Very painful during menstruation. What to do with severe pain during menstruation? Folk remedies for pain during menstruation

Critical days are a natural process for all women of reproductive age. Their arrival signals that the female reproductive system is fully mature and ready to bear offspring. In most cases, it causes only mild discomfort, but there are exceptions when painful periods completely disrupt the way of life and affect the performance of the fair sex.

Every woman of childbearing age should know exactly what to do with very painful periods, and in which cases it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist. This article will look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of painful periods.

The reasons

Weak ones provoke uterine contractions, which contribute to the release menstrual blood and uterine mucosa. If the excretion process is disturbed due to any factors, a woman becomes excruciatingly painful during menstruation. Too painful periods have a scientific name "" or "". In nulliparous women common cause painful menstruation is the incorrect location of the uterus, which compresses the nerve endings, causing pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and sacrum. This condition can also be caused by congenital anomalies in the development of the female genital organs.

Painful menstruation occurs in women who suffer from the following diseases:

  • infectious pathologies (trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea). Most often, they are transmitted during sexual contact, contributing to the occurrence of purulent and inflammatory diseases of the appendages and uterus, while the cycle is broken, and painful symptoms are aggravated. Both partners need to be treated for the disease. There are a number of infectious pathologies that can be infected in everyday life, these include candidiasis;
  • inflammatory processes. They can be provoked by non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, which contributes to the growth of opportunistic microflora - streptococci, staph infection, coli. Also, the pathological reproduction of these microorganisms can be caused by hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, changes in the composition of the microflora in other organs, etc. Cervicitis, endometritis or salpingitis can cause severe pain during regular periods. These diseases must be treated, since inflammation can lead to bending, disruption of the blood vessels, the appearance of cysts, polyps, and even provoke cancer;
  • benign and malignant neoplasms. In the case of cancer, painful periods sometimes become the only symptom of this pathology. The tumor, growing, compresses the vessels and nerves in the uterus and nearby organs. Due to the neoplasm, the shape of the uterus can change, monthly blood stagnates, causing unbearable pain. With the growth of the tumor, pain also intensifies;
  • endometriosis. With this disease, the cells of the inner layer of the uterus grow into other organs, while the regularity of the cycle is lost, and the periods become longer and more painful, hormonal disorders caused by endometrioid cysts begin;
  • dysplasia, cervical erosion and other diseases associated with damage to the epithelial layer in the cervix;
  • hormonal dysfunction. It can be provoked by taking hormonal medications, abrupt cancellation of prescribed hormonal contraceptives, disruption of the ovaries, thyroid gland or pituitary gland. Due to hormonal changes, metabolic disorders occur, which provoke the development diabetes or sharp jumps in weight, both in the direction of increase and excessive decrease;
  • consequences of childbirth and surgery. During childbirth or during abortions, the ligaments that fix the uterus can be damaged, therefore, its usual location is disturbed, which causes severe pain during the regulation. There may be bends in which blood stagnates, and inflammatory processes occur.

Algomenorrhea can be inherited, so if a grandmother or mother had too painful periods, then with a high degree of probability this pathology will be transmitted to her daughter.

Associated symptoms

With painful periods, it is important to pay attention not only to the nature of the pain, but also to the accompanying symptoms. Algomenorrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • nausea up to vomiting, diarrhea;
  • severe headache;
  • increased sweating, hot flashes, dizziness and fainting;
  • sharp, jumping pulse or its increase;
  • weakness, muscle and joint pain.

The duration of the monthly secretions themselves may be disturbed and increased, they or, conversely,. Between periods sometimes occur in the form of a daub. Pain in dysmenorrhea may not appear on the first day of menstruation, but 1-2 days before their onset. They have a pulling, cutting, aching or cramping character and disappear only after the end of menstruation. In the case of severe secondary dysmenorrhea, pain may be felt throughout the entire menstrual cycle.

Degrees of soreness

Painful menstruation has 3 degrees of severity:

  1. The mild stage is accompanied by short and tolerable pains.
  2. The average degree of algomenorrhea is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and back, chills and psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, depression, photophobia, intolerance to harsh aromas and loud sounds).
  3. In the severe stage of dysmenorrhea, in addition to severe pain, the work of the heart muscle is disrupted, the temperature rises, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness appear, the woman may lose consciousness.

primary form

Primary dysmenorrhea is not caused by disease or organ damage reproductive system, but occurs during the period of puberty for three years after the arrival of the first menstruation. Painful periods in a teenager cause sharp hormonal changes occurring at this time in the body.

During puberty, the concentration of various hormones can change, depending on which of them rises, one of 2 types of primary dysmenorrhea occurs in adolescents:

  1. Adrenergic. It is diagnosed with an increase in adrenaline in the blood. A characteristic symptomatology for this pathology of the reproductive system is fever, rapid pulse, headaches, pale skin, hiccups, a feeling of a full abdomen, and constipation.
  2. Parasympathetic. Diagnosed with elevated levels of serotonin in spinal cord. At the same time, the pulse slows down, the body temperature may be lowered, the face and limbs swell, and body weight increases.

Kinds

Depending on the cause that causes pain in a girl, there are several types of primary dysmenorrhea:

  • spasmodic. The cause of its occurrence are spasms of the uterine muscles;
  • psychogenic. Pain in the lower abdomen causes fear of symptoms experienced once and left difficult memories in a teenager;
  • essential. The cause of the disease in this case is a decrease pain threshold caused by disturbances in the work of individual centers in the brain. In this case, even minimal irritation of the nerve roots causes severe pain.

Why does

The following factors can provoke the development of primary algomenorrhea:

  • congenital dysplasia of connective tissue, which is caused by magnesium deficiency. This disease is a dangerous complication in the form of a violation of the composition of the cartilaginous tissue, which leads to improper formation of joints, lengthening of the limbs, flat feet and scoliosis. Myopia, problems with digestive system and varicose veins;
  • genital tuberculosis;
  • nervous and mental disorder;
  • congenital uterine anomalies (bicornuity, incorrect position or underdevelopment).

