How does menstruation affect energy levels. What causes leg weakness during periods. Is early menarche hereditary. Can stress prolong menstruation. How to alleviate menstrual discomfort.

Understanding Menstrual Weakness and Its Impact on Daily Life

Menstrual weakness is a common issue that affects many women during their monthly cycle. It can manifest as general fatigue, muscle weakness, and even difficulty in performing daily tasks. One of the most frequently reported symptoms is leg weakness during periods, which can be particularly troublesome for active individuals.

Why do women experience weakness during menstruation? The primary cause is often dehydration due to fluid and blood loss. This can lead to a decrease in blood volume, affecting overall energy levels and muscle strength. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can contribute to fatigue and weakness.

Common Symptoms of Menstrual Weakness

• Generalized fatigue
• Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs
• Lack of energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased need for rest

Is menstrual weakness a cause for concern? In most cases, it’s a normal part of the menstrual cycle and not a serious medical issue. However, if weakness is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Combating Dehydration: The Key to Alleviating Menstrual Weakness

Dehydration plays a significant role in menstrual weakness, particularly the feeling of weak legs during periods. To counteract this, it’s crucial to focus on proper hydration throughout your menstrual cycle.

How can you stay hydrated during your period? The most effective approach is to increase your fluid intake, particularly with beverages that contain electrolytes. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade can be beneficial, as they replenish both fluids and essential minerals lost during menstruation. Water is also an excellent choice for maintaining hydration levels.

Tips for Staying Hydrated During Menstruation

1. Drink water regularly throughout the day
2. Include electrolyte-rich beverages in your diet
3. Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
4. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration
5. Set reminders to drink water if you tend to forget

How much fluid should you consume during your period? While individual needs may vary, aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, increasing this amount if you’re experiencing heavy flow or engaging in physical activity.

Nutrition’s Role in Managing Menstrual Symptoms

Proper nutrition is crucial in managing menstrual symptoms, including weakness and fatigue. Eating a balanced diet can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, preventing additional weakness caused by hypoglycemia.

What should you eat during your period to combat weakness? Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy and support overall health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.

Beneficial Foods for Menstrual Health

• Iron-rich foods: Dark leafy greens, lean meats, beans
• Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, sweet potatoes, quinoa
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts
• Magnesium-rich foods: Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate
• Vitamin B6 sources: Poultry, bananas, potatoes

How often should you eat during your period? It’s beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than going for long stretches without food. This helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and provides a consistent source of energy.

The Impact of Early Menarche on Future Generations

Early menarche, or the onset of menstruation at a young age, is a topic of interest for many parents. Understanding the factors that influence the timing of a girl’s first period can help in preparing for this significant life event.

Is the age of menarche inherited? Contrary to popular belief, the age at which a woman starts her period is not directly inherited. While there may be some genetic influence, environmental factors play a more significant role in determining the onset of menstruation.

Factors Influencing the Age of Menarche

• Body weight and fat percentage
• Nutrition and diet
• Physical activity levels
• Environmental factors
• Overall health and well-being

What is the current trend in the age of menarche? Over the past century, there has been a gradual decrease in the average age of menarche. In the United States, the current average age is approximately 12.6 years old. This trend is attributed to various factors, including improved nutrition and changes in lifestyle.

Understanding the Causes of Prolonged Menstruation

Experiencing a menstrual period that lasts longer than usual can be concerning for many women. While occasional variations in cycle length are normal, prolonged bleeding may have underlying causes that require attention.

Can stress cause extended menstrual periods? Yes, stress can indeed affect hormone levels and disrupt the menstrual cycle, potentially leading to prolonged bleeding. However, it’s important to note that stress is not the only potential cause of extended periods.

Possible Causes of Prolonged Menstruation

• Hormonal imbalances
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Ovarian cysts
• Thyroid disorders
• Certain medications
• Stress and lifestyle factors

When should you seek medical attention for prolonged menstruation? If your period lasts longer than seven days or if you experience heavy bleeding that interferes with your daily life, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend further tests or treatments to address the underlying cause.

Lifestyle Modifications to Ease Menstrual Discomfort

While menstrual discomfort is common, there are several lifestyle modifications that can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being during your period.

How can exercise help with menstrual symptoms? Regular physical activity can help reduce menstrual pain, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can be particularly beneficial during menstruation.

Effective Lifestyle Changes for Menstrual Comfort

1. Engage in regular exercise
2. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
3. Ensure adequate sleep and rest
4. Apply heat to the lower abdomen to relieve cramps
5. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
6. Consider using natural remedies like herbal teas or essential oils

What dietary changes can help with menstrual symptoms? Reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can help minimize bloating and discomfort. Increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients and fiber to support overall health during menstruation.

The Role of Hormonal Balance in Menstrual Health

Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in menstrual health and can significantly impact the severity of symptoms experienced during the menstrual cycle.

How do hormones affect menstrual symptoms? Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can influence various aspects of physical and emotional well-being. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to more severe menstrual symptoms, including weakness, mood swings, and prolonged bleeding.

Key Hormones Involved in the Menstrual Cycle

• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Can hormonal imbalances be treated? Yes, hormonal imbalances can often be addressed through various methods, including lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and in some cases, medical interventions. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate approach for individual cases.

Seeking Professional Help for Menstrual Concerns

While many menstrual issues can be managed through self-care and lifestyle modifications, there are times when professional medical advice is necessary.

When should you consult a healthcare provider about menstrual concerns? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, or any symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life. Additionally, any sudden changes in your menstrual pattern warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Signs That Indicate the Need for Medical Attention

• Extremely heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour)
• Periods lasting longer than seven days
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Irregular cycles or missed periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Unusual discharge or odor

What can you expect during a gynecological examination? A typical examination may include a physical exam, discussion of your medical history and symptoms, and possibly additional tests such as blood work or imaging studies. Your healthcare provider will use this information to diagnose any underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatment options.

By understanding the various aspects of menstrual health and taking proactive steps to manage symptoms, women can significantly improve their overall well-being during their menstrual cycle. Remember that every individual’s experience is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have concerns about your menstrual health.

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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