Why do legs feel weak during periods. How to deal with menstrual fatigue. Is early menarche hereditary. Can stress cause prolonged menstruation. What are the solutions for period-related weakness.

Understanding Menstrual Weakness and Fatigue

Many women experience weakness and fatigue during their menstrual periods, often feeling drained and lacking energy. This common issue can significantly impact daily activities, leading some to wonder about its causes and potential remedies.

A primary factor contributing to menstrual weakness is dehydration. During menstruation, the body loses fluid and blood, which can lead to a decrease in overall hydration levels. This loss of fluids can result in feelings of weakness, especially in the legs, and general fatigue.

Is menstrual weakness a cause for concern?

In most cases, experiencing weakness during menstruation is not a cause for alarm. It’s a common symptom that many women face. However, if the weakness is severe or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

Effective strategies to combat menstrual weakness

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially those containing electrolytes
• Maintain a balanced diet and eat regular meals to prevent hypoglycemia
• Get adequate rest and avoid overexertion during your period
• Consider iron supplements if recommended by your doctor
• Practice gentle exercises like yoga or walking to boost energy levels

The Role of Hydration in Menstrual Health

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in managing menstrual symptoms, including weakness and fatigue. During menstruation, the body loses more fluids than usual, making it essential to increase fluid intake.

Which fluids are best for menstrual hydration?

While water is an excellent choice for hydration, electrolyte-rich beverages can be particularly beneficial during menstruation. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade can help replenish both fluids and essential minerals lost during menstruation. Herbal teas and coconut water are also good options for staying hydrated and supporting overall menstrual health.

Nutrition and Menstrual Well-being

A balanced diet is crucial for managing menstrual symptoms and maintaining overall health during your period. Proper nutrition can help prevent hypoglycemia, which can contribute to weakness and fatigue.

Which nutrients are important during menstruation?

Several key nutrients can help alleviate menstrual symptoms and promote overall well-being during your period:

• Iron: To replace lost blood and prevent anemia
• Magnesium: For reducing cramps and improving mood
• Omega-3 fatty acids: To reduce inflammation and ease pain
• Vitamin B6: For alleviating mood swings and irritability
• Calcium: To help reduce cramps and bloating

Incorporating foods rich in these nutrients or considering supplements under medical guidance can significantly improve your menstrual experience.

Early Menarche: Genetic and Environmental Factors

The age at which a girl experiences her first menstrual period, known as menarche, is influenced by various factors. While there’s a common belief that the timing of menarche is primarily hereditary, research suggests a more complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences.

Does early menarche run in families?

Contrary to popular belief, the age of menarche is not directly inherited. While there may be some genetic predisposition, environmental factors play a significant role in determining when a girl starts her period. Factors such as nutrition, body composition, and overall health have a more direct impact on the timing of menarche than genetics alone.

Over the past century, the average age of menarche has gradually decreased. In the United States, the current average age is around 12.6 years. This trend is attributed to various factors, including improved nutrition and changes in body composition among young girls.

Key factors influencing the age of menarche

1. Body weight and fat percentage
2. Nutrition and diet quality
3. Physical activity levels
4. Environmental exposures
5. Socioeconomic factors

Understanding these factors can help parents and healthcare providers better prepare girls for the onset of menstruation and address any concerns about early or delayed menarche.

The Impact of Stress on Menstrual Cycles

Stress can have a significant impact on menstrual cycles, often leading to irregularities or prolonged periods. While some women may not perceive themselves as stressed, even subtle levels of stress can affect hormone balance and disrupt normal menstrual patterns.

Can stress really cause prolonged menstruation?

Yes, stress can indeed cause prolonged menstruation. Stress affects the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates hormone production. This can lead to imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels, potentially resulting in longer or irregular periods. However, it’s important to note that prolonged menstruation can also be caused by other factors, such as uterine polyps, ovarian cysts, or systemic illnesses.