If the bending of the uterus occurred during puberty due to improper development or excessive stress, then there is a high probability that painful periods will stop bothering the girl after childbirth. If the pathology is congenital, then childbirth will not correct the situation; only a qualified specialist should deal with the treatment of the disease.

secondary form

The secondary form of dysmenorrhea is caused by acquired pathologies: scars, adhesions in the uterus after surgical interventions and abortions, hormonal imbalances, infections and inflammatory processes. Too painful adjustments can disturb women of any age, but most often the adjustments are very painful at the age of 25-30.

Most often, secondary algomenorrhea causes varicose veins in the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity, as well as inflammatory processes affecting the nerve endings in the pelvic region.

Secondary dysmenorrhea often occurs in women who are on strict diets that cause anorexia or bulimia. In patients suffering from painful periods against the background of a strong decrease in body weight, the structure of the uterine tissue is disturbed, scars and adhesions occur. Also, the cause of acquired algomenorrhea is infectious and inflammatory diseases, oncology, endometriosis, hormonal disorders and diseases associated with damage. epithelial cells cervix.

Statistics

70% of women of reproductive age are faced with the problem of painful periods, but only 10% of them complain of unbearable cramp-like pain during critical days. Statistics claim that the pain syndrome is complemented by other symptoms:

  • 17% of women experience fainting due to pain;
  • 23% of the fair sex suffer from dizziness and another 13% from headaches;
  • vomiting occurs in 84% of cases;
  • 79% of women complain of diarrhea.

Diagnostics

To assign effective treatment, you should correctly establish the cause of pain during menstruation. Diagnosis may include the following research methods:

  • examination on a gynecological chair;
  • general blood and urine tests;
  • smears for microflora;
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
  • laparoscopic examination;
  • dopplerography of vessels with suspicion of varicose veins.

In some cases, you may need to consult a psychologist, endocrinologist and other narrow specialists.

Treatment Methods

If painful periods are caused by primary algomenorrhea, therapy most often involves eliminating stress factors, increasing physical activity and getting rid of bad habits. In the second half of the cycle, doctors recommend refraining from active sexual intercourse and lifting weights. Often, after pregnancy and childbirth, pain due to primary algomenorrhea completely disappears, so it is recommended not to interrupt the first pregnancy for women with a similar diagnosis.

Depending on the causes that caused the development of algomenorrhea, treatment with or without medication may be prescribed, and the doctor may also recommend. Consider each type of treatment in more detail.

Medications

The treatment of painful periods is aimed not only at eliminating the symptoms, but also at eradicating the cause of the disease, so it should be comprehensive. The appointment of medications and the selection of dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician. In this case, the following types of drugs can be prescribed:

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Tamipul, Naproxen, etc.);
  • antispasmodics - No-shpa, Spazmalgon;
  • combined contraceptives or drugs containing progestogens (Diana-35, Yarina, Duphaston);
  • be sure to take vitamins, in particular vitamin E;
  • if painful regulations are provoked by the growth of moderately pathogenic microflora, then antifungal suppositories and suppositories can be prescribed;
  • sedatives, tranquilizers (Relanium);
  • homeopathic preparations (Remens, Menalgin).

If algomenorrhea is caused by adhesive processes or neoplasms in the genital organs, then surgical intervention may be indicated.

Non-drug methods

In the case of primary algomenorrhea in girls in adolescence effective help provide psychotherapy sessions. To get rid of painful regulation, it is enough to master a special technique of relaxation and distraction.

Physiotherapy procedures also give a good result:

  • acupuncture, due to the impact on certain points, not only reduces pain, but also eliminates inflammation;
  • amplipulse therapy;
  • magnetotherapy;
  • treatment with dynamic currents;
  • electrosleep, ultraviolet irradiation;
  • UHF procedures;
  • balneotherapy;
  • electrophoresis.

Acupressure and general massage will help to cope with painful periods, as well as physical exercises, swimming or yoga. There is a whole range of specially designed gymnastic exercises that can be done at home.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies and homeopathy also help to make menstruation pain less severe, but they should be used only after consulting a doctor so as not to aggravate the situation and not lose the time necessary for treating the pathology.

The most famous homeopathic remedy that is prescribed for algomenorrhea is Remens. Its main active ingredient is herbal extracts (cimicifuga, pilocarpus and Canadian sanguinaria), cuttlefish gland secretion and surukuku snake venom.

Folk herbalists recommend using horsetail infusion for painful periods or. Other herbs will also help to cope with severe pain during critical days, for example, infused in cold water strawberry leaves or a decoction of mint leaves, chamomile flowers and valerian root. Of the healing roots, lovage or odorous celery is used in the fight against menstrual pain.

Prevention

To prevent the development of dysmenorrhea, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

  • develop the correct daily routine, in which there is time for work, sleep and rest;
  • choose a balanced diet, during menstruation eat easily digestible foods that are rich in vitamins;
  • you need to control body weight, prevent obesity, but also do not exhaust yourself with strict diets;
  • you need to take vitamins regularly;
  • do not get carried away with tea or caffeinated drinks;
  • avoid stressful situations;
  • walk outdoors more often;
  • pay special attention to physical activity, be sure to do exercises and select sports hobbies in accordance with age and general health;
  • exclude bad habits that adversely affect women's health.

If a preventive actions did not help, and the woman began to have painful regulation, you should definitely consult a doctor to find out the cause of the disease and to prescribe proper treatment. It is strictly forbidden without finding out the cause of painful menstruation long time apply antispasmodics.

Update: December 2018

Moderate pain during menstruation occurs in about 70% of girls and women of childbearing age. The pain syndrome that accompanies menstruation can be of varying intensity. Unsharply expressed pain, only slight discomfort, especially in nulliparous women, is considered a normal physiological phenomenon.

However, if every month a woman experiences unbearable, severe pain during menstruation, accompanied by diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, vomiting and other symptoms that make a woman unable to work, there really are obvious “critical days” - this is usually referred to in medicine as a disease of algomenorrhea. Such symptoms indicate that a young woman has various disorders in the hormonal, vascular, sexual, nervous or other body systems.

