Beyond Cramps: Uncovering the Causes of My Intense Menstrual Pain
As I mentioned in my previous article Navigating the Tides: My Journey with Menstrual Cramps, I am in search for reasons why I experience such extreme discomfort during my period, surpassing the range of typical menstrual cramps.
In this article, let me share the significant insights I've gathered during my pursuit:
“Dysmenorrhea” is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. It happens because your uterus contracts to shed its lining. The pain typically begins just before your period and subsides after a few days. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain with no identifiable cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea results from conditions like endometriosis. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea)
What is the main cause of painful periods?
From my readings, I've understood that menstrual cramps occur when prostaglandin triggers contractions or tightening in my uterus. During menstruation, this chemical is present at a higher level, causing my uterus to contract more intensely, which results in the cramping and discomfort I experience. These contractions assist in shedding my uterine lining, which constitutes the blood and tissue expelled from my vagina during my period.
Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that can have a range of effects, from opening and closing blood vessels to causing menstrual cramps. (https://www.healthline.com/health/prostaglandins)
What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea? (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea)
The following are the most common symptoms of dysmenorrhea. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Cramping in the lower abdomen: I do experience this. Abdominal cramping in the lower part is something I consider a normal occurrence since my menstrual cycles have never passed without me experiencing such discomfort.
Pain in the lower abdomen: This happens to me more often than not. Typically, I just rub mint on my lower abdomen, hoping it will alleviate some of the pain. After that, I lay flat on my stomach, putting a pillow beneath my lower abdomen.
Low back pain: This also occurs, invariably. What I consistently do is massage my lower back and apply mint to the area where there's pain.
Pain radiating down the legs: Sometimes, I experience this condition that leaves me unable to walk, forcing me to lie down for several hours.
Nausea: This is also a usual experience for me. My vision tends to blur, followed by sensations of dizziness and nausea.
Vomiting: So far, this has happened to me only once, about 2 years ago. I truly abhor vomiting. It feels as if my internal organs are being expelled from my body as well.
Diarrhea: I consider myself fortunate to have never experienced this throughout all of my menstrual cycles. It's always been a pattern for me to visit the bathroom before my period starts. I believe my stomach has a unique way of providing such a signal to me. Hahahaha.
Fatigue: Yes, as always. I believe that it's not just during menstruation that I experience extreme fatigue, but it's significantly more intense during this time. This makes it challenging for me to wake up in the morning and go on with my day.
Weakness: I truly feel extremely frail during my menstrual cycle, which I believe is highly relatable. It's almost impossible for me to move, as nearly all parts of my body seem to be in sync with my lower abdomen.
Fainting: Luckily, I haven't experienced this yet, only some pronounced dizziness. I suppose I won’t really experience fainting because I choose to lie down. Hahaha.
Headaches: This occurrence is rare, and when it does happen, it doesn't last long. Thank heavens! However, there are instances when I develop 3 pimples during my menstrual cycle. These pimples can be so painful that they cause me to run a fever.
I've been reading about dysmenorrhea, and it seems like while any woman can experience it, certain factors can make it more likely. Things like smoking, drinking during your period, being overweight, starting your periods before age 11, and never having been pregnant are all linked to a higher chance of painful periods.
For me, I can rule out smoking, drinking during my period, and early onset periods since I started menstruating at 16, which is a pretty typical age. I'm also 29 and haven't been pregnant yet, so I'm wondering if that could be a factor. It's interesting to think about, but I'm not sure if there's a direct link.
“In most cases, painful periods become less painful as you get older. They may also improve after giving birth.” (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea)
I'm not entirely certain of the veracity of this statement because as I age, I continue to experience the same pain, and it's not just consistent - it's intensifying. As for post childbirth, I also hold doubts because I have not been pregnant yet.
Reducing Menstrual Cramps
Here are a few things I do to help manage my menstrual cramps without relying on medication: I drink warm water and I always try applying a heating pad or a warm water bottle to my abdomen for a while. The warmth seems to really soothe the cramps. I also try to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol altogether, and I cut back on sugary drinks, sour foods, and salty foods a week before my period starts. It's a bit of a change, but it seems to help. I also make sure to avoid lifting heavy things, and I find that gently massaging my lower back and abdomen when I'm experiencing cramps can offer some relief. And, of course, a little bit of chocolate a few days before my period can't hurt! It's all about finding what works best for me, and these little things have definitely made a difference.
Concluding thoughts/Reflection
Reflecting on my own experience with intense menstrual pain, I’ve come to realize that it’s a journey filled with both challenges and insights. What I once thought was just a normal part of menstruation turned out to be a complex interplay of various factors affecting my body and mind.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to take charge of their menstrual health, advocate for themselves, and embrace the journey toward understanding and relief.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea
https://www.healthline.com/health/prostaglandins
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
You've come this far. May the Divine Grace be upon you. ♥
If you have some spare time to review my other pieces of writing, I would greatly appreciate your support and I thank you in advance.
Fate's Script, Free Will's Ink
The Pillars of a Blissful Life
Navigating the Tides: My Journey with Menstrual Cramps
From Doubter to Speaker: Breaking Barriers and Finding My Voice
Confessions of a Nervous Nelly
Beyond the Type: Understanding My INFJ-T Personality in Depth
My Inner Self Revealed: A Personality Test Adventure
