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How to deal with pain and discomfort during your period
Almost all girls experience discomfort and discomfort during menstruation. But what if you are one of those who can hardly endure this pain, or even completely drop out of life for several days? We asked the gynecologist how to alleviate the malaise these days.
Again critical days … The next few days, bad mood, tearfulness, discomfort and fatigue. Despite the fact that moderate menstrual pains do not indicate any pathology at all, they interfere with living a full life. However, some of us were less fortunate. According to studies, almost half of women have to put up with throbbing pains and cramps in the first days of menstruation.
First, let’s see why this is happening. Shortly before the end of the cycle, the mucous membrane that covers the inner surface of the uterus is ready to receive the fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the mucous membrane begins to flake off and bleed.
To reject unnecessary endometrium, the walls of the uterus contract, thereby causing discomfort or pain.
So are there ways to deal with the discomfort during critical days and when should you see a doctor? We asked Marina Yuryevna Gushchina, a gynecologist-endocrinologist about this.
Is this the norm?
According to Marina Yuryevna, abdominal pain during menstruation is not always pathological. They can be due to physiological reasons. Moderate pulling sensations that occur in the first days of the cycle under the influence of a hormonal surge are considered the norm. During menstruation, the uterus is actively contracting and is in good shape – all this provokes painful sensations.
If the pain is severe, you should see a gynecologist.
“With regard to pathological pain, one of the most common causes of pain is endometriosis (gynecological disease in which endometrial cells grow outside of it – approx. Healthy Food Near Me). During menstruation, the foci of endometriosis, which are located in the muscular layer of the uterus, begin to actively bleed. There is a muscle spasm, due to which the woman experiences painful sensations, explains Dr. Gushchina. “Often the only signal that indicates the initial stage of development of endometriosis is painful critical days.” In addition, it is necessary to exclude adhesive and inflammatory processes, the presence of myomatous nodes (benign tumors affecting the organs of the female reproductive system) and other pathologies of the small pelvis.
If the pain is moderate and bothers only in the first days of menstruation, then there are no serious reasons for worrying. It also happens that the unpleasant sensations are so strong that they lead to a semi-fainting state. If even basic physical activity becomes a torment for you (for example, you cannot go to work or do household chores), this is a good reason to see a doctor.
Pain relievers can help with severe cramps.
“The main thing that should alert a woman is a change in the nature of pain,” Marina Yurievna is sure. – If each cycle they were moderate, but during the next menstruation they suddenly became strong, it is better to consult a specialist. He will find out the causes and exclude diseases of the reproductive system. ” The expert insists that all women must visit a gynecologist every six months, especially if critical days are accompanied by unpleasant sensations.
Some girls in the first days of the cycle have a headache and narrow legs. It is believed that this is the norm, but still it is better not to postpone the visit to a specialist.
“In some cases, this may indicate various diseases. For example, be one of the signs of varicose veins. In case of severe headaches, it is worth excluding vascular pathologies, ”the expert said. According to Dr. Gushchina, an elevated temperature (up to thirty-seven degrees) in the first few days of menstruation is a normal state of our body. But if it rises above this mark and lasts longer than two days, then you should immediately consult a doctor – there is a possibility of inflammatory processes.
Effective methods
“The main advice for all women during menstruation is to unload yourself as much as possible,” insists Marina Yurievna. It is not recommended to lift things heavier than five kilograms (otherwise severe pain and bleeding are possible), take a hot bath, go to baths and saunas, and live sexually (you can easily get an infection).
Try to avoid strenuous activities during your period.
“If the pain is really strong, then you cannot do without antispasmodic drugs, because the sensations can really be painful. The pain threshold is different for everyone, and you should listen to your body, ”the doctor advises. These do not have to be pills – candles with diclofenac or papaverine will do. If the pain lasts five to six days, then, most likely, we are talking about pathology.
However, if you are the type of person who tries not to overuse pain relievers, there are other ways to reduce the pain. There is the so-called “fetal position” (lying down, arms and legs pressed to the stomach). As a rule, it helps to get rid of pulling pains in the abdomen and lower back. It will not be superfluous to massage the abdomen, performed with light stroking movements in a clockwise direction. But the theory that it is worth applying heat and the pain will pass is incorrect. According to Dr. Gushchina, under the influence of hot spasms do decrease, but at the same time bleeding may increase, so you should be extremely careful with this method.
Non-obvious tips
Some yoga postures can also relieve menstrual cramps. This may seem absurd, because some find it difficult even to walk, let alone exercise. The main thing here is to start. For example, the asana “jana shirshasana” (sitting, tilting the head to the knee of an outstretched leg) improves blood circulation in the pelvic organs. Also, during critical days, you can do light twists. They gently massage the abdomen, stimulate kidney function, stimulate the sensitive receptors in the pelvic region and relieve bloating.
Embryo Pose helps you relax
“It is recommended to practice belly breathing. Basically, we don’t pay attention to how we breathe – usually this happens at the expense of the chest. Abdominal breathing requires concentration and little exercise. On the other hand, it is very useful for the normal functioning of the pelvic organs and health promotion, ”notes Marina Yurievna.
In addition to belly breathing, try alternating between the left and right nostril (this is called shodhana pranayama in yoga).
It has a beneficial effect on overall well-being, improves lymph drainage and removes fluid from tissues. To perform the technique, sit with your back straight and observe your breathing for several breaths. Then move on to alternate breathing. Cover the left nostril and inhale through the right, then exhale through the left. Inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right, and so on for about five minutes. Make sure that breathing is even, and inhalation and exhalation are equal and long.
Chamomile tea can also reduce pain during critical days. It increases the level of glycine in the urine. This amino acid helps relieve spasms and acts as a nerve relaxant. The drink also contains hippurate, a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
We hope that our tips will help you get rid of the discomfort during your critical days. Menstruation is not a reason to drop out of life!