Severe Menstrual Pain, Causes and Treatments

Menstrual cramps are one of the most common of problems borne by women of childbearing age. Usually the cramps are easygoing, but some women's menstrual cramps are so severe that they have to even restrict their normal activities. Painful menstruation is the foremost cause of absenteeism from school and work among women. The technical term for this acute cramping is-Dysmenorrhea.

There are two general types of dysmenorrhea:

(1)Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in otherwise healthy women. It is not related to any explicit problems with the uterusdefine or other pelvic organs. It comes from having the period and the natural production of prostaglandins. Other signs and symptoms that can occur along with this menstrual pain include nausea and vomiting, loose stools, sweating and dizziness.

(2)Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that can be ascribed to some underlying disease or structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus. It may begin later in life than primary dysmenorrhea. This type of pain often extends to beyond the termination of the period. Some of the most common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea are:

* Adenomyosis: In this state, the tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow within the muscular walls of the uterus.
* Endometriosis: In this painful condition, the type of tissue that lines the uterus becomes implanted outside it, most commonly on the fallopian tubesdefine, ovaries or the tissue lining the pelvis.
* Use of an intrauterine device (IUD): The small, plastic, T-shaped birth control devices which are inserted into the uterus are also a cause of increased cramping, predominantly during the first few months after insertion.
* Uterine fibroidsdefine and uterine polyps: These are non-cancerous tumors and growths which stick out from the lining of the uterus and result in pain.
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This illness of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.

Pap smears, certain lab tests and ultrasound examinations are some diagnostic techniques used to determine the specific cause of dysmenorrhea.

Treatment of menstrual cramps is generally customized to suit each woman's individual wants. In order to avoid medication a few home care steps are suggested. Heating pads could be applied to the lower abdomendefine. Warm showers and warm beverages are advantageous. Circular massage with fingertips around the lower abdomen works wonders. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and vitamin B-6, calcium and magnesium supplements also help to relieve menstrual pain.

If these home care tips do not work, the treatment for dysmenorrhea may include medications and techniques to relieve pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen are quite effective.

If these medicines also don't work, a stronger pain reliever, such as codeine could prove beneficial. Some women find relief through yoga, meditation and acupuncture.

In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment depends on the root of the problem. The underlying conditions contributing to pain need to be diagnosed prior to advising apt medication.

By and large, a woman's menstrual cramps don't aggravate throughout her lifetime. The cramps of primary dysmenorrhea usually recede with time and pregnancy. In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, where a causal gynecologic condition contributes to pain, the cure relies on successful therapy of that state.