Menstrual cramps also called Dysmenorrhea are painful sensations felt in the lower abdomen. They can occur before and/or during a woman’s menstruation. The pain could be sometimes mild or unbearable. Pain, cramps and discomfort during menstrual periods is normal. Excessive pain that causes you to miss the days’ activities is not.
Two types of dysmenorrhea exist- Primary Dysmenorrhea and Secondary Dysmenorrhea. The first is the common one; it is pain felt mostly in the lower abdomen between day 1 and 2 before/after the monthly flow. While the latter, Secondary Dysmenorrhea is cramps resulting from an unidentifiable medical problem such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid, or pelvic inflammatory disease (read more here).
The symptoms of one experiencing menstrual cramps include dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea and headaches. Ladies/Women following the steps listed below would help deal with and prevent menstrual cramps during our monthly flow.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce the quantity of salt, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine and sugar you consume.
- Take a warm bath
- Get enough rest and keep stress minimal/at bay
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen some days before your expected monthly flow.
- Raise your legs or lie on your knees bent
- Consistently massage your abdomen while feeling the cramps
Please contact your doctor if the bleeding is excessive,cramps feel different, extremely painful and linger longer than usual.
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