Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
The discomfort experienced by women with painful periods varies in intensity from a heavy,
dragging sensation in the low abdomen or back, to intense cramp for up to three days, so bad
as to require painkillers.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea is characterized by sharp, cramping pain or dragging aches in the lower
abdomen, back or both, occurring around the beginning of the period and lasting up to two or
three days. The pain or aching can affect the things. There may be associated headache,
diarrhoea, frequency of urination, and nausea, vomiting or fainting if the pain is severe.
The pains tend to start after the first four periods or within the first three years of
menstruation. As women reach their twenties and thirties the pain tends to lessen and then
disappear.
The tendency to painful periods is very often remedied by the birth of a baby. Young
women who have these kinds of painful periods suffer from uterine contractions, that are both
too strong and too frequent, when the uterus attempts to shed its lining. The resulting
tension in the uterus impedes blood flow the uterus, which in turn causes more cramping.
Causes Of Primary Dysmenorrhoea
hormone imbalance
fear of pregnancy
genetic predisposition
emotional problems often related to sexuality and femininity
embarrassment or shame about period
muscular tension
smoking
lack of exercise
tight clothing impeding blood flow to the uterus
stress, overwork, tiredness, leading to muscle tension
caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate, exacerbating tension
bad posture and shallow breathing, inhibiting blood supply to the uterus
poor circulation
deficiency of essential fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin B6, C and niacin, zinc,
iron deficiency
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Secondary dysmenorrhoea tends to start later in a women’s life then the primary kind, usually
in the twenties or thirties. If symptoms occur in a young women who has been menstruating
regularly for more then three years, it should be considered as secondary dysmenorrhoea.
It is characterized by pain which begins three to four days - or even up to a week - before
menstruation, and it may either be relived or continue after bleeding begins. Pain can be
associated with heavy bleeding, and some time large clots are passed. The pain can be mild to
severe, but tends to have a less colicky nature then primary dysmenorrhoea. There is often a
dull, aching sensation of dragging down in the lower abdomen, which can extend to the lower
back and thighs. The pain is more related to congestion in the uterus then to tension and
spasm there.
Causes Of Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Infection or inflammation in the pelvis
hormone imbalance
adhesions caused by endometriosis
an IUD causing congestion
fibroids
a recent operation of investigation in the abdomen
a sedentary lifestyle
poor posture, lower back problems
stress and tension causing pelvic congestion
tight clothing, wearing high heeled shoes
constipation
genetic predisposition
Before seeking treatment for your period pains, consult your practitioner. It may be that
three are structural abnormalities or a problem which requires specific treatment.
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