If the causes of painful periods are established, then the treatment of these disorders can significantly alleviate the condition, improve the tolerance of such natural process in a woman's body, like menstruation. In this article, we will tell you why girls and women experience painful periods, the causes and treatment of such a disorder.

What other symptoms can accompany painful periods and why is it considered a disease?

In medicine, very painful periods are considered as the most common menstrual disorders. Between the ages of 13 and 45, almost all women experience minor discomfort and soreness on the first day. menstrual bleeding. And only 10% of them complain of very strong cramping spastic pains from uterine contractions, which are also supplemented by the following symptoms:

  • 79% of women experience diarrhea
  • 84% vomit
  • 13% headache
  • 23% dizziness
  • 16% fainting

The main symptom of algomenorrhea is pain in the lower abdomen, which appears on the 1st day of menstruation or 12 hours before it begins, it gradually subsides by 2-3 days, it can be aching, twitching, stabbing, radiating to the rectum, in bladder, also can . Against the background of unbearable pain during menstruation, a woman's psycho-emotional state is disturbed, irritability, drowsiness, depression, insomnia, anxiety, and weakness appear. Painful periods poison a woman's life, the expectation of another bleeding adversely affects the psyche, the emotional sphere of life, leads to conflicts in the family, at work.

With a mild degree of algomenorrhea - short-term, moderate pain during menstruation does not lead to loss of working capacity and activity, such pain can be tolerated without additional pain medication, however, the causes of painful periods should be clarified, since even a mild degree of algomenorrhea can become more pronounced in the future, with more severe discomfort. Sometimes, after childbirth, a mild degree of algomenorrhea stops in women and uterine contractions become not so painful, its increase during pregnancy and contraction after pregnancy further weakens spastic pain during menstruation.

With an average degree - pulling pains in the lower abdomen are complemented by general weakness, nausea, chills, and frequent urination. Psycho-emotional disorders also join - depression, irritability, intolerance to pungent odors and sounds, working capacity is noticeably reduced. This degree of algomenorrhea already needs medical correction, and the causes of pain should also be clarified.

In severe cases, very intense pain in the lower back and abdomen is accompanied by headache, general weakness, fever, pain in the heart, diarrhea, fainting, vomiting. In a severe case of painful menstruation, a woman completely loses her ability to work, usually their occurrence is associated either with infectious and inflammatory diseases, or with congenital pathologies genital organs.

The main causes of primary painful menstruation in adolescent girls

Primary algomenorrhea appears with the first menstruation or develops within 3 years after the onset of menstruation. It mostly happens in easily excitable, emotionally unstable girls, with an asthenic physique, in combination with. Depending on the accompanying "set" of symptoms, primary painful periods are divided into:

  • Adrenergic type

In this case, the level of the hormones dopamine, adrenaline, norepinephrine rises, provoking a failure of the entire hormonal system of the body. Girls develop constipation, severe headache, body temperature rises, heart rate increases, insomnia appears, legs and arms become bluish in color with spasm of small vessels, the body and face turn pale.

  • Parasympathetic type

It is characterized by an increase in the level of the hormone serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid. In girls, on the contrary, the heart rate decreases, nausea with vomiting appears, body temperature decreases, gastrointestinal disorders are expressed by diarrhea, swelling of the limbs and face often appears, allergic reactions on the skin, girls put on weight.

Modern research establishes the fact that primary painful menstruation is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of deeper internal disorders, that is, symptoms the following diseases or deviations:

  • Congenital malformations of connective tissue development

In gynecological practice, it has long been established that approximately 60% of girls with primary algomenorrhea are diagnosed with genetically determined connective tissue dysplasia. In addition to painful periods, this disease is expressed by flat feet, scoliosis, myopia, and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

This is very serious illness, which happens more often in girls with elongated limbs, flexible joints, cartilaginous tissues, most often during the growth of a child magnesium deficiency is detected, which can be established by passing biochemical analysis blood.

  • Diseases of the nervous system, neurological disorders

In girls with signs of a reduced pain threshold, with emotional instability, with various psychoses, neuroses and other neurological disorders, pain perception is exacerbated, so the pain during menstruation in such patients is pronounced.

  • Bends of the uterus anteriorly and posteriorly, underdevelopment of the uterus, malformations of its development - bicornuate, two-cavity uterus

The occurrence of very painful periods, due to abnormalities in the development of the uterus, is due to a problematic, difficult outflow of blood during menstruation from the uterine cavity. This provokes additional uterine contractions, causing pain during menstruation.

Causes of secondary algomenorrhea in women

If pain during menstruation occurs in a woman who already has children, or she is over 30 years old, then this is considered as secondary algomenorrhea. To date, every third woman has it, most often in a moderate form, since it reduces performance and is aggravated by concomitant symptoms, and is also accompanied by heavy menstruation. In addition to pain in the lower abdomen, painful periods occur with other symptoms, which are usually divided into several characteristic groups:

  • Vegetative symptoms - bloating, vomiting, nausea, hiccups
  • Vegetative-vascular symptoms - dizziness, legs, fainting, heart palpitations, headaches during menstruation
  • Psycho-emotional manifestations - taste disturbance, odor perception, increased irritability, anorexia, depression
  • Endocrine-metabolic symptoms - increased unmotivated weakness, joint pain, itching skin, vomit

The intensity of pain during menstruation depends on general condition women's health, age and comorbidities. If the patient has a metabolic disorder (and other disorders endocrine system), then endocrine-metabolic manifestations are added to additional symptoms during menstruation, with violations of cardio-vascular system, vegetative-vascular symptoms may be more pronounced, with the approach of premenopause in women (see), the likelihood of psycho-emotional instability and depressive symptoms increases.