If you experience a period lasting longer than four weeks, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend hormonal treatments to regulate your menstrual cycle or conduct further tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

Strategies for managing stress-related menstrual irregularities

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises
• Maintain a regular exercise routine
• Ensure adequate sleep and rest
• Consider counseling or therapy if stress levels are consistently high
• Explore natural remedies like herbal teas or aromatherapy

Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Health

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in maintaining regular menstrual cycles and overall reproductive health. Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to various menstrual irregularities, including prolonged periods, heavy bleeding, or missed periods.

How do hormones affect menstrual cycles?

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control the growth and shedding of the uterine lining, as well as ovulation. When hormone levels are imbalanced, it can lead to irregular or problematic periods.

Estrogen, produced mainly by the ovaries, stimulates the growth of the uterine lining. Progesterone, on the other hand, prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy and regulates the length of the menstrual cycle. An imbalance in these hormones can result in various menstrual issues.

Common hormonal imbalances affecting menstruation

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders
• Perimenopause
• Stress-induced hormonal changes
• Hormonal contraceptive use or discontinuation

If you suspect a hormonal imbalance is affecting your menstrual cycle, consult with a healthcare provider. They can conduct tests to assess your hormone levels and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.

Menstrual Health and Overall Well-being

Menstrual health is an integral part of a woman’s overall well-being. Regular menstrual cycles can be indicators of good reproductive health and hormonal balance. Conversely, menstrual irregularities or severe symptoms can signal underlying health issues that may require attention.

How does menstrual health reflect overall well-being?

A healthy menstrual cycle typically indicates that various bodily systems are functioning properly. Regular periods suggest that the reproductive system, endocrine system, and other related bodily functions are in balance. However, menstrual irregularities or severe symptoms can sometimes be early signs of other health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, or reproductive health issues.

Paying attention to your menstrual health and addressing any concerns promptly can contribute to better overall health and well-being. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist or healthcare provider can help monitor your menstrual health and address any issues early on.

Key aspects of menstrual health to monitor

• Regularity of cycles
• Duration and heaviness of flow
• Presence and severity of menstrual symptoms
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Impact of menstruation on daily activities

By staying attuned to these aspects of your menstrual health, you can better understand your body and identify any potential issues that may require medical attention.

Innovative Approaches to Menstrual Health Management

As our understanding of menstrual health evolves, so do the approaches to managing menstrual symptoms and promoting overall well-being during periods. From technological advancements to holistic wellness practices, there are numerous innovative methods available for women to better manage their menstrual health.

What are some modern approaches to menstrual health management?

Several innovative approaches have emerged in recent years to help women better manage their menstrual health:

1. Period tracking apps: These digital tools help women monitor their cycles, predict ovulation, and track symptoms.
2. Wearable devices: Some devices claim to alleviate menstrual cramps through electrical stimulation or heat therapy.
3. Menstrual cups and period underwear: These eco-friendly alternatives to traditional sanitary products offer convenience and reduced environmental impact.
4. Nutritional supplements: Targeted supplements aim to balance hormones and reduce menstrual symptoms.
5. Mindfulness and meditation apps: These tools offer guided sessions to help manage stress and pain associated with menstruation.

While these innovations can be helpful, it’s important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new treatments or supplements.

The role of lifestyle modifications in menstrual health

In addition to innovative products and technologies, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing menstrual health:

• Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity can help reduce menstrual cramps and improve mood.
• Stress management techniques: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or meditation can help alleviate stress-related menstrual issues.
• Dietary adjustments: Some women find relief from menstrual symptoms by avoiding certain foods or increasing intake of specific nutrients.
• Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing good sleep can help regulate hormones and reduce menstrual discomfort.
• Herbal remedies: Some herbs, like ginger or chamomile, may help alleviate menstrual symptoms when used under proper guidance.

By combining these lifestyle approaches with modern innovations, women can develop comprehensive strategies for managing their menstrual health and improving their overall quality of life during periods.

Dealing with Menstruation Problems

Q1. I often feel weak and drained (even my legs feel weak) during menstruation. There are days when I just want to stay in bed, and I am without energy for the full six days of my period. Why is this? Should I be worried? Is there anything I can do?

