Period pain, common experience for many women, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. In recent times there has been an increase in the number of women who complain of period pain, which raises the question: What are the reasons that have contributed to this increase?
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can happen for various reasons. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more intense contractions, which can lead to pain and discomfort during periods.
Let’s look at the causes of period pains:
1. Endometriosis – a condition caused by tissue, which is similar to the lining of the uterus, growing outside the uterus.
2. Adenomyosis – when the tissue from the lining of the uterus grows into the wall of the uterus.
3. Fibroids – benign tumours that develop in or on the uterus.
4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the reproductive system caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Changes in lifestyle and diet – a low nutrient, high fat, processed foods, combined with lack of exercise.
Certain lifestyle factors can worsen the pain experienced during menstruation. Some of these lifestyle factors include:
1. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular exercise can worsen period pain.
2. Unhealthy diet: Consuming high amounts of processed foods, unhealthy fats, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol can increase inflammation in the body, exacerbating period pain.
3. Stress: Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances and worsen period pain.
4. Lack of sleep: Inadequate sleep or poor quality sleep can cause increased inflammation and hormonal imbalances, leading to worsened period pain.
5. Smoking: Smoking can worsen period pain due to its effects on blood flow and circulation.
It is important to make positive lifestyle changes as part of daily routine – moderate exercises, healthy diet, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking – to help alleviate period pain.
Healthy lifestyle, healthy foods
Period pain disturbing your daily routine and work life? We have you covered. Here are three natural methods that you can try to get immediate relief from period pain – abdominal breathing, castor oil application on belly, and a few simple yogasanas. Regular practice of these methods can be effective in not just relieving period pain, but also improving quality of life during menstruation.
Menstrual cramps can cause debilitating pain and much discomfort. While slight cramps are usually expected as the uterus contracts to cause menstruation, severe pain due to hormonal imbalances, painful endometriosis or fibroids, and nutrient deficiencies need attention. While the root cause must be medically addressed, here are two simple, time-tested kitchen remedies to ease those cramps:
1. Chamomile Tea – Chamomile has anti-spasmodic properties to support muscle relaxation (yes, it’s easy to forget the uterus is a muscle!).
2. Ginger – Ginger has been used for thousands of years for its pain relief and anti inflammatory properties. Ginger tea (made using freshly cut ginger root and boiling in water) is known to provide pain relief. You can add lemon juice or mint for added flavour.
Additionally, some fruits and vegetables are known to provide pain relief. These include:
1. Oranges – Rich in calcium, vitamin C and potassium! Calcium is a mineral that has been clinically proven to support the reduction of period pain. Besides, oranges are packed with water to support hydration.
2. Kale / Broccoli – Dark leafy green vegetables are packed with calcium, magnesium and fibre that helps with pain relief.
3. Dark Chocolate – While chocolate is one of the most common period cravings, eating a little dark chocolate can pump up the magnesium, which helps with pain relief.
Natural remedies offer great results if incorporated into regular food habits. Remember, it is important to eat nutrient-rich foods throughout the month in order to support you when you have period pain / cramps. All it requires is simple changes in your lifestyle so you can get through your period with least discomfort.
Authored by: Dr.Ankita Dubey, Obstetrics and Gynecologist Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad
Video
Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can happen for various reasons. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more intense contractions, which can lead to pain and discomfort during periods.
Let’s look at the causes of period pains:
1. Endometriosis – a condition caused by tissue, which is similar to the lining of the uterus, growing outside the uterus.
2. Adenomyosis – when the tissue from the lining of the uterus grows into the wall of the uterus.
3. Fibroids – benign tumours that develop in or on the uterus.
4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the reproductive system caused by sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Changes in lifestyle and diet – a low nutrient, high fat, processed foods, combined with lack of exercise.
Certain lifestyle factors can worsen the pain experienced during menstruation. Some of these lifestyle factors include:
1. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular exercise can worsen period pain.
2. Unhealthy diet: Consuming high amounts of processed foods, unhealthy fats, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol can increase inflammation in the body, exacerbating period pain.
3. Stress: Chronic stress can cause hormonal imbalances and worsen period pain.
4. Lack of sleep: Inadequate sleep or poor quality sleep can cause increased inflammation and hormonal imbalances, leading to worsened period pain.
5. Smoking: Smoking can worsen period pain due to its effects on blood flow and circulation.
It is important to make positive lifestyle changes as part of daily routine – moderate exercises, healthy diet, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking – to help alleviate period pain.
Healthy lifestyle, healthy foods
Period pain disturbing your daily routine and work life? We have you covered. Here are three natural methods that you can try to get immediate relief from period pain – abdominal breathing, castor oil application on belly, and a few simple yogasanas. Regular practice of these methods can be effective in not just relieving period pain, but also improving quality of life during menstruation.
Menstrual cramps can cause debilitating pain and much discomfort. While slight cramps are usually expected as the uterus contracts to cause menstruation, severe pain due to hormonal imbalances, painful endometriosis or fibroids, and nutrient deficiencies need attention. While the root cause must be medically addressed, here are two simple, time-tested kitchen remedies to ease those cramps:
1. Chamomile Tea – Chamomile has anti-spasmodic properties to support muscle relaxation (yes, it’s easy to forget the uterus is a muscle!).
2. Ginger – Ginger has been used for thousands of years for its pain relief and anti inflammatory properties. Ginger tea (made using freshly cut ginger root and boiling in water) is known to provide pain relief. You can add lemon juice or mint for added flavour.
Additionally, some fruits and vegetables are known to provide pain relief. These include:
1. Oranges – Rich in calcium, vitamin C and potassium! Calcium is a mineral that has been clinically proven to support the reduction of period pain. Besides, oranges are packed with water to support hydration.
2. Kale / Broccoli – Dark leafy green vegetables are packed with calcium, magnesium and fibre that helps with pain relief.
3. Dark Chocolate – While chocolate is one of the most common period cravings, eating a little dark chocolate can pump up the magnesium, which helps with pain relief.
Natural remedies offer great results if incorporated into regular food habits. Remember, it is important to eat nutrient-rich foods throughout the month in order to support you when you have period pain / cramps. All it requires is simple changes in your lifestyle so you can get through your period with least discomfort.
Authored by: Dr.Ankita Dubey, Obstetrics and Gynecologist Narayana Hospital, Ahmedabad
Video
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