Often, women with secondary algomenorrhea occur, which definitely cannot be ignored, and this is an urgent reason for contacting a gynecologist for examination and treatment. If primary painful periods, the causes of which are associated with congenital anomalies and pathologies, are very difficult to treat, then the occurrence of secondary algomenorrhea is mainly associated with acquired diseases of the female genital organs, the treatment of which must be carried out without fail, these are:

  • infectious - inflammatory diseases female genital organs and the accompanying adhesive process in the small pelvis
  • malignant and benign (polyps) tumors of the uterus and appendages
  • varicose veins in the abdominal cavity, in the pelvic organs
  • pelvic neuritis

Also, in women over 30 years old, the appearance of very severe pain during menstruation can be caused by the following reasons, provoking factors:

  • means of intrauterine contraception
  • , other intrauterine interventions, due to cicatricial narrowing of the cervix
  • adnexal surgery, birth complications, or complications after caesarean section
  • mental and physical overwork, constant stress, violation of the regime of rest and work

Why should painful periods be treated?

Given the above, it should be understood that the natural physiological function- menstruation should not cause significant general malaise in a woman, depriving her of working capacity. In order to reduce the pain of menstruation, treatment should not consist in pain relief, but in eliminating the cause of this phenomenon. Of course, it is possible to hope that this will change, for example, with the birth of a child, but if this does not happen, especially if painful periods occur in a woman after the birth of children, you should contact a gynecologist to find out the cause of pain during menstruation.

  • To endure pain is not only physically difficult, but also very harmful to the nervous system, and the regular use of NSAIDs and analgesics does not eliminate the cause of painful periods, moreover, the body gets used to them and painkillers have a number of side effects.
  • The appearance of very painful periods is an indicator that some kind of failure is occurring in the body, a disease, this is a wake-up call to the fact that it is imperative to find the cause of the body's inadequate response to the natural process.

Painful periods can and should be treated. Read more about that in our next article. To determine the cause of primary algomenorrhea, a gynecologist is examined, tests for hormonal status, ultrasound of the pelvic organs are taken, and the girl should also be examined by a neurologist, osteopath, and psychotherapist. With secondary algomenorrhea, a hormonal examination, ultrasound, diagnostic laparoscopy, diagnostic curettage.

A woman or girl with painful periods should keep a diary of observations, a menstrual calendar, in which she describes in detail the sensations, the number of discharges, the duration of the cycle and the duration of bleeding, all the symptoms that occur during menstruation, in order to then help the doctor determine the cause and choose the method of therapy.

Normal periods come regularly and last 3-5 days. These days, a woman quickly gets tired, feels unwell. However, this does not cause too much discomfort, does not interfere with the usual way of life. However, some feel severe pain in the abdomen. Sometimes it is so painful that a woman is forced to abandon all business, stay at home, drink painkillers. Such pain during menstruation is a sign of pathology. The cause may be diseases and hormonal disorders. It is impossible to endure and hope that the malaise will pass by itself. You have to go to the doctor.

Content:

When pain during menstruation is considered a pathology

The mucous membrane of the uterus (endometrium) is regularly updated, resulting in menstruation. The removal of dead epithelium from the uterus is carried out by contracting its muscles. In this case, compression of the nerve endings and compression of the vessels occurs, which causes pain in the lower abdomen. Pain radiates to the sacrum and lower back. Usually they appear on the eve of menstruation and in the first 2 days after their arrival.

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is a pathology. In addition to pain in the lower abdomen and back, there are associated ailments varying degrees expression. If a woman’s cycle is regular, the nature of menstruation is normal, then unpleasant symptoms quickly pass without causing her any particular torment. In severe cases, serious treatment is required.

Types of dysmenorrhea

There are two types of dysmenorrhea:

  1. Primary (functional), not associated with any diseases. Usually, menstruation becomes painful 1.5-2 years after the onset of puberty, when the cycle normalizes, ovulation occurs regularly. Often, pain during menstruation is significantly weakened after the first birth.
  2. Secondary (acquired) associated with pathological changes in the genitals and various diseases. It occurs most often in women over 30 years of age. Usually accompanied by vegetative-vascular disorders (dizziness, excessive sweating and others), as well as tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia.

If over the years the intensity pain when menstruation remains constant, then such dysmenorrhea is called compensated. If the pain during menstruation becomes stronger every year, then it is called decompensated.

Degrees of dysmenorrhea

There are 4 degrees of dysmenorrhea, differing in the intensity of pain.

0 degree. Pain in the abdomen is mild, pain medication is not required.

1 degree. Pain is moderate, quite tolerable. Natural accompanying symptoms are mild depression, headache, indigestion. The discomfort can be completely eliminated by taking an anesthetic drug.

2 degree. Pain during menstruation is severe, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, chills, general weakness, migraine, irritability. The duration of the illness increases. Painkillers and sedatives help make you feel better.

3 degree. Severe abdominal pain appears in a woman 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation, continues until it ends. At the same time, the temperature rises, the head hurts a lot (up to vomiting), tachycardia and pain in the heart occur. There may be fainting. The woman is completely incapacitated. It is not possible to improve the condition by conventional means.

Addition: Pain during menstruation may differ in nature (cramping, pulling, aching, stabbing), give to the lower back, hips.

Causes of painful menstruation

Functional pain during menstruation can occur as a result of the pathological location of the uterus, the formation of adhesions and scarring after an abortion, hypersensitivity body of a woman to the changes taking place in it, emotional excitability. An important role is played by heredity. The occurrence of pain can provoke vitamin deficiency and a lack of magnesium and calcium in the body. A sedentary lifestyle is also a cause of progressive dysmenorrhea. Contributes to the occurrence of pain during menstruation and a factor such as hormonal disorders in the body. An excess of the hormone prostaglandin causes an increase in uterine contractions, narrowing of blood vessels.

The appearance of primary dysmenorrhea is facilitated by the use of an intrauterine device. Secondary dysmenorrhea can occur as a result of pathologies such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ectopic pregnancy, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Severe pain during menstruation appears due to the formation of polyps and cysts in the uterus.

Video: What are the causes of painful periods

How to relieve period pain

If the pain is moderate, the cycle is regular, menstruation is normal in volume and duration, then with the help of some techniques, you can ease the pain.

Recommendation: With severe pain, it is recommended to visit a doctor and make sure that there are no diseases that are asymptomatic. In some cases, chronic inflammatory diseases and even tumors may not manifest themselves. A pain symptom may be the only signal of trouble.