— Kimberley, Virginia

Weakness during menstruation is usually caused by dehydration, due to the loss of fluid and blood that occur during your period. This is probably not worrisome, though. The best way to counteract menstrual-linked weakness is to drink plenty of fluids, especially those containing electrolytes, such as Gatorade, Powerade, or other sports drinks. Water is also a good way to stay hydrated during your period. In addition, be sure to eat healthfully, and don’t go for long stretches without having a snack or small meal. Eating properly during your period can help prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), thereby preventing any additional weakness. Dehydration is the more important issue, though.

Q2. I started my period early in childhood (I was 11 years old). How likely is it that my girls will start early as well?

— Becky, Oregon

The short answer to your question is that the age at which a woman starts her period is not inherited. Here’s some background: Menarche, or the age of the first menstrual period, has become progressively younger in the past century. In fact, some claims report a decline of two to two-and-a-half years from about 1900 to the 1960s, but the most reliable North American surveys indicate just a two- to three-month decline from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s; today, the average age in the United States is 12.6 years old.

There are both genetic and environmental factors at play here. In general, a girl’s weight and body-fat percentage are the most precise determinants of when she will begin having periods. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels are stored in fat, so once a girl reaches a certain weight and height, her rising hormone levels trigger menstruation. If your daughters have the same body size and shape that you did at 11 years old, they may start menstruating then, but age alone is not the determinant.

Experts hypothesize that today’s girls reach menarche earlier because their diets contain more fat, and thus they weigh more than their counterparts did in the early 1900s. Some researchers point to the increased incidence of childhood obesity, as attaining a weight of 100 pounds appears to be a trigger for very young girls reaching menarche. Other theories include environmental exposure to chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen and also the impact of the sexualization of our society.

Q3. I am about to get married next week. I have had my period for three weeks now. Everyone is saying that stress is the reason my menstruation has lasted this long. Could this be true? I actually have been pretty calm throughout the process.

– De De, Illinois

De De, first, congratulations on your marriage. And yes, stress — even at a level that you may not perceive — can be responsible for altering your hormone levels enough to disrupt your periods. But there are other things that can cause you to have your period for three weeks, like uterine polyps, ovarian cysts, or a systemic illness.

Most women between 20 and 45 will have an occasional abnormal period every few years. That’s one reason it’s important to be evaluated regularly by your gynecologist, who will do a pelvic exam, or even a sonogram (ultrasound imaging) to look at the ovaries and uterus (depending on your age) to make sure everything’s okay. In your case, if your next period is normal, treatment is probably unnecessary. However, if your current period continues beyond four weeks, I suggest you contact your doctor who may want to treat you with a low dose of hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle.

RELATED: The United States of Stress

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Dysmenorrhea | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea causes severe and frequent cramps and pain during your period. It may be either primary or secondary.

• Primary dysmenorrhea. This occurs when you first start your period and continues throughout your life. It is usually life-long. It can cause severe and frequent menstrual cramping from severe and abnormal uterine contractions.

• Secondary dysmenorrhea. This type is due to some physical cause. It usually starts later in life. It may be caused by another medical condition, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.

What causes dysmenorrhea?

Women with primary dysmenorrhea have abnormal contractions of the uterus due to a chemical imbalance in the body. For example, the chemical prostaglandin control the contractions of the uterus.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other medical conditions, most often endometriosis. This is a condition in which endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus. Endometriosis often causes internal bleeding, infection, and pelvic pain.

Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include the following:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Uterine fibroids

• Abnormal pregnancy (miscarriage, ectopic)

• Infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity

What are the symptoms of 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

• Pain in the lower abdomen

• Low back pain

• Pain radiating down the legs

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Fainting

• Headaches

The symptoms of dysmenorrhea may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for dysmenorrhea?

While any woman can develop dysmenorrhea, the following women may be at an increased risk for the condition:

• Women who smoke

• Women who drink alcohol during their period (alcohol tends to prolong menstrual pain)

• Women who are overweight

• Women who started their periods before the age of 11

• Women who have never been pregnant

Consult your health care provider for more information.

How is dysmenorrhea diagnosed?

