What are natural ways to get relief from menstrual cramps? Discover effective home remedies and tips to manage period pain, including using heat, massage, and essential oils.

Harness the Power of Heat Therapy

Applying heat to your abdomen and lower back can provide soothing relief for menstrual cramps. A 2018 review of studies found that heat therapy, such as using a heating pad or hot pack, was as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in treating menstrual pain. Heat therapy may also cause fewer side effects. If you don’t have a dedicated heating pad, you can easily make your own by filling a fabric pouch with uncooked rice and microwaving it for a few minutes.

Explore the Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be a helpful tool for managing menstrual cramps. During a massage, the therapist will press specific points and move their hands around your abdomen, sides, and back. Adding essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, rose, or fennel, can provide additional benefits. A 2018 review of studies found that massage therapy and aromatherapy can effectively reduce menstrual pain.

Harness the Power of Orgasms

While there are no direct clinical studies on the effect of orgasms on menstrual cramps, the science suggests it may help. Vaginal orgasms involve the whole body, including the spinal cord, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and oxytocin. Endorphins can decrease pain perception, potentially providing relief for menstrual cramps.

Avoid Certain Foods During Your Period

During your menstrual cycle, it’s a good idea to avoid certain foods that may exacerbate cramps. This includes caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Instead, focus on consuming anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon or walnuts.

Manage Stress and Get Enough Rest

Stress and lack of sleep can worsen menstrual cramps. Try to manage your stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Ensure you get enough rest and prioritize self-care during your period. This can help your body better cope with the physical and emotional challenges of menstruation.

Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are the primary over-the-counter (OTC) option recommended for menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. These drugs help lower your body’s production of prostaglandin, a compound that can contribute to cramps. While not as effective as oral contraception, NSAIDs can still provide relief for many people.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider

If home remedies and OTC medications don’t provide sufficient relief, or if your menstrual cramps are severe, it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can help identify the underlying cause of your cramps, which may include conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

By incorporating a combination of these natural remedies and tips, you can potentially find effective relief for your menstrual cramps and manage the discomfort associated with your period. Remember to listen to your body and find what works best for you.

Does heat therapy really help relieve menstrual cramps? Yes, a 2018 review of studies found that heat therapy, such as using a heating pad or hot pack, was as effective as NSAIDs in treating menstrual pain and may cause fewer side effects.

How can massage therapy help with menstrual cramps? Massage therapy for menstruation involves pressing specific points while the therapist’s hands move around your abdomen, side, and back. A 2018 review of studies found that massage therapy and aromatherapy can effectively reduce menstrual pain.

Can orgasms help with menstrual cramps? While there are no direct clinical studies on the effect of orgasms on menstrual cramps, the science suggests it may help. Vaginal orgasms involve the whole body, including the spinal cord, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins that can decrease pain perception.

What foods should I avoid during my period to help with cramps? During your menstrual cycle, it’s a good idea to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as these can exacerbate cramps. Instead, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, turmeric, and omega-3-rich foods.

How can managing stress and getting enough rest help with menstrual cramps? Stress and lack of sleep can worsen menstrual cramps. Try to manage your stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, and ensure you get enough rest and prioritize self-care during your period. This can help your body better cope with the physical and emotional challenges of menstruation.

Menstrual Cramp Home Remedies to Manage Pain

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Certain over-the-counter products and home remedies, like using a heating pad, may help relieve pain associated with period cramps. Avoiding certain foods may also help.

It’s common to feel discomfort around your abdomen, lower back, and thighs when you’re menstruating.

During your period, the muscles of your womb contract and relax to help shed built-up lining. Sometimes you’ll experience cramps, which means your muscles are at work. Some people may also experience:

• nausea
• vomiting
• headaches
• diarrhea

Doctors are not sure why some people who menstruate experience painful symptoms and others don’t. Some factors associated with more intense pain include:

• having a heavy menstrual flow
• having your first child
• being under the age of 20 or just starting your period
• having an overproduction of or sensitivity to prostaglandins, a type of compound in the body that influences your womb

Other factors include:

• growths in your uterus
• endometriosis (abnormal uterine tissue growth)
• use of birth control

For mild to temporary cramps, some home remedies can help provide relief. Read on for tips on getting fast relief, and learn how to potentially lessen the pain during your next cycle.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary over-the-counter (OTC) form of pain relief recommended for menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

These drugs help lower your body’s production of prostaglandin. NSAIDs are not as effective as oral contraception at lowering prostaglandin, but they can help reduce pain.

Applying heat to your abdomen and lower back may relieve pain. A 2018 review of studies found that heat therapy (usually a heat patch or pack) was as effective at treating menstrual pain as NSAIDS. It also may cause fewer side effects. However, the authors noted that more research is needed.