If, after a gynecological examination, a woman does not have any diseases, then at home, the condition can be alleviated in the following ways:

  1. Massage the abdominal muscles in a clockwise direction, which will help relieve tension in them and relieve spasms. It is also good to massage the lower back.
  2. Take a warm shower to help relax muscles and dilate blood vessels.
  3. Lie on your side with your legs tucked up to your stomach (fetal position).
  4. Take no-shpu to eliminate spasm in the uterus, ketonal or ibuprofen (have a strong analgesic effect), valerian (as a sedative).
  5. Do light physical exercises (tilts, rotation of the body). Good for pain relief during menstruation yoga.
  6. Apply during menstruation compresses with sea salt on the lower abdomen. Before and after menstruation, it is useful to take relaxing short (15-20 minutes) baths with the addition of such salt.
  7. Drink soothing chamomile and mint tea (add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to 1 cup of tea). It is useful to take an infusion of parsley, strawberries.
  8. If there is no allergy, you can rub it into the skin in the sacrum and lower abdomen essential oil. The procedure is carried out 2 times a day 2 days before menstruation and in the first 2-3 days after they start. It helps to relieve severe pain during menstruation with a mixture containing 50 ml of St. John's wort oil, 5 drops of yarrow and sage oil.
  9. In case of pain and heavy bleeding, ice should be applied to the lower abdomen for 15 minutes (over clothing, put in a bag).

Swimming is recommended. During swimming, the muscles relax, nervous tension is relieved. Endorphins (the so-called joy hormones, analgesic substances) are intensively produced in the body.

Video: Exercises for pain during menstruation

When to See a Doctor

Obvious signs of serious pathologies are most often severe pain that lasts a long time (more than 2 days). Moreover, the pain is so strong that the woman is forced to put aside all her affairs and stay at home. Abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Dizziness, headache, stabbing pain in the abdomen can be signs of excessive blood loss and anemia.

Severe cramping pain in the abdomen occurs with an ectopic pregnancy. The woman needs urgent surgery.

When painkillers and no-shpa do not help, the pain and volume of discharge increase, a doctor's consultation is simply necessary. If severe pain appeared during menstruation suddenly against the background of a cycle disorder, weight loss, this may be a sign of a tumor. You need to see a gynecologist urgently.

Drugs prescribed for dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain affects 90% of women aged 18 to 35 years. Such pains are often intense, so the timely intake of an effective analgesic helps patients restore the rhythm of life and completely eliminate menstrual pain.

Dialrapid is a fast-acting analgesic that eliminates pain of any intensity. Potassium bicarbonate acts as a pH buffer, providing the drug with complete dissolution in water, and subsequently creating a microenvironment around active substance- diclofenac potassium. It is this microenvironment that promotes accelerated absorption and helps the drug to be completely absorbed by the body. The pronounced effect of Dialrapid shows in the first 5 minutes after application. The powder is absorbed by the body almost as quickly as an injection, and unlike its tablet counterparts, it has a high peak plasma concentration 1 .

To eliminate pathological pain during menstruation, the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with antispasmodic drugs. They are able to suppress the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing uterine contractility.

For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, oral contraceptives are widely used - hormonal low-dose drugs that prevent the formation of excess prostaglandins. Also used herbal preparations based on phytoestrogens, which improve the hormonal background, as well as homeopathic remedies of non-hormonal action (menalgin). Gradually accumulating in the body, they help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce pain and improve the condition of the nervous system.

Appointed complex preparations containing vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, as well as plant extracts (for example, time factor). It is recommended to start taking medications in advance, before the onset of menstruation. Then, by the time they occur, the required dose accumulates in the body, the drug acts more efficiently.

Physiotherapy methods - UHF and electrophoresis help to reduce pain during menstruation. In this case, the procedure is carried out in advance. Before the onset of menstruation, special solutions (novocaine, sodium bromide) are applied to the stomach and exposure to ultrasound or electrical impulses is performed. There is warming and anesthesia.

Prevention of dysmenorrhea

In order for menstruation to be less painful, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol on critical days, avoid stress, not catch a cold, move more, do yoga. It is necessary to limit the consumption of sugar, products, bloating intestines. It is useful to eat chocolate, which stimulates the production of endorphins, as well as foods containing calcium and magnesium.

Video: Yoga classes during menstruation

1. There are contraindications. It is necessary to read the instructions or consult with a specialist.


Minasyan Margarita

Approximately 70% of the female half of the population experience pain during menstruation. In each individual case, discomfort has a different intensity and accompanying symptoms. This article will help you understand when discomfort are considered the norm, and when diagnostics and subsequent treatment are necessary.

Dysmenorrhea

Characterized by dysmenorrhea (algodysmenorrhea, algomenorrhea) painful menstruation, which may be present all day or the entire period of menstruation. In some patients, malaise begins a few days before menstruation, but is not a symptom of PMS.

The risk group is girls and women aged 13 to 45 years. because of individual features body sensations are manifested in different ways. By their localization and additional symptoms, the cause of the violation can be identified. But treatment is selected only after a comprehensive examination.

It is important to contact specialists in a timely manner, because painful contractions in the lower abdomen, tingling of the lower back can indicate serious gynecological diseases. And such violations are easier to eliminate in the early stages of development.

Classification of dysmenorrhea

There are two forms of the disease: primary (functional) and secondary (acquired). If the functional form of the disorder is almost never associated with gynecological pathologies, then acquired dysmenorrhea indicates negative changes in the pelvic organs and diseases not only of the reproductive system, but also of other organs.

primary form

Pain syndrome is noted in a teenager girl in the first three years of the formation of the menstrual cycle. Painful periods are inherently not dangerous and do not indicate an independent gynecological disease.

Primary algomenorrhea does not always occur with the first menstruation. Sometimes severe symptoms begin to appear only with the onset of ovulatory cycles. These sensations do not affect performance and do not cause much concern. The following clinical picture is noted:

  • menstruation is normal (slight delays);
  • the pains are weak, most often aching, but not cutting;
  • no need to take painkillers;
  • no additional symptoms.