To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your health care provider will evaluate your medical history and do a complete physical and pelvic exam. Other tests may include:

• Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

• Laparoscopy. This minor procedure uses a laparoscope. This is a thin tube with a lens and a light. It is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic and abdomen area, the doctor can often detect abnormal growths.

• Hysteroscopy. This is the visual exam of the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus. It uses a viewing instrument (hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina.

How is dysmenorrhea treated?

Specific treatment for dysmenorrhea will be determined by your health care provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the condition

• Cause of the condition (primary or secondary)

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the condition

• Your opinion or preference

Treatment to manage dysmenorrhea symptoms may include:

• Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (to reduce pain)

• Acetaminophen

• Oral contraceptives (ovulation inhibitors)

• Progesterone (hormone treatment)

• Diet changes (to increase protein and decrease sugar and caffeine intake)

• Vitamin supplements

• Regular exercise

• Heating pad across the abdomen

• Hot bath or shower

• Abdominal massage

• Endometrial ablation (a procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus)

• Endometrial resection (a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus).

• Hysterectomy ( the surgical removal of the uterus)

Key points

• Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period.

• Dysmenorrhea may be primary, existing from the beginning of periods, or secondary, due to an underlying condition.

• Symptoms may include cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, low back pain, pain spreading down the legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, fainting, or headaches.

• Treatments may include NSAIDS, acetaminophen, birth control pills, hormone treatment, dietary changes, vitamins, exercise, heat, or massage.

• In extreme conditions, surgery may be needed.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Legs hurt during menstruation

Content

• 1 Causes
• 2 Symptoms
  • 2.1 Physiological processes
  • 2.2 Algodysmenorrhea
  • 2. 3 Inflammatory diseases
  • 2.4 Pathology of the venous system
  • 2.5 Polyneuropathies
  • 2.6 Articular diseases

The onset of menstruation is a common occurrence for a woman of reproductive age. Well, if they come on time and proceed painlessly. But many, unfortunately, during this period feel signs that are far from pleasant. And one of these symptoms is pain in the legs. Discomfort on critical days can be a frequent occurrence, which becomes a real problem for a woman. And many people want to know why their legs hurt on different days of the menstrual cycle.

Causes

Menstruation indicates the readiness of a woman’s body to conceive a child. In the most favorable case, they begin almost imperceptibly. But this is not always the case. Many women have to endure quite unpleasant moments, including leg pain. Sometimes this fits into the framework of physiological processes based on hormonal changes, and there are other situations associated with deviations from the norm. The latter include:

• Algodysmenorrhea.
• Inflammatory diseases.
• Pathology of the venous system.
• Polyneuropathy.
• Joint diseases.

Pain in the lower extremities are directly related to menstruation or are observed in parallel, being a sign of concomitant pathology. Each case is individual, and only a doctor can determine the origin of unpleasant symptoms.

If your legs hurt during or before your period, you should consult a specialist. The cause should be sought in hormonal, vascular or other changes in the body.

Symptoms

Any abnormalities in the state of the body must be identified with the definition of the main signs and provoking factors. It is the subjective symptoms that occur during menstruation that cause a lot of suffering to women. Pain in the legs may have the following features:

1. Aching, pulling, squeezing.
2. Weak, moderate or fairly strong.
3. Localized in the thighs or legs, on the back or front surface.
4. Disturbed periodically or almost constantly.
5. Appear at various intervals: during menstruation, before or after.
6. Increase with walking and exercise, or have no connection with external factors.

But you should also pay attention to other symptoms that may be present in a woman and can help in determining the cause of pain in the lower extremities.

Physiological processes

Sometimes the legs can hurt even in a completely healthy woman. This is due to hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. In the middle of the cycle, there is an increase in the level of progesterone, which expands the vessels of the uterus, affecting other organs. In particular, the veins of the small pelvis and lower extremities are susceptible to it. Expanding, they contain a larger volume of blood, which can cause heaviness in the legs and swelling.

