According to the Merck Manuals, reports estimate that more than 50 percent of women are afflicted with dysmenorrhea, pain in the lower part of the abdomen that occurs during menstruation. Although in most cases there is no identifiable cause for primary dysmenorrhea, pain can be severe enough to interfere with a woman's daily life. Effective treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, applying heat, getting enough sleep and regular exercise.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
Although cramping in the lower abdomen is the primary symptom of this condition, some women experience pain that extends into their lower back and legs. Other symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and the need to frequently urinate. Pain usually lasts for three or four days, and come and go. Most women experience sharp pain or cramps right before or at the start of their period.
Causes of Dysmenorrhea
In primary dysmenorrhea, pain only occurs during a woman's menstrual cycle, and may be the result of higher levels of prostaglandin being released. Prostaglandin hormones cause the uterus to contract. This reduces blood flow to the uterus, increasing the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain. Women with secondary dysmenorrhea have another underlying gynecological disorder causing the pain.
Treating the Condition
In cases where pain is severe or disabling, a doctor may prescribe a low dose oral contraceptive to help control dysmenorrhea. Anti-inflammatory medicines are sometimes used to help treat pain as well. However, if a woman has an underlying medical condition that is causing the pain, that condition must be treated. Pelvic and abdomen exercises are also effective at alleviating the pain. The College of Medicine at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center points out that regular exercise can help relieve menstrual symptoms. Exercising during your period is especially important since exercise can improve muscle tone, increase pelvic circulation and correct posture. Improving posture can help to eliminate some of the pain and discomfort.
Exercises to Relieve Cramping
Walking is one form of exercise that can help relieve pain, including the cramping pain associated with dysmenorrhea. Pelvic stretching exercises are another way to help alleviate pain during your period by reducing the intensity of menstrual cramps. Lie on the floor flat on your back while you slowly raise both of your legs into the air. Hold that position for a few seconds before slowly bringing down your legs and then your knees as you return to your original resting position. Like pelvic stretching, the pelvic rocking helps relieve back pain by strengthening your stomach muscles and improving blood flow to the uterus. Get down on your hands and knees. Keep your arms straight. Tilt your hips under as you tighten your pelvic muscles, hunching your back slightly. Relax. You can also lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your buttocks and the muscles in your lower abdomen while pressing the small of your back onto the floor. Relax and repeat.
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