Among the causes of pain during menstruation in primary dysmenorrhea, it is worth highlighting:

  • anomalies in the development of the genital organs;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • increased production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes;
  • neurological disorders.

With menstruation, severe pain is not the only complaint of patients with functional algomenorrhea. Other problems complete the picture:

  • mitral valve prolapse;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • myopia;
  • scoliosis;
  • flat feet.

secondary form

The diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea is most often made by women aged 25-30 years, when the onset of a symptom during critical days is provoked by diseases or pathological changes in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system.

In most cases, nulliparous women or girls who have terminated their pregnancy several times are at risk. But after childbirth, the situation often improves, and problems with menstruation go away on their own.

Acquired dysmenorrhea is characterized by the following features:

  1. Aching pain before menstruation, almost not felt.
  2. The maximum intensity falls on the second or third day of the cycle.
  3. Spasms are noted systematically, the stomach is missing.
  4. Suddenly begins to pull and whine during physical activity.

Additional symptoms include:

  • general weakness and dizziness;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • liquid stool;
  • problems with heart rhythm;
  • increased sweating;
  • pain in the joints and muscles of the whole body;
  • psycho-emotional problems;
  • elevated body temperature;
  • scanty or heavy periods.

If, over the years, minor discomfort turns into very painful menstruation, then the disease is called decompensated. With stable clinical picture(pain with the same intensity) dysmenorrhea is compensated.

When pain during menstruation is not dangerous

Pain is considered a normal physiological phenomenon in the following situations:

  • the formation of the female cycle (1-2 years after the first bleeding);
  • single painful sensations (several days not in every month);
  • discomfort caused by external factors.

Among the relatively benign causes of pain during menstruation are:

  • malnutrition (lack of vitamins);
  • great physical activity;
  • emotional overstrain;
  • decreased tone of the uterine muscles;
  • inactive lifestyle;
  • postpartum recovery.

Pain often goes away if a woman improves her diet, avoids stressful situations and begins to play sports. But still, the usual gynecological examination and ultrasound will not interfere. Because systematic stress constant fatigue often become the basis for the development of hormonal disruptions.

Intensity and nature of pain

Unpleasant sensations can be localized anywhere. It often hurts in the abdomen, gives to the perineal area, the back area and organs that are located in the small pelvis. By the nature of the pain are:

  • aching;
  • stabbing;
  • jerking;
  • cutting;
  • sharp;
  • cramping.

Women choose different words to describe their feelings. If for someone the pain during menstruation is hellish, unbearable, terrible, wildest, then others, due to the high pain threshold, note only minor cramps and tingling.

According to these sensations, it is very difficult to independently determine the cause that caused the pain syndrome, so it is better to visit a gynecologist.

Degrees of dysmenorrhea

Before deciding what to do with painful periods, you need to accurately determine the severity of algomenorrhea:

  1. Zero. Discomfort is not pronounced, does not interfere with daily activities, light physical exertion. It is noted only in the first days of the cycle.
  2. Light. There are slight contractions that radiate to the stomach and lower back. There are accompanying symptoms in the form of depression, indigestion. Sometimes painkillers are needed, but in small quantities.
  3. Average. The main symptom is a decrease in daily activities and pain relief at home with the help of pills. The condition is sometimes accompanied by weakness, chills, emotional instability.
  4. Heavy. Painkillers no longer help. The situation is aggravated even before menstruation. During the discharge, in addition to severe pain, vomiting occurs, and loss of consciousness is also possible. In rare cases, urgent hospitalization is required.

In most cases, the ailments that caused dysmenorrhea worsen, so the pain becomes stronger. With a zero and mild degree of pathology, they are absent or are at the initial stage of development. Moderate and severe degrees indicate more serious violations in the work of the genital organs.

When to See a Doctor

Over time, stronger discomfort may begin. In this case, you should definitely contact a gynecologist. Especially if the following symptoms are present:

  • soreness begins before menstruation;
  • the duration of discomfort increases;
  • there is a cramping nature of pain;
  • discomfort spreads to other organs (ovaries, bladder);
  • symptoms are noted in each cycle;
  • body temperature rises.

After taking painkillers, it should become easier, but only for a while. Menstrual pain will continue to interfere with a normal life and work. Therefore, it is in the interests of the woman herself to apply for medical care so that the situation does not worsen.

Diagnostics

Only by the pain, the nature of the discharge and the accompanying symptoms is it difficult to make a diagnosis on your own. Therefore, a woman needs to go to the hospital, tell the doctor what she drank and describe her problems.

After a gynecological examination, the specialist will prescribe:

  • general blood test and hormones;
  • Analysis of urine;
  • smears;
  • dopplerography of vessels.

Usually still required to visit:

  • neuropathologist;
  • endocrinologist;
  • vascular surgeon.

Sick women are afraid of such a diagnosis. But the more complete the picture of analyzes and examinations, the more likely it is to give an accurate explanation of the ongoing processes.

What causes dysmenorrhea

Causes of severe pain during menstruation:

  • problems with hormones;
  • insufficiency of the luteal phase;
  • endometriosis;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • use of an intrauterine device;
  • a consequence of abortion;
  • inflammation of the uterus and its appendages;
  • infectious disease of the reproductive system;
  • salpingitis;
  • endometritis;
  • adhesions;
  • phlebeurysm;
  • traumatic rupture of the uterine ligaments;
  • anomaly in the position of the uterus;
  • genital tuberculosis.

How to fix the problem

The treatment of painful periods is based on the causes that provoked discomfort at the beginning of the cycle. Without eliminating the disease, the pain syndrome can be temporarily drowned out with pills, but it will definitely return next month with renewed vigor.

You can reduce pain by taking:

  • antispasmodics;
  • analgesics;
  • NSAIDs.

If doctors have established that discomfort is a consequence of hormonal failure, then the woman needs to undergo drug correction:

  • light, average degree- Duphaston, Utrozhestan.
  • Severe degree - Lindinet 20.

Read about how it goes in one of our articles.

But hormones should not be taken without a doctor's prescription.