Pain in the lower extremities sometimes accompanies the establishment of the menstrual cycle in girls during puberty. In this case, there is an imbalance between the growth of the musculoskeletal system and reproductive function, which affects the blood supply and innervation of the tissues of the small pelvis and lower extremities. But with the establishment of menstruation and with regular sexual activity, the pain disappears.

Asking about the cause of pain in the legs associated with menstruation, you must first consider the possibility of physiological changes in the body of a woman.

Algodysmenorrhea

Menstrual irregularity characterized by painful periods is called algodysmenorrhea. It can develop primarily (functional) or against the background of anatomical changes in the genitals. But despite the origin, the complex of symptoms will be the same:

• Pain in the lower abdomen of a cramping nature.
• Discomfort extends to the lower back, groin and thighs.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Bloating, nausea and even vomiting.
• General weakness, irritability.

Algodysmenorrhea can lead to reduced ability to work and significantly reduce the quality of life. Therefore, it is not only a medical, but also a social problem.

Inflammatory diseases

Quite often the menstrual cycle is disturbed in inflammatory diseases that affect the female genital area. The most common pathology of the uterine appendages is adnexitis (salpingoophoritis). At first, the disease develops as an acute process, but later becomes chronic. At the same time, pains in the lower abdomen will disturb, which radiate to the legs or lumbar region. Physiological secretions may change and discomfort may be felt during intercourse.

If inflammation is left untreated for a long time, it provokes the growth of connective tissue and the appearance of adhesions in the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility.

Pathology of the venous system

Given the effect of female sex hormones on the vascular wall, it can be assumed that pain in the legs associated with menstruation is a sign of venous insufficiency and impaired blood outflow. This often occurs with varicose veins or thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities. And women have to deal with the following symptoms:

• Heaviness in the legs, worse in the evening.
• Swelling of legs and feet.
• Visible enlargement of the superficial veins, the appearance of “knots”.
• Trophic changes in the skin.

Thrombophlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the wall of the veins, which means that the pain will be much more pronounced, a strip of redness will become visible on the skin. In the same place, you can feel a dense cord – this is the affected vessel.

Polyneuropathy

Sometimes it happens that the legs hurt not only during menstruation, but also at other times. Then you should look for reasons that have no connection with the menstrual cycle. Such conditions include polyneuropathies, which are a common pathology in patients with endocrine-metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.). First, the distal (lower) parts of the limbs are affected, and then the process rises higher. In addition to persistent and rather intense pain in the legs, there are other neurological symptoms:

• Skin numbness, tingling, burning, goosebumps.
• Reduced sensitivity.
• Change of reflex reactions.
• Muscle weakness.

During the examination, the doctor pays attention not only to the manifestations of neuropathy, but also takes into account the signs of the underlying disease.

Joint diseases

Pathology of the joints of the lower extremities can occur in women at any age. Even degenerative-dystrophic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, often develop in the reproductive period of life. And pain in the legs sometimes coincides with menstruation. But at the same time they are associated with movements and physical activity. In addition, in the clinical picture there will be other symptoms indicating the pathology of the musculoskeletal system:

• Swelling and redness of the skin over the joints.
• Restriction of movement in the knee or hip region.
• Soreness of the joints on palpation.

Thus, if your legs hurt during menstruation, then you need to undergo a medical examination. Why pain occurs in a particular patient, the doctor will determine. It is possible that this discomfort is temporary, as it is associated with physiological processes. But it is impossible to exclude other causes that are within the framework of pathological disorders that require timely detection.

Pain during menstruation: causes, treatment and recommendations

Pain during menstruation: causes, treatment and recommendations | Alpha Clinic

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Pain during menstruation – a norm or a disease?

Painful periods darken life and break the usual rhythm of most women. Many have reconciled and perceive it as an inevitable condition. Is this so and is it worth sounding the alarm if the stomach hurts during menstruation?

Alfa Clinic gynecologists say that menstruation pain is not normal!

Pain during menstruation is monthly knocked out of the usual rhythm for 2-3 days. In the course of their lives, they take away from women as much as 5.5 years! Painful menstruation is the most common gynecological problem faced by girls.

