During menstruation, many women experience a real horror because abdominal pain is often unbearable on the first and second day of bleeding. Although it does not annoy you for long, it is strong and takes away your energy and willingness to do anything. How to alleviate the symptoms of menstruation and survive it without writhing in pain?
As many as 40% of women complain of painful menstruation. This is especially the case with young people. Most often, it is a continuous and recurrent abdominal pain that radiates to the lumbar region. Often there is also pain in the back and head, nausea and even vomiting, fainting, diarrhea and constipation. This is due to contractions of the muscles of the uterus, where the mucous membranes slough off. All this can effectively prevent normal functioning.
You should go to the doctor if the pain is very intense, because it may turn out that you suffer from chronic adnexitis, endometriosis or uterine myoma. Also, the spiral, i.e. the contraceptive insert, can intensify the pain. Any changes in menstruation, i.e. more intense bleeding or more intense pain than usual, should be reported to a gynecologist. How to ease menstruation at home:
- During menstruation, you should eat lightly, avoid salty and bloating foods. Bet on magnesium in your diet and give up tea, coffee and cola, which can make pain worse. It is then worth switching to a special diet based on wholemeal bread, pasta, brown rice, groats and vegetables.
- Massage your belly to loosen muscle tension. Preferably with the addition of oils (marjoram, lavender or olive oil), in circular motions and in a clockwise direction.
- Reach for painkillers, available at any pharmacy without a prescription. It is best to take them when the pain has not yet “started”, i.e. in the initial phase of pain. When it gets bigger, it can be much harder to smooth it out. The best tablets contain naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Definitely avoid aspirin, which contains acetylsalicylic acid, which lowers blood clotting, which can increase bleeding. Never take painkillers on an empty stomach and wash them down with plenty of water.
- Use warm (not hot!) compresses. A hot water bottle with hot water, an electric pillow and a bath will be suitable.
- Drink herbs, especially peppermint, calendula, chamomile, rosemary, melissa, raspberry leaves, valerian. They definitely reduce muscle tension because they reduce stress, which is also responsible for the greater intensity of contractions. Drink three times a day a tablespoon of chamomile flowers or dried raspberry leaves in 150 ml of boiling water, brewed under cover for about 10 minutes.