Similar problems are also treated with physiotherapeutic methods, after which the restorative-compensatory functions of the body are accelerated:

  • nitrogen, coniferous baths;
  • brain galvanization;
  • ultratonotherapy;
  • electrical stimulation of the cervix;
  • heliotherapy.

Physiotherapy is contraindicated if the patient has pain due to inflammatory processes, neoplasms and other diseases of the genital organs.

These women are allowed:

  • classical massage;
  • acupuncture;
  • can therapy;
  • applicator Kuznetsov;
  • SPA treatments.

Additional measures:

  • gymnastics;
  • physical exercises;
  • taking vitamin complexes;
  • traditional medicine recipes.

Terrible and wild pain, tingling and spasms require special injections to alleviate the condition. Most likely, the woman is hospitalized for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Elimination of pain in accordance with the day of menstruation

In most situations, discomfort occurs only on the first day of menstruation. In severe cases, discomfort begins even before menstruation, and stops a few days after the end of monthly bleeding. And here you can not do without medical help.

But at home, girls need to know what to do with severe pain during menstruation on the first day. You need to act according to the type of sensations and their intensity.

Able to help:

  • painkillers (no more than three tablets);
  • heating pad on the lower abdomen;
  • sedatives;
  • bed rest (it is better not to walk at all);
  • relaxing massage;
  • herbal tincture based on melissa and mint;
  • room ventilation.

If, during menstruation, cramping pains do not go away after such actions, then it is better to consult a gynecologist. It is not excluded the occurrence of pain shock, which is dangerous for the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Shock can occur abruptly and against the background of severe bleeding. Well, if a woman immediately asked for help. Indeed, in the opposite situation, there is a serious threat to life.

Prevention

To prevent and , you must:

  • timely visit a gynecologist;
  • several times a year to be checked for infectious diseases;
  • do not use an intrauterine device;
  • avoid mechanical damage to the uterine mucosa (abortion).

According to the reviews of women, it is clear that the main rule for preventing dysmenorrhea is healthy lifestyle life:

  • complete rest;
  • optimal daily routine;
  • active walks in the fresh air (at least two hours a day);
  • swimming, aerobics;
  • protected sex;
  • special diets;
  • drinking at least 1.5 liters of water per day;
  • giving up cigarettes and alcohol;
  • exclusion of stressful situations;
  • herbal tea and aromatherapy.

Causes that cause aching, grasping, sharp pains against the backdrop of regulations, a lot. It is necessary to eliminate the violation, and not stop the pain. Therefore, do an examination in the hospital to get the advice of a specialist. It is they who will help get rid of severe pain during menstruation and prevent their occurrence in the future.

This article is for informational purposes only. If you have symptoms of any disease or feel unwell, the first thing to do is consult a doctor! The tips in this resource can help you in emergency situations where qualified medical personnel are not available.

Menstruation is a natural process, so women should not experience pain. But often pain during menstruation occurs with such force that the opportunity for normal movement and life is lost. It is recommended to deal with the causes of the pain syndrome and take measures to eliminate pain in the abdomen and chest.

About chest pain

If the situation is clear with abdominal pain for women (this physiological process is associated with the opening of the cervix, which means that discomfort will be felt), then panic arises with pain in the chest. It is not clear when to sound the alarm, because a slight discomfort in the mammary glands is also felt during the period of premenstrual syndrome. It is recommended to pay attention to the chest:

  • in case of severe pain during palpation of the mammary glands;
  • seals in the chest, bumps and other neoplasms;
  • excessive soreness of the nipples and areolas;
  • nausea, vomiting and elevated temperature body;
  • pain after the end of menstruation.

The presented symptoms are often associated with the following reasons:

  • Changes in the hormonal background are diagnosed. In the period between menstruation, a woman produces prolactin and oxytocin, during the period - estrogen and progesterone. As a result, with a significant predominance of estrogen and progesterone, pain occurs.
  • Gynecological diseases develop. These include the most serious - endometriosis of the uterus, ovarian cysts, polycystic or multifolliculosis. All the presented pathologies disrupt the synthesis of produced estrogen and progesterone, which will cause chest pains to manifest with greater intensity.
  • Development of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy means the implantation (attachment) of a fertilized egg not to the wall of the uterus, but to the wall of the fallopian tube. The body begins to reject foreign body, which leads to a strong hormonal failure.

The presented causes of chest pain always provoke a strong pain syndrome in the abdomen, so they consult a doctor for examination and identification of prerequisites.

Causes of abdominal pain

Pain in the abdomen accompany women throughout the period of menstruation. But you can’t ignore the symptom, because it can be associated with problems.

Here are the most likely:

  • hormonal imbalance - provokes the development of diseases in gynecology (endometriosis, polyps, cysts);
  • inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
  • endometriosis or adenomyosis - the first pathology is characterized by the growth of uterine epithelial cells beyond the prescribed limits, and the second indicates the growth and ingrowth of epithelial cells into the muscle of the organ;
  • fibroids or other neoplasms in the uterine cavity;
  • polyps in the uterine region;
  • disturbed hormonal background, which provoked an increase in the production of progesterone;
  • ovarian cysts;
  • ectopic pregnancies.

Severe pain provokes stress and depressive states. You should consult a doctor to determine the cause in case of pain syndrome, accompanied by pain in the back and an increase in body temperature.

VIDEO: What to do with pain during menstruation?

Severe pain during menstruation, what to do?

With symptoms such as severe pain during menstruation, every third woman faces. On such days it is difficult to work, and you want to crawl under the covers with your head. Doctors say that the main thing is not to panic when you encounter this for the first time.

Common ways to relieve pain

Exist common methods how to eliminate pain during menstruation. AT this issue allocate:

1 Stick to a daily routine- sleep at least 8 hours a day, avoid overwork, take breaks during the working day. Proper daily routine helps to restore nervous system, which leads to a general improvement of the body.

2 Avoid hypothermia. The presented problems entail the development inflammatory process which makes the pain worse.

3 Stick to a diet- avoid flour and fried foods, stop drinking carbonated drinks. Reduce consumption of foods that provoke gas formation. The "inflated" intestines will put pressure on the uterus and ovaries, which will only intensify the pain.