Together with the gynecologist-endocrinologist of the Alpha Clinic Medical Center Nikulina Evgenia Gennadievna, we will figure out what menstruation is, what menstrual cycle is considered normal, and in what situations one should suspect a pathology and consult a doctor.

Nikulina Evgenia Gennadievna /
gynecologist-endocrinologist / experience 30 years

Pain during menstruation

The reproductive system of a healthy woman is very complex and functions with a clear cycle. The main reproductive process in the female body is menstruation – the menstrual cycle, strictly regulated by hormones.

The main function of the menstrual cycle is to prepare the reproductive system and other organs of a woman for conception and childbearing. It is on this basis that the onset of menstruation is a signal of the maturity of the girl’s body, which speaks of her physiological readiness for motherhood. But it doesn’t always go right.

Most experience symptoms such as severe pain in the first cycle – dysmenorrhea, as well as copious discharge – menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea). We will talk about this in our new article.

According to statistics, approximately 80% of women suffer from menstrual pain of varying severity. Usually, discomfort develops within the first 4 hours after the onset of menstruation and lasts for 1-2 days. However, in severe cases, pain can occur a few days before the onset of menstruation and continue for several days or until the very end of menstruation. A healthy representative of the fair sex should not experience strong pain and notice bright pathological symptoms. Any violations and deviations from these norms are considered a pathology and require mandatory medical intervention – a gynecologist-endocrinologist at Alfa Clinic.

Severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)

The disease is menstruation, which is accompanied by an intense pain syndrome that interferes with the normal activity and motor activity of a woman. Pain in this case is usually localized in the lower abdomen, spreading to the lumbar region.

According to the data, more than 50% of all women periodically experience dysmenorrhea.

Painful periods may be accompanied by manifestations:

• Deterioration of vascular function: is manifested by swelling of the face, numbness of the extremities, arrhythmias, headaches and dizziness.

• Emotional and mental disorders: insomnia, drowsiness, irritability, sensitivity to smells, changes in eating habits, depression, anxiety.

• Symptoms of disorders of the autonomic nervous system: digestive disorders, bloating, dry mouth, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, belching, frequent urination, increased sweating, fainting.

• Signs of metabolic disorders: itching, weakness, feeling of cottony legs, edema of different localization.

Dysmenorrhea has 3 degrees:

1. Light – such pains are insignificant, are observed only on the first day of menstruation, are not accompanied by other symptoms and do not interfere with the usual way of life.

2. Moderate – pain can last up to 2-3 days of menstruation, there are also other signs of malaise (nausea, weakness, headache), and although discomfort disturbs the usual rhythm of life, the patient does not lose her ability to work and can go to work or study.

3. Severe – the pain develops even before the onset of menstruation and can continue until it ends, the ability to work is significantly reduced or completely lost, the accompanying signs are also pronounced.

Classification and causes of painful periods

Why menstruation is painful depends on the type of dysmenorrhea. She may be:

Primary dysmenorrhea often worries teenagers and young women. For many patients, the pain subsides after the age of 25. As a rule, primary dysmenorrhea develops 1.5–2 years after the onset of the first menstruation, when the menstrual cycle is established.

There is a theory that dysmenorrhea occurs against the background of psychosomatic disorders.

The most popular version is that the cause of this process is an increase in the amount of female sex hormones progesterone and estradiol (estrogen). The level of estrogen rises during ovulation, and progesterone – after it – Nikulina Evgenia Gennadievna.

There is a risk group that includes women with an increased likelihood of developing primary dysmenorrhea:

• Professional athletes, representatives of professions associated with hard physical labor (this kind of activity also affects the intensity of pain).

• Patients with a genetic predisposition: if the mother or grandmother suffers from menstrual pain, then the risk of dysmenorrhea increases to 30%.

• Numb women.

• Overweight patients.

Also, the development of primary dysmenorrhea can be provoked by: infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted infections), hypothermia or overheating of the body, stress, emotional and mental overload – Evgenia Gennadievna.

Secondary dysmenorrhea develops against the background of diseases: more often gynecological. These include:

• Congenital anomalies of the uterus: underdevelopment, pathological location (bend).

