More than 70% of women experience period cramps during their menstrual cycle. Just like each woman’s menstrual cycle is different, the span and severity of cramps also differ from woman to woman. Mild cramps are normal; however, if the pain is unbearable, it is most likely due to an underlying health condition.
Menstrual Cramps Overview
Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are a common and often painful symptom of menstruation that affect many women. They typically occur in the lower abdomen and can range from mild to severe. The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue.
During ovulation, hormones called prostaglandins are released that can cause the uterus to contract and cause pain. Here’s what you need to know:
What are period cramps?
Period cramps occur due to the contraction of the uterus. During menstruation, when one experiences period pain, it is due to cramps. At this time, the uterine wall starts to shed. The shedding is what causes the period in the first place.
The uterine wall contracts and sheds all the unfertilised eggs. The contraction of the uterine wall is what results in the pain. The extent of the contraction is what determines the intensity of the pain and it differs for every woman. However, in normal conditions, the cramps do not cause unbearable pain.
Difference between normal periods cramps vs unbearable period cramps
The average menstrual cycle lasts 21-35 days (about one month, four and a half days). During the menstrual cycle, the body prepares for pregnancy. Therefore, when you do not get pregnant, you have your period.
The menstrual cramps start a day or two before the period. Mild to moderate cramps that are endurable with medications are normal. However, you should visit a medical professional if the pain and the cramps persist. If the menstrual pain keeps you from participating in daily activities and causes nausea, then it is time to visit a medical expert.
6 signs of normal period and unbearable to severe period cramps
There are ways to deal with the cramps and the pain. But first, one needs to identify the signs of period cramps. The tell-tale signs will help in the correct diagnosis of period pain. Look out for the following signs to tell if your period pain is normal:
1. Your life faces disruption due to severe cramps
For some women, period pain can become so severe that they must call off work or school. If this happens regularly, then you must immediately consult a health professional. Even though such a condition is rare, it is not normal.
Acute and unbearable period pain can make one miss out on their school days, work, and other important events. The pain in this situation is complex. There are laws in place that offer menstrual leave to women so that they can rest during this time. Unfortunately, this law is not present in most countries.
The next best thing a woman can do to subside the menstrual pain is to see a medical professional. With proper consultation, women can receive medication that will help to curb the pain to a certain extent. Women must rest and eat healthily during this time, or they will lose energy. In cases of severe and unbearable pain, intervention from a medical health professional is preferable.
2. Severe cramps cause random pelvic pain
It is normal to experience pelvic discomfort before and during the period’s first two days. That kind of pain is normal. However, if you experience pelvic pain at other times during the cycle, then it is not normal.
Another sign of unnatural cramps is if you experience pain during intercourse. Painful sex can also result in unnatural period cramps that are painful. If fever, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness accompany the cramps, we’d recommend seeing a health professional as soon as you can.
You can get to the root of the issue with proper medication and diagnoses from a medical expert. It will help to treat the cramps better. Additionally, you can take the proper measures by the time the next menstruation cycle arrives.
3. Over-the-counter pain medications do not work
The first line of medication the majority seek for period pains and cramps is over-the-counter. Over-the-counter medications typically provide relief from pain. However, you must consult a health professional if the medications do not relieve it.
Even with the medications, if your period cramps do not subside, then it is a sign that they are not normal. The intensity of the period cramps can increase if you do not receive proper treatment. Taking strong doses of pain medication to relieve the pain is not advisable. Instead, one should get a diagnosis done by a medical professional.
The diagnosis will identify the reason behind the severe pains and why the pain medications are not working. With the diagnosis, you can receive proper treatment. The treatment will not only subside the pain but also ensure that in your next period cycle, you are ready to combat such pain.
On a side note, you should not take more pain medication than prescribed. Follow the prescription. If you feel there is a need to increase the dosage of the pain medication, talk to your healthcare provider. However, in the case of normal period pain, you need not worry.
4. Nausea and headaches are normal
Some women experience nausea a few days before their period starts. Such a symptom is normal. Nausea occurs due to contractions in the uterus due to the secretion of a hormone known as prostaglandin.
For some women, nausea and headaches are normal and mild. However, for others, nausea and headaches can become severe and disrupt their daily activities. In some cases, it causes dizziness.
On the other hand, some women do not experience such symptoms. They have no pain or nausea, and their cycle occurs with any period of pain.
5. No spotting in-between and before periods
Spotting is a common occurrence before the start of the menstrual cycle. Spotting signals the arrival and the end of the periods. However, if there is no spot, that is a cause for concern. The absence of mid-cycle spotting is a cause for concern. If it happens, one must immediately receive professional medical help.
Trauma or pregnancy can lead to spots, but if either is not the case, then only medical consultation will reveal the root cause. It can happen due to STI (sexually transmitted disease) or uterine polyps.
6. No severe cramps and PMS symptoms
Period stomach pain is normal during the menstrual cycle. Women sometimes do not experience severe PMS symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, and bloating. If this happens in each cycle, one should consult the expert and receive an evaluation. It is not normal.
On the other hand, severe cramps also indicate that your body is dealing with some issues. If the cramps are persistently painful and reoccur before the start of every cycle, then you need to consult a medical professional. The correct treatment and diagnosis will help to curb the situation.
How to manage period cramps
Severe period cramps can make carrying out daily activities a challenge. However, one can overcome the pain and get relief with proper medication.
1. Apply heat
Applying heat is one of the best and easiest remedies to treat menstrual cramps. It is a simple home remedy. Apply the heat to the abdomen in a hot water bag. The heat provides instant relief from painful cramps. It is a discreet pain relief option.
2. Use pain reliever
If the heat is not working, the next best solution is to use a pain reliever. It is advisable to acquire a prescribed pain relief medication from a health professional. Health professionals can prescribe a pain relief medication suitable for your health and will also provide relief in a few moments.
3. Exercising
Regular exercise helps to release endorphins that regulate the happy mood in a person. Endorphins block the perception of pain in the body.
4. Hormonal birth control
Hormonal birth control pills monitor ovulation and therefore reduce severe menstrual cramps. One can receive the treatment through a skin patch, injection, or IUD (intrauterine device).
5. Surgery
Surgery is the last resort to treat menstrual cramps if the cause of it is a disorder. In cases of endometriosis or fibroids, surgery can remedy the problems and ease the symptoms. However, such a surgery is permanent and may constrict the ability to conceive.
Learn more about available treatments for menstrual cramps with Ova
You can use certified products to treat painful period cramps from Ova. Speaking to a doctor will help you determine the best product for your needs. They will also be able to provide you with a prescription if needed.
Conclusion
Hysterectomies are rare cases. In most cases, medication after consultation from medical professionals can differentiate the two: normal vs abnormal period pain. Women find relief from the unbearable pain and other associated menstrual cramps.
FAQs about period cramps
1. How to treat period cramps?
You can find relief from period cramps from over-the-counter medicines. However, it is best to consult a medical professional if the pain persists and other symptoms like nausea, headache accompany it.
2. What causes painful periods?
Mild pain during the period is normal as it occurs due to the contraction of the uterine walls. However, if the pain persists, seek professional and medical consultation.
3. Does chocolate help with period cramps?
Dark chocolate relieves period cramps. Eat 40-120 grams of dark chocolate daily.
4. How to reduce period cramps?
You can reduce period cramps with exercise, sleep, relaxation, and applying heat pads to name a few.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.