Painful periods: Know the reasons

If your period pain is severe or lasts longer than normal, it is important to see your doctor to rule out other causes. Endometriosis is a leading cause of painful periods. This condition occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, often causing pain and heavy bleeding.

Surgical removal can help reduce symptoms. Other conditions that can cause painful periods include pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, and fibroids.    

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that usually lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing abnormal bleeding and pain. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and increase uterus size.

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Adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue from the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus, causing heavy bleeding and pain. All of these conditions can affect your uterus and other pelvic organs, leading to painful periods.    

Pressure pain

Pressure pain is one of the most common causes of painful periods. Small fibroids can press on your uterus and cause pain during your period. Cervical stenosis is a rare condition that occurs when the cervix, or opening of the uterus, narrows and slows menstrual flow.

This increased pressure can cause inflammation, which can then lead to more pain. PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) can also be a cause, as it increases inflammation in the pelvic area and causes pain during menstruation.    

How does painful periods actually happen?

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Painful menstrual periods, also called dysmenorrhea, are very common. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the most common form and it is thought to be caused by the uterine lining producing hormone-like substances which make the muscles of the uterus and blood vessels contract, reducing blood flow and causing pain.

This contraction of muscles comes with pain as well as cramps that can last for days. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even sick days from school or work. The primary cause of primary dysmenorrhea is when the uterus produces a hormone which helps it produce a thickened uterine lining.    

This hormone can cause severe pain in the lower abdomen. Women of any age may experience primary dysmenorrhea. It is more common among younger women, as they tend to have higher levels of this hormone.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when certain reproductive disorders affect women and cause them to develop more severe pain during their periods. Endometriosis and fibroids are two of the most common causes of painful periods in women.    

When to see a doctor for painful periods?

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Many women experience mild discomfort during their menstrual cycle and this can be managed. Painkillers and other medications can help to relieve pain, but if the pain feels worse than usual or lasts longer than usual, it is important to check with your doctor.

If you have had period pain for a long time or experience chronic menstrual cramps that interfere with your everyday activities, you may need medical treatment for secondary dysmenorrhoea. The good news is that there are a range of treatments available to manage period pain and many women have successfully managed their periods through lifestyle changes such as diet modification, exercise and stress reduction.

Your doctor may also recommend hormonal birth control to help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps.  Talk to Gytree’s experts for the right guidance or explore “ Irregular and painful periods” package to know more.