Why can periods be so painful?

PERIOD PAIN


There is a long-held belief that women have a higher pain threshold than men and perhaps it’s because women have just had more practice.

The agony of childbirth aside, many women get a monthly dose of torment every time they menstruate. As the saying goes, “Fear that which bleeds for five days and does not die.”


Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, ranges from the odd twinge to a debilitating plethora of symptoms. As well as stomach cramps, some women experience nausea, vomiting, fainting, irregularity, headaches and exhaustion.

If that isn’t enough, women who don’t know what it’s like - and doctors - can be unsympathetic. Surveys indicate that 70% of women regularly use painkillers to cope with menstrual pain and half say the pain “seriously disrupts” their life.

Why can periods be so painful?
During menstruation, strong muscular contractions cause of the majority of period pain –similar to those which women suffer when they go into labour. As the uterus contracts the blood supply to the womb is temporarily cut off. This stops oxygen flow to the muscles, causing the body to release chemicals which trigger pain.

What can I do to help my period pain?

Instant helpers:

A hot water bottle on the site of the pain.

Painkillers like aspirin and paracetamol.

Evening primrose oil. This is especially effective if taken before the onset of cramps.

Raspberry leaf tea, strong and hot, before and during the pain.

Exercise: walking, cycling or swimming at a gentle pace is ideal for easing minor period pain. Take it easy and stop if you feel nauseous.

Preventative steps:
Your doctor may recommend the contraceptive pill or other medication to help your period pain. Additionally, there are plenty of different supplements which can assist with menstrual pain. Each one has its own pros and cons and what works for one woman may be useless for another.

Talk to a pharmacist or specialist health store about some of the following: Magnesium, calcium, B group vitamins, calendula, feverfew, dandelion and others. Trial and error may help you to discover which remedy or combination of remedies works for you.