What is dysmenorrhea

Written By The HealthMeth Team - Updated On Monday, March 1, 2021 1:00 PM

Dysmenorrhoea

It can be defined dysmenorrhea or what is known as cramps menstruation as so severe pain that is concentrated in the lower abdomen or lower back, which accompanies the female in the period of the menstrual cycle or the period preceding, due to the severe contractions of the muscles of the uterus during The period of the menstrual cycle, when these contractions cause pressure on the nearby blood vessels, which leads to an obstruction of blood flow to the uterus, and therefore less oxygen reaching the uterus, so the patient feels pain at that time, and this pain may be in the form of pressure in the abdominal area, or the presence of pain in The inner area of ​​the thigh and hip, and in severe cases of dysmenorrhea, the female may suffer from vomiting and diarrhea , and in fact these pains usually begin to appear after a year or two of the girl's first menstrual blood, and this problem may disappear upon the birth of her first child. [1]


Causes of dysmenorrhea

Prostaglandins stimulate the contraction of the uterine muscles to get rid of its lining. Significantly high levels of this substance are associated with severe cases of dysmenorrhea, [2] in fact dysmenorrhea can be classified depending on the cause of these pains to primary dysmenorrhea. , Which occurs during the period of menstruation, as mentioned previously, and secondary dysmenorrhea It is the pain that occurs because of problems in the reproductive organs, [3] and among the problems that may cause suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea, we mention the following: [2]

  • Endometriosis: This condition occurs when the cells lining the uterus grow outside it, grow in the ovaries, or in the tissues lining the pelvis, and often grow in the fallopian tubes.
  • Uterine leiomyoma: , which are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterine wall and cause pain.
  • Adenomyosis Rahmi: , and in this case , the tissue lining the uterus begins to grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease : , which is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to the body, usually through sexual intercourse, and causes inflammation of the female genital organs.
  • Narrowing of the cervix: , some of the women suffering from narrowing of the cervix , which leads to the obstruction of blood flow of the menstrual cycle, causing the occurrence of pain and thereby increase the pressure in the womb.


Dysmenorrhea treatment

Drug therapy

Among the medicines used to relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea, we mention the following: [4]

  • Painkillers: Taking painkillers that can be dispensed without a prescription helps relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea, as they can be taken before the menstrual cycle, or when symptoms and pain begin to appear, and examples of these drugs are; Ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Hormonal contraception: These methods are available in several forms, including oral pills , injections, flexible rings placed in the vagina, or an IUD, as they contain hormones that prevent ovulation and relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea.


Surgical operations

Surgical procedures may help relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, for example; Hysterectomy can help relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea, after other methods used to treat dysmenorrhea have failed, and if a woman does not want to have children. [4]


Home treatment

Among the home methods that can be used to reduce menstrual pain , we mention the following: [5]

  • Use warm compresses on the abdomen and lower back to relieve pain.
  • A twenty minute massage using essential oils. Where the therapist applies pressure to specific points in the abdomen and back, in addition to massaging them.
  • Avoid eating foods that cause gas and flatulence , and foods that cause fluid to lock in the body, such as fatty foods, alcohol, soft drinks, caffeine, and salty foods.
  • Eat some types of herbs that have anti-inflammatory and anti-colic properties, as they reduce muscle contractions and swelling that accompanies menstrual pain. Examples of these herbs are chamomile tea , fennel seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and dill.
  • Eat some types of foods that contribute to relieving symptoms of dysmenorrhea, examples of which are:
    • Papaya plant rich in vitamins.
    • Whole rice contains amounts of vitamin B6, which might reduce bloating.
    • Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, rich in manganese, relieve cramps.
    • Broccoli and olive oil both contain vitamin E.
    • Flax seeds with antioxidant properties, which contain omega-3, relieve bloating and inflammation.
    • Avocados, dried peaches, bananas, and peanut butter, these foods contain boron, which helps absorb calcium and phosphorous, and relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
    • Cucumber, celery, and watermelon are foods that contain large amounts of water, which increase body moisture.
    • Sesame seeds, dairy products, almonds, and leafy vegetables, which contain a large amount of calcium, which helps reduce muscle contraction during menstruation.
  • Drink enough water and fluids, especially warm fluids, as they contribute to reducing fluid retention, and help avoid flatulence pain during the menstrual cycle by increasing blood flow to the skin and relaxing muscles.
  • Exercise, which reduce the pain of dysmenorrhea, whether it is through the exercise of jogging or yoga, where exercise causes exercise secretion of endorphins in the body, thereby contributing in the mitigation of the cycle pain, Chnecatha, minimizing the need for To pain medications.


References

  1. Traci C. Johnson (23-3-2017), "What Are Menstrual Cramps?" www.webmd.com , Retrieved 21-6-2018. Edited.
  2. ^ A b "Menstrual Cramps" , Www.mayoclinic.org , 14-4-2018, Retrieved 21-6-2018. Edited.
  3. Traci C. Johnson (23-3-2017), "What Are Menstrual Cramps?" , Www.webmd.com , Retrieved 21-6-2018. Edited.
  4. ^ A b "Menstrual Cramps" , Www.mayoclinic.org , 14-4-2018, Retrieved 21-6-2018. Edited.
  5. "Home Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Pain" , www.healthline.com , 2-3-2017, Retrieved 21-6-2018. Edited.