Period pain, medically known as dysmenorrhea, is an uncomfortable part of life for many women. Most women experience discomfort around the abdomen, lower back, and thighs during menstruation. Lifestyle factors and health disorders are the major causes of period pains. Dysmenorrhea can either be primary or secondary. Primary period pain begins as soon as your period starts. Secondary pain is caused by other conditions and is linked to reproductive health disorders. Painful periods in Orlando can be treated medically or through home remedies. Here are some tips on how to curb period pains.
Take over-the-counter drugs
Most women will want to avoid using drugs during menstruation, but you need them to soothe the pain. Use Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. During menstruation, prostaglandins are released, stimulating contractions leading to period pain. These drugs help to lower prostaglandin production and reduce pain and inflammation. Always seek medical attention before taking any medications.
Apply heat
Heat relieves tension, improves your blood flow, and helps your muscles relax. Application of heat can be effectively done by using a hot water bottle, heat wrap, or heating pad around your abdomen and lower back. A warm bath or the use of a hot towel will also help you relieve pain. The application of heat allows your muscles to relax.
Exercise
Exercise is the last thing women want in their minds during menstruation. Most of them want to relax during this period. Exercise releases endorphins that make you happy, reduce pain, and relax your muscles. It is also a stress reliever that affects how you feel pain. Running, doing yoga, walking, swimming, and stretching are some of the exercises you can do.
Control your diet
Eating the right kinds of food will ease period pains. Take anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, squash, and bell peppers. Avoid fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods. They cause bloating and water retention. Take a lot of water to keep your body hydrated and help avoid painful bloating during menstruation. Warm or hot water is best as it increases blood flow and relaxes cramped muscles.
Hormonal birth control
Birth control is not only used to prevent pregnancy but also used to control menstrual cramps. Cramps caused by hormonal imbalance are stopped by birth control. Hormonal birth control regulates the frequency and length of your period. If you balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the uterine lining will be thin hence manageable shedding reducing menstrual cramps. Consult your gynecologist for birth control options that work best for you.
Period pains will be attended to depending on the cause and their severity. The above tips will help control them conveniently. Some period pains are severe and require medical attention. If you have tried the above information, and have not worked, visit your doctor. You can also contact a team of expert gynecologists at Contemporary Women’s Care in Winter Park and Lake Nona, Florida. They help you know which option works best for you. They also help you manage period pain by diagnosing and treating conditions that cause severe menstrual cramping. Call their office or make an appointment online today.