• Inflammatory processes in the internal genital organs (for example, inflammation of the appendages).

• Endometriosis and adenomyosis – the growth of cells of the inner lining of the uterus.

• Ectopic pregnancy.

• Polyps, uterine fibroids are benign neoplasms.

• Stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs.

Dysmenorrhea can also be caused by non-gynecological diseases. For example, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (most often – irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory processes in the organs of the urinary system.

Diagnosis of painful periods in girls

You should consult a doctor if the pain during menstruation is severe and significantly reduces the quality of your life. And urgently make an appointment in the following cases:

• Dysmenorrhea has developed for the first time.

• The pain lasts for more than a week.

• The pain syndrome is unbearable.

• Dysmenorrhea is accompanied by an increase in body temperature or an increase in the amount of menstrual flow.

The gynecologist will collect an anamnesis, conduct an examination and prescribe additional studies.

Diagnosis for dysmenorrhea begins with the appointment of tests:

• In the CBC, it is possible to track signs of inflammation or anemia (decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin), which is typical for the inflammatory process, intra-abdominal bleeding (H: ovarian rupture or cyst).

• OAM allows you to delete disorders of the urinary system.

• A biochemical blood test helps to diagnose the pathology of the biliary system, heart disease, etc. , which often accompanies primary dysmenorrhea.

Then proceed to the instrumental methods of examination:

• Colposcopy reveals inflammatory diseases and pathology of the cervix.

• Ultrasound of the pelvis allows you to determine tumor-like formations, inflammation of the uterus / appendages, the presence of adhesions.

• In parallel, a comprehensive ultrasound of the internal organs is performed.

Based on the examination and the results of the research, the doctor will find out why menstruation is painful and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea)

In this disease, a lot of blood is lost due to lengthening, frequent or profuse menstruation. The disease is quite common – every third woman encounters it during her life. The disease is caused by gynecological diseases, hormonal failures, diseases of the circulatory system and internal organs.

The disease is manifested by too heavy or prolonged periods, which are accompanied by significant blood loss. Such a pathological condition is spoken of if the critical days last more than 7 days. Usually, with menorrhagia, other symptoms are completely absent, but the woman experiences significant discomfort due to such abundant discharge.

Prolonged and severe blood loss can lead to anemia, which manifests itself in a deterioration in well-being, weakness, dizziness, and the development of fainting. Often with menorrhagia, bleeding from the gums and nose, bruising, bruising on the body occur.

Causes of hypermenorrhea

The following disorders can serve as the reasons leading to the development of menorrhagia (hypermenorrhea):

• Hormonal instability. It is especially pronounced in patients of premenopausal and transitional age. Hormonal instability during these physiological periods increases the risk of developing hypermenorrhea.

• Diseases of the reproductive system: fibroids, polyps, uterine adenomyosis, ovarian dysfunction. They develop due to hormonal imbalance in the body and cause menorrhagia in 80% of women.

• Use of intrauterine contraceptives. Menorrhagia in this case is an undesirable side effect.

• Diseases associated with a violation of the blood coagulation system (for example, vitamin K deficiency), as well as taking certain drugs that affect clotting (anticoagulants). Increased bleeding that accompanies disorders of the blood coagulation system can be manifested by heavy menstruation.

• hereditary menorrhagia. Often, menorrhagia is a family disease transmitted through the female line of inheritance.

• Diseases of the pelvic organs, thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, heart. With menorrhagia, the patient should consult with an endocrinologist and a therapist to exclude endocrine and general somatic causes of heavy menstruation.

• Excessive power loads, overwork, stressful situations, changes in climatic conditions. All factors that force the body to adapt to new conditions and stress can trigger the development of menorrhagia.

What causes hypermenstrual syndrome?

Large blood loss does not pass without a trace for the female body. Anemia (anemia) occurs, accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells – erythrocytes, a decrease in the content of hemoglobin and iron.

