor may prescribe these treatments when severe pain is common during menstruation for women. They can be given in different ways: pills, patches, vaginal rings, implants under the skin, and intrauterine devices (IUD). Hormonal contraceptives thin the endometrium, which is the place where prostaglandins are made. Therefore, uterine contractions, menstrual bleeding, and dysmenorrhea decrease.
Other Treatments:
- Physical exercise: The scientific evidence is inconclusive, but regular physical exercise may reduce painful periods.
- Heat:Applying heat to the lower abdomen—with a hot water bottle, heating pad, or heating pad—as needed has been shown in several studies to relieve contractions and menstrual pain.
- Natural solutions and diet: Multiple diets, vitamins, and herbal remedies have been studied to relieve menstrual pain, but the research is insufficient to recommend almost any such therapy.
- Yoga and acupuncture also appear beneficial, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): this treatment is where a small electric current is applied through electrodes to the painful area. It is less effective than anti-inflammatories and birth control but may be helpful in some women who are unwilling or unable to take these drugs.
If menstrual pain is still very intense despite using these treatments, a disease may be causing it, so that diagnostic tests will be necessary. Although this is rare, the truth is that the vast majority of women, with the right treatment, can continue with their normal life without being limited by menstrual pain.
Which foods help relieve menstrual cramps?
Periods can be uncomfortable. They are painful and can also cause fatigue and interfere with your ability to move and work performance. If the usual medications are not enough to help relieve the symptoms, choose foods that help cramps. Which foods help with period cramps, and which are best to avoid during your period?
If you’re looking to change your diet and shop for foods to prevent cramps, make sure you have plenty of the following:
Bananas are the best
They are one of the best-known foods for how useful they are for menstrual cramps. They are rich in fiber and favor your bowel movements. As a result, you will feel less swollen and less pain overall.
Bananas also contain a large amount of magnesium, relaxing all your muscles. However, don’t go overboard with bananas, as they are also high in sugar.
Lemons and Oranges
Lemons are rich in vitamins. Mainly vitamin C. Vitamin C helps you absorb iron from food to take it to your bloodstream and tissues.
Oranges are one of the best foods for menstrual cramps since they contain even higher concentrations of vitamin C than lemons, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin D.
Watermelon
Watermelons are light and sweet. You can easily put them in the blender and make a delicious milkshake. In addition, they are mainly composed of water. Watermelon will quickly hydrate your body and bring small amounts of natural sugars into your bloodstream, which will help with colic.
Book your appointment with USA Fibroid Centers
It is important to be kind to your body during your period. Get as much rest as possible. Eat and drink fluids and stay comfortable whenever you don’t have to be active.
Get in touch with us for any queries on witnessing grave symptoms related to your periods. Give us a call or schedule your appointment online today.
Call us at 855.615.2555, or schedule an appointment online, to start the journey to a healthier and happier life without fibroid symptoms.
USA Fibroid Centers has been helping women overcome fibroids without surgery since 2016.
You can find hope in knowing our trusted fibroid doctors have years of experience performing Uterine Fibroid Embolization care
Request a consultation with a specialist in Uterine Fibroids and related symptoms at USA Fibroid Centers today.
