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Period pain: dysmenorrhea
The hormonal drop linked to the absence of implantation and therefore of pregnancy triggers the elimination of the uterine lining, or endometrium: these are the rules. It is the secretion of prostaglandins, molecules responsible for the contraction of the uterus, more precisely of the uterine muscle, or myometrium, which causes pain.
When they are unusually frequent, these contractions of the uterus deprive the uterine muscle of oxygen (hypoxia) by compressing the small vessels, which further increases the pain.
Other symptoms may be associated with period pain, including:
- headaches ;
- bloating;
- diarrhea;
- nausea (or even vomiting when the pain is very severe)
- a sore chest and other symptoms of PMS.
Spasfon, NSAIDs: which drugs against painful periods?
The first drug treatment for a painful period, and the one we usually think of, is the antispasmodic phloroglucinol, better known as Spasfon®.
Le paracetamol (Doliprane, Dafalgan…) is also indicated for painful periods, because it acts on the synthesis of prostaglandins. It is advisable to respect the dosage, that is, in adults, 500 mg to 1 gram per dose, spacing out from 4 to 6 hours.
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs (Antadys, Ponstyl, Ibuprofen) are also part of the therapeutic arsenal of painful periods. They also act on the secretion of prostaglandins, which cause pain, and reduce inflammation. Here again, it is crucial to respect the dosage indicated by your prescribing doctor, gynecologist or midwife, and not to take two NSAID drugs at the same time. Follow the instructions in the package leaflet and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If the pain persists beyond a few days, talk to a healthcare professional.
Note: taking aspirin is not recommended, because this medication thins the blood and therefore risks causing heavy periods or even bleeding.
Whatever medication you choose, keep in mind that it is crucial to find the cause (s) of the menstrual pain upstream, rather than masking the pain with painkillers and risking missing something. Knowing the cause will also allow the implementation of a more appropriate treatment.
Painful periods: the diseases that may be involved
If the dysmenorrhea is primary, that is to say the pain is present from the first period, it may be a mild condition. Be careful, however, not to minimize it: if it is normal to have some discomfort and painful feelings during your period, a sharp and disabling pain, which prevents you from doing your daily activities, should lead to a consultation.
Even in adolescents, dysmenorrhea can be a sign of endometriosis that sets in, or uterine malformations (bicornuate uterus, for example).
In adult women, period pain (secondary dysmenorrhea) may be due to:
- previously unnoticed endometriosis;
- adenomyosis, which is intrauterine endometriosis, in the uterine muscle (myometrium);
- uterine fibroid;
- a uterine polyp, which develops in the endometrium;
- a copper IUD (or intrauterine device, IUD), which can exacerbate pain, especially if it has moved into the uterus.
Note that a change in hormonal contraception, stopping the pill or removing a hormonal IUD can result in changes in the rules, both in terms of pain, menstrual flow or frequency of bleeding. .
Painful periods: when to consult?
You are strongly advised to consult if having a painful period impacts your daily and professional life: if you are forced to miss school, college or high school, or not to go to work as a result. period and the crippling pain that goes with it. It is not normal to have pain during her period to the point of reorganizing your life around her menstrual cycle, for example by postponing a meeting or activity so that she does not fall during her period. This is a sign that the pain is debilitating and that it is better to consult.
Absenteeism from work or school due to menstruation is often the first sign of endometriosis, pathology characterized by the presence of fragments of uterine lining outside the uterus (for example on the ovaries, bladder, rectum, etc.). It is also good to consult if menstruation pains are not or no longer relieved by traditional analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen) and if one is tempted to opt for stronger drugs. Because it is better to find the cause of these painful periods in order to opt for an appropriate and tailor-made care, rather than falling into an addiction to painkillers.
Note also that it is advisable to consult if the painful periods are accompanied by other symptoms:
- fever,
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain when urinating or having a bowel movement (we speak of dysuria and dyschezia respectively),
- pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia),
- bleeding outside of your period (metrorrhagia),
- heavy periods (menorrhagia) …
Such a clinical picture should suggest endometriosis, a uterine anomaly (fibroid, polyp, etc.) or even inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis).
How to get over menstruation pain without medication?
Besides a good hot bath, there is of course the trick of the traditional hot water bottle, lavender, rice or even cherry stones, grandmother’s remedy par excellence against painful periods. It is placed on the lower abdomen or lower back for a few minutes, or until it is cool. Be careful though to the risk of burns: it is better to keep a cloth between the hot water bottle and the skin, at least as long as it is very hot. Note, however, that the use of the hot water bottle is not recommended in case of very heavy periodsbecause heat tends to increase bleeding.
Concretely, the heat will act on the pain by relaxing the muscles which contract during the rules, and thus act on the feeling of pain. It will also cause blood vessels to dilate (or vasodilate) and thin the blood, preventing clots.
Note that the fact of doing gentle exercises, such as walking, swimming, or yoga can, paradoxically, reduce the feeling of pain. The practice of a physical activity will restore mobility to the lower abdomen and promote oxygenation of the area.
It is also advisable to minimize stimulants and toxins, tobacco, alcohol and coffee in the lead, in case of painful periods, because they could worsen the symptoms.
Herbal teas to relieve period pain
Several herbs can relieve painful periods. These include in particular antispasmodic plants such as basil or yarrow, which can be used in herbal tea or as a mother tincture.
We can also mention plants which can at the hormonal level, to be used on medical advice, such as sage, white willow (both being phytoestrogenic) or lady’s mantle, which is on the contrary progestational action.
Infusions of raspberry leaves can also be of interest for increasing the efficiency of uterine contractions, or menstrual cramps, and thus promoting the elimination of the uterine lining, or endometrium.
Last but not least, ginger and turmeric may be of interest for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Which essential oil against painful periods?
On the side of essential oils (EO) against the pain of the rules, let us quote in particulart EO of tarragon, officinal lavender or basil. We will choose one that we will preferably apply in massage on the belly, after having diluted a drop in vegetable oil.
Homeopathy for painful periods
There are several homeopathic formulas used in the treatment of painful periods, in particular: Chamomilla, Colocynthis, Cyclamen, Sabina, Veratrum album, Actaea racemosa or Caulophyllum thalictroides. The choice of the dilution, the granules to use and the dosage depends on the type of painful periods: whether they are scarce, associated or not with headaches or premenstrual syndrome, radiating to the thighs, associated with discomfort …
Better to turn to a homeopathic doctor or a pharmacist trained in homeopathy in order to take the most suitable homeopathic granules. These granules can be taken at the time of pain or as a background treatment for several cycles.