Period pains are the throbbing discomfort you feel in the lower abdomen before or during your menstrual period. This is a common condition and considered a normal part of the monthly cycle for most women. The pain often comes in intense spasms or can sometimes present as a dull, persistent ache. Period pains can vary with each cycle—sometimes causing mild discomfort, while at other times they can be so severe that you’re left lying in bed all day, unable to function normally due to the intensity.
If you’re experiencing severe period pains that disrupt your daily life, don’t ignore them—schedule an appointment with the best GYN at Women’s Health – Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn NY to get the care and support you need.
Causes of Period Pains
When the uterus sheds its lining once a month, that is when menstruation occurs. And during menstruation, the muscular wall of the uterus tightens and causes contractions. When the uterus contracts, it compresses the blood vessels and temporarily cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to the uterus which then releases chemicals that trigger pain. While these pain-triggering chemicals are being released, another chemical called prostaglandins is being produced by the body. These encourage the uterus to contract more and increase the level of pain.
The pain that comes with your monthly period or menstruation is also called dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is the pain that occurs during and before menstruation. While secondary dysmenorrhea is the painful period cramps you get later in life after having normal periods.
Painful period cramps or dysmenorrhea could also be a result of other underlying medication, such as:
- Premenstrual syndrome, commonly known as PMS
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS affects most women. Over 90% of women get PMS with varying signs and symptoms. Symptoms are experienced a week or two before their period. Sometimes PMS prevents women from doing their usual daily activities due to the severity of the symptoms they experience. Usually, PMS is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience every month. Research shows that PMS happens because of raging hormones during ovulation. And PMS goes away after a few days after menstruation when hormone levels start to rise again.
- Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that affects the uterus. This happens when the tissue lining of the uterus called endometrial tissue grows in other places outside the uterus like the ovaries, pelvic area, or the bowel. Endometriosis causes pain, especially during the menstrual period. Fertility problems could also arise along with this condition.
- Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids, also known as myomas, uterine myomas, or fibroid myomas and fibromas, are abnormal noncancerous growth that develops in a woman’s uterus. These tumors can cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods especially when they become quite big. Fibroids have a lower risk of developing cancer as they are typically benign. Although most women don’t have any symptoms and may never know they have fibroids, about 80% of these women have them by the age of 50.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection in the reproductive organ of a woman and is usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease or infection. The organs that get affected by PID include the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID can damage these parts of your reproductive organs, and make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
- Cervical stenosis
This is a rare condition where the cervix is narrow and small that it causes the menstrual flow slow, increasing the pressure inside the uterus and causing pain. Cervical stenosis often causes no symptoms and is usually a result of another disorder, such as cervical cancer.
- Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus grows into the uterine wall, enlarging the uterus, and causing it to double or triple in size. Adenomyosis also causes menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in painful and heavy periods.
Some of the period pains are also caused by contraceptive devices, such as an intrauterine device (IUD). This is a type of contraception that is inserted inside the uterus. The main purpose of an IUD is to prevent a woman from getting pregnant, but it can also sometimes cause period pain, especially during the first few months after it is inserted.
Treatments for Period Pains
Period pains, also known as menstrual cramps, can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available to help manage and relieve these symptoms:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are often recommended as a first line of treatment. They reduce inflammation and help relieve pain effectively when taken at the onset of symptoms.Heat Therapy
Applying a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen can help relax the uterine muscles and reduce cramping. A warm bath can also provide relief.Regular Exercise
Engaging in physical activity improves blood circulation and releases endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be especially helpful.Hormonal Birth Control
For those with persistent or severe period pains, hormonal contraceptives like the birth control pill, patch, or IUD may be prescribed. These can reduce or eliminate ovulation and lighten menstrual flow, which may ease cramping.Dietary Changes and Supplements
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and staying hydrated may help. Some studies suggest that magnesium, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and B1 supplements can help reduce cramps.Stress Management
Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga may help reduce the emotional and physical stress that can worsen period symptoms.Medical Evaluation for Underlying Conditions
If period pains are severe or worsening over time, it’s important to consult a gynecologist. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis could be contributing to the pain and require targeted treatment.
Although period pains are common in most women, it is still important that you consult your gynecologist especially if start to develop severe period pain from your normal pattern of menstrual period, or if you suddenly experience a heavier than usual or irregular period.
If you are around Brooklyn, you may want to check out Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center. We have the best gynecologist that treats women with GYN problems. We provide women with quality healthcare services. Our specialists aim to deliver the highest quality of healthcare. To book an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, or call us on 1-347-384–5690 or 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at Women’s Health – Doral Health & Wellness Brooklyn NY
