Last Updated on June 17, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
Why Pains Occur During Periods? 5 Things You Need To Know
It is not uncommon for women to experience pain during their periods for a variety of reasons.
Some of these causes include inflammation, excessive prostaglandins, Endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
However, pain during a period could also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a disorder.
This article will provide some information on what causes pain during a period.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal bodily reaction to an injury or illness. Short-term inflammation is beneficial, as it allows the immune system to recognize the injury and start the repair process.
Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can interfere with the menstrual cycle and cause pain and discomfort during your period.
Women often experience inflammation during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, such as ovulation.
Inflammation during your period can also affect your immune system, making your symptoms even worse.
Inflammation during the period is triggered by the production of prostaglandins.
Prostaglandin levels are related to the intensity of contractions.
Many women who have primary dysmenorrhea experience heavier, longer periods.
Some women have uterine growths, called endometriosis, outside of the womb. Th
ey experience abdominal pain and bloating before their periods and during them.
Excess prostaglandins
The production of hormones called prostaglandins in the body is responsible for the pain you feel during your period.
While mild period cramps are perfectly normal, severe pain during your period can indicate that your body is overproducing these chemicals and causing inflammation.
About 95% of women experience any degree of period pain.
Twenty-seven percent experience severe cramps, and 19% experience pain at several locations.
Treatment for excessive prostaglandins during your period often includes anti-inflammatory medications and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
If you have a light menstrual cycle, try taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Naproxen, which blocks the enzyme responsible for making prostaglandin.
Other methods include taking a hot bath or applying a hot compress to your abdomen.
Some women report relief from excessive pain with hot baths and a diet that is low in fat and high in protein.
Endometriosis
Many women experience severe pain during their periods, known as dysmenorrhea.
In fact, more than half of women suffer from some type of abdominal pain during their period.
However, abdominal pain that extends beyond cramping is a warning sign of an underlying medical condition.
Endometriosis can cause this pain, so it is important to learn more about this condition before seeking medical treatment.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis are cramps, pelvic pain, and bowel and bladder problems.
These symptoms can be constant, intermittent, or cyclical. The pain may also occur during menstrual flow.
The pain may also affect the bladder and bowels, as well as lead to blood in the urine and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
While endometriosis is rare, it can affect a woman’s quality of life.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, which leads to painful, heavy periods.
This condition can also lead to an enlarged uterus.
The enlarged uterus can cause pain during periods, as well as pressure and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
Adenomyosis is also associated with severe cramping during periods.
Adenomyosis may be difficult to diagnose, but doctors can treat it with medications.
Women with mild cases of adenomyosis may find relief with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
More severe cases may require surgery, although this may only be performed if the symptoms are preventing pregnancy.
For women who are over 40 and want to remain childless, a hysterectomy is an option.
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Pelvic inflammatory disease
If you’re experiencing pain during your period, you may have the pelvic inflammatory disease.
This condition can be caused by a variety of reasons, including having an abnormal Pap smear, an intrauterine device inserted, or even after you’ve just given birth.
The infection may even be caused by a procedure that takes a sample of your woman
Your doctor may recommend testing for PID or recommend abstinence, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Pelvic pain is often a symptom of several different gynecological conditions, and a doctor can perform a pelvic exam.
In some cases, it can be difficult to diagnose.
The truth may be higher than 15%, however. Pelvic pain can range from mild to severe and may not have any obvious cause.
It may also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases or a more serious condition, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
