Painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, affect up to 80% of women. The pain often comes and goes in waves and many women describe it as an intense squeezing and/or burning feeling. Some women also feel the pain in the lower back and thighs.
The pain usually starts the first day of bleeding and typically lasts up to three days. For many women the pain is bad enough to have a significant impact on their lives; up to 50% of women report missing at least one day or school or work because of painful periods.
Painful periods are the result of hormones, called prostaglandins, released from the lining of the uterus during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea can also be a sign of a medical condition endometriosis (a condition where the lining of the uterus grows in the belly) or adenomyosis (the lining of the uterus works it’s way into the muscle of the uterus). These conditions are more likely to be present when the pain lasts more than five days.
While traditional Western Medicine, such as birth control pills and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, can be helpful many women want to avoid pharmaceuticals and hormones in particular. Here are six non-pharmaceutical options for painful periods:
Exercise – aerobic exercise releases natural painkillers, like endorphins and opioids. It also improves blood flow and oxygen delivery, both of which are helpful in improving pain.
Heat – a heating pad can be very effective. Don’t go higher than 39 degrees Celsius and remove the heating pad every 15 minutes to avoid burns
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – a device that sends an electric current through the skin to reduce pain. Electrodes are placed over the area of the pain (the lower back or abdomen) and hooked up to a small battery powered unit that controls the strength and the frequency of the current. A TENS should only be used under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Magnesium – a vitamin that is important for muscle health (remember, the uterus is simply a muscle). It also affects the way nerves send pain signals to the brain.
Fish Oil – contains high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and may work by reducing the inflammatory storm of painful periods. The major side effect is fishy indigestion – you also have to muscle past the smell of the capsules.
Vitamin B1 – thiamine, a vitamin important in maintaining nervous system health.
Vitamin E – helps reduce breast pain in addition to treating dysmenorrhea
If the pain lasts more than five days a consultation with your doctor is recommended. It is also wise to talk with your doctor before starting any therapy, even vitamins and minerals.
Painful periods don’t have to be a rite of womanhood; there are many options to consider.
Author: Jennifer Gunter
Jennifer Gunter is an examiner from San Francisco, California. You can see Jennifer’s articles on Jennifer’s Home Page.