Since high blood loss reduces the amount of hemoglobin that delivers oxygen to tissues, the body experiences oxygen starvation. This negatively affects the functioning of the liver, heart, brain, and nervous system. Pressure drops, fainting, dizziness, palpitations occur. Increased fatigue, decreased performance, cold intolerance, headaches appear. Specific changes are formed in the tongue – smoothness of the relief, atrophy of the papillae. Skin becomes pale, nails become brittle, and hair becomes dull. The work of the immune system is suppressed – a woman easily picks up infections, becomes seriously ill, her wounds and cuts do not heal well – Alfa Clinic gynecologist explains.

Attempts to correct the situation by taking vitamins and mineral complexes without the main treatment will not bring results, because the causes of the violation are not eliminated.

Since this condition is caused by a variety of reasons, its diagnosis is a complex process. Patients are assigned:

• A blood test that determines the level of hemoglobin and red blood cell counts. This makes it possible to assess the degree of anemia that has arisen.

• Urinalysis, which reveals disorders of the kidneys and liver, which can also cause hypermenstrual manifestations. With renal pathologies, the urine is reddish or cloudy, and with liver pathologies it is dark. The analysis reveals impurities of blood, pus, liver pigments.

• Biochemical blood test for the maximum number of indicators. This is necessary to find out the state of the liver, kidneys, heart, metabolic processes.

• Blood for hormones. The concentration of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, ovaries, adrenal glands and pituitary gland is determined. With the help of such a study, it is possible to understand whether the patient has endocrine pathologies.

• Analysis for blood clotting and duration of bleeding. Genetic mutations are also being investigated that cause a deficiency of hemostasis factors – substances due to which blood clots form.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is prescribed to detect tumors, cysts, polyps. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, doctors determine the condition of the inner uterine layer, the violation of which leads to hypermenstrual syndrome.

Based on the results of diagnostic procedures, the doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment aimed at eliminating or correcting the causes of heavy critical days.

How can a woman understand that she is losing a lot of blood?

You can determine the intensity of menstruation by the number of personal hygiene products to be replaced:

• Weak – two pads / tampons are enough, on which slight blood marks are found. Such bleeding is considered normal at the beginning and at the end of critical days.

• Light – Approximately 3-4 pads or tampons of medium absorbency are used per day.

• Moderate – Pads/tampons need to be changed after about 4 hours.

• Heavy – have to use extra absorbent pads that have to be replaced every three hours.

• Very rich – in this case, even superabsorbents do not last more than 2 hours, so they have to be constantly changed. Sometimes women are forced to use two pads at the same time. With such blood loss, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Prevention of period pain

Moderate menstrual pain that occurs in a healthy woman can be prevented with preventive measures. These include:

• Diet – 15 days before the onset of menstruation, it is necessary to give up salty, excessively fatty, spicy foods and carbonated drinks, and a few days – from coffee; the diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and seafood (they contain omega-3 acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect).

• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 2-4 days before menstruation (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) – they help reduce the level of prostaglandins, but it is necessary to consult a doctor about their use, as they can have a negative effect on the mucous lining of the stomach, and in some conditions they should not be used or should be used with caution.

• Reasonable physical activity , for example, yoga – pains become less pronounced.

• Phytotherapy – the production of prostaglandins decreases with the use of blackcurrant and evening primrose oils, fennel or tea from it can reduce the number of uterine contractions, ginger tea relieves vasospasm (phytopreparations are also taken after consulting a doctor).

• Stress avoidance and good sleep .

Bleeding and severe pain is always an emergency. Therefore, delaying a visit to the doctor, a woman independently exacerbates the severity of anemia, worsens the state of the blood coagulation system – Alfa Clinic doctor Evgenia Gennadievna Nikulina warns.

To preserve and restore women’s health, Alfa Clinic employs the best specialists. Our doctors, who are fluent in their craft, are ready to fight any of your ailments!

Gynecologists explain to patients why menstruation is painful, and individually select treatment methods. Thanks to high professionalism and a personalized approach to each patient, specialists achieve the highest results in maintaining and strengthening women’s reproductive health. Sign up now!

By phone: +7 (383) 349-70-31

Or use the online appointment with a doctor on our website: https://alfa-clinic.com

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