4 Need to drink clean water in the amount of 2 liters per day– stabilization of water balance leads to improved metabolism at the cellular level. This prevents the development of hormonal failure.

5 Need to quit smoking and alcohol- at least during menstruation, an increase in blood circulation should not be provoked. This contributes to more production blood clots, their rapid detachment, which will also lead to additional pain.

6 Do sport. The presented category includes both strength training, if a woman has previously been engaged in them for a long time, and swimming or yoga. In modern fitness centers, there are special programs designed for women during menstruation.

7 Visit a couple. Most doctors claim that steam is good for blood circulation and helps reduce the stress hormone (cortisol). But the presented actions are allowed to be performed only in the absence of inflammation.

8 Massage- it is better to visit the sessions a few days before the onset of menstruation. The benefits are associated with improved functioning of internal organs.

9 Take vitamins- this should be done on a regular basis in order to normalize the functioning of the body. It is recommended to drink vitamins of groups B and E, magne B6.

How to relieve pain during menstruation

Medicines

Women in the event of a pain syndrome at the beginning of menstruation turn to medications. They are recommended to be taken only with a doctor's prescription, since the fact of allergies or chronic pathology (exacerbation against the background of drug use) is often revealed.

Common and safe means include:

Sedative drugs

Infusion of motherwort, valerian or sleeping pills, but only with a doctor's prescription. Methods help to cope with the problem of increased irritability of a woman during menstruation. Everything is explained by the failure of the hormonal background, which is why the hormone of joy - endorphin - is not released in the amount necessary for a normal state.

Antispasmodics

Medicines are painkillers that relieve muscle spasm, which occurs during critical days. The safe ones are No-shpu or its equivalent Drotaverine (Papaverine).

Doctors prescribe to patients hormonal agents that help restore the background and reduce pain. Reduced pain due to supplementation progestins– these female hormones are found in normal birth control pills. They help in the onset of pregnancy, which can only occur with a regular cycle and a timely release of the egg.

It is interesting: Signs of pregnancy in the 1st week: what happens at this time

Folk remedies

Not recommended for immediate use. medications. It is better to pay attention to folk remedies that can reduce pain in the abdomen and chest. Recipes are based on the use of herbs with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative properties.

The following recipes are effective:

  • Melissa infusion- normalizes the menstrual cycle, helps to cope with insomnia and reduce general irritability. To properly take the remedy, you need to pour a tablespoon of crushed collection with boiling water in the amount of one glass and let it brew for half an hour. Strained infusion drink a third of the amount received three times a day.
  • Raspberry- leaves are used - is a folk pain reliever. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour 3 teaspoons in crushed form with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for a quarter of an hour. Drink a glass during the day, dividing the contents of the glass into small portions.
  • Camomile tea normalizes the nervous system. You can take essential oil and add it to shower gel, take a bath with it. It is recommended to breathe the vapors of the composition in its pure form - this helps to get rid of stress and normalize the menstrual cycle.
  • Elecampane root infusion- the tool is designed to restore hormonal levels, as well as pain relief. To make an infusion, use a teaspoon of crushed root, which is poured with a glass of boiling water. After insisting for 1 hour, strain the contents and drink a tablespoon three times a day.
  • Horsetail tincture helps to cope with inflammation and pain in the abdomen and chest. To do this, pour a tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for an hour. The resulting infusion should be taken 4-5 times a day, dividing the contents into equal parts.

Folk remedies are taken with caution, since most plants are allergenic. Before use, you must consult a doctor.

A little about physical activity

Most women during menstruation with pain in the abdomen and chest prefer bed rest. But gynecologists assure the benefits of physical activity - they should be done with caution and without lifting weights. In this case, a load in the form of gymnastic exercises is considered, since lifting weights during menstruation will provoke uterine prolapse.

Among effective exercises distinguish the following:

  • Lying on your back on the floor, bend your knees and take a deep breath. Next, you need to tear your hips off the floor, lift them up. After a short breath hold, you need to exhale and at the same time lower yourself to the floor.
  • Lying on your back, turn to the wall and throw your legs on the surface, pressing your feet tightly. On the inhale, press your feet against the wall, on the exhale, relax.
  • In a standing position on all fours, you need to bend your back down as you exhale, and bend it up as you inhale. The exercise resembles an imitation of the standard "Kitty", which can be supplemented with rotational movements of the head, but from the starting position (without arching the back).
  • Lie on your stomach and hook your hands on the back of your head. While inhaling, they raise their heads up and try to touch the hands lying on the back of the head with their feet. As you exhale, lower to the starting position.

Such exercises are referred to as static load. They should be performed with 5 repetitions of each movement. Similar are the exercises from the complex yoga, pilates and callanetics.

  • With their palm, they begin to massage the stomach clockwise - it is important to observe the intensity and not overdo it in the presented undertaking.
  • Start with light strokes - so that there is no pain.
  • Then you can move on to gentle pressure, which also happens clockwise.
  • Finish the massage with stroking, similar to the preparatory movements.
  • Massage is done for 5-10 minutes, but often women perform it until the pain syndrome is eliminated.

    Breast massage is also carried out with care and in the supine position. The breasts are simply stroked around the circumference with their hands. It is important to avoid pressure and strong palpation.

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    Warm

    Pain during menstruation can be eliminated with a heating pad or a thermal plaster - this method is only applicable to reduce abdominal pain, it is strictly forbidden to apply heat to the chest. A warm heating pad is applied to the stomach for 10-15 minutes.

    The presented method is explained by the ability to reduce pain syndrome due to muscle relaxation- abdominal and uterine. As a result, blood circulation increases, the cervix opens faster and painlessly.

    Heat is strictly forbidden to use in the presence of inflammation, ovarian cysts or fibroids. If a woman does not know about their presence, thermal exposure will lead to the development of an exacerbation - increased bleeding, increased growth of neoplasms. Therefore, it is recommended to use the method of applying a heating pad only after consulting a doctor.

    A heating pad with warm water is placed on the stomach in the navel area