If you don’t have a hot-water bottle or heating pad, take a warm bath or use a hot towel. Or, you can make your own heating pad:

1. Cut and sew together two pieces of fabric, leaving a hole at the top.
2. Fill with uncooked rice and sew up the hole.
3. Microwave for a few minutes to the desired temperature. Don’t overheat!
4. Let cool, if necessary. Or, wrap your homemade pad in a towel to reduce heat transfer. Reuse as necessary.

Learn more about the best heating pads here. You can also purchase a heating pad online.

Massage therapy for about 20 minutes can help.

Massage therapy for menstruation involves pressing specific points while the therapist’s hands move around your abdomen, side, and back.

Adding essential oils for an aromatherapy style of massage may have additional benefits.

A 2018 review of studies found that massage therapy and aromatherapy can reduce menstrual pain. Some essential oils that may help include:

• lavender
• peppermint
• rose
• fennel

You can buy a scented massage oil with similar ingredients or make your own.

You should always dilute your essential oil with a carrier oil. Examples include vegetable or nut oils, such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil. A safe concentration is one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

While there are no clinical studies on the direct effect of orgasms on menstrual cramps, science suggests it may help.

Vaginal orgasms involve your whole body, including your spinal cord, which signals the release of neurotransmitters. A vaginal orgasm can trigger your brain to release neurotransmitters such as endorphins and oxytocin. Endorphins can decrease pain perception.

Dr. Barry Komisaruk, a psychology professor at Rutgers University who studies the female orgasm, told the BBC in 2015, “Vaginal orgasms [are described] as being internal and involving the whole-body; that’s probably because the nerves that carry sensations from the clitoris are different from the nerves from the vagina.”

Komisaruk’s 1985 study with Dr. Beverly Whipple was the first to find that vaginal self-stimulation doubled women’s tolerance for pain.

During menstruation, it’s a good idea to avoid foods that cause bloating and water retention. Some of the biggest culprits include:

• fatty foods
• alcohol
• carbonated beverages
• caffeine
• salty foods

Reducing or cutting out these foods can help alleviate cramps and decrease tension. Try soothing (caffeine-free) ginger or mint teas or hot water flavored with lemon instead. If you need a sugar fix, snack on fruits such as strawberries or raspberries.

These herbal remedies contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle contractions and swelling associated with menstrual pain.

Relief for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms

Curcumin, a natural chemical in turmeric, may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A 2015 study looked at 70 women who took two capsules of curcumin for 7 days before their period and 3 days after. Participants reported significant reduction in PMS symptoms.

If you want to give curcumin a try, check out this recipe for turmeric tea by In Jennie’s Kitchen. Curcumin supplements are also available online.

Caution

Always make sure you’re buying herbs and supplements from a reputable source, as they are not regulated. While most of these herbal remedies have few side effects, check with your doctor before trying them.

Some herbs may also cause unintended side effects, especially if you’re taking medication. Most of these herbs and supplements also do not include specific instructions for menstrual periods. Your doctor may have more information on dosage recommendations.

Maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up a regular exercise regimen can go a long way toward preventing menstrual pain. A 2016 study of 250 women found significant differences between period pain in women who maintained a nutritious diet, exercised regularly, and reduced stress.

Read on for specific diet and exercise tips.

Diet

Generally, a diet geared toward decreasing menstrual pain should be high in minimally processed foods, fiber, and plants.

Give these foods a try:

• Papaya is rich in vitamins.
• Brown rice contains vitamin B6, which may reduce bloating.
• Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in manganese, which eases cramps.
• Olive oil and broccoli contain vitamin E.
• Chicken, fish, and leafy green vegetables contain iron, which is lost during menstruation.
• Flaxseed contains omega-3s with antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and inflammation.

Boron

Boron is a mineral that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also reduces menstrual cramps.

A 2015 study that looked at 113 university students found that boron reduced the intensity and length of menstrual pain.

Foods with high concentration of boron include:

• avocados
• peanut butter
• prunes
• chickpeas
• bananas

You can also take boron supplements if your diet doesn’t provide enough. However, you should consult your doctor before taking boron supplements. Discover how boron helps brains and bones, too.

Water

It sounds odd, but drinking water keeps your body from retaining water and helps to avoid painful bloating during menstruation. Warm or hot water is usually better for cramps, as hot liquids increase blood flow to your skin and may relax cramped muscles.

You can also increase your hydration by eating water-based foods, including:

• lettuce
• celery
• cucumbers
• watermelon
• berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

Calcium

This mineral can help reduce muscle cramping during menstruation. Foods high in calcium include:

• dairy products
• sesame seeds
• almonds
• leafy green vegetables

Calcium is also available in supplement form. Speak with your doctor before taking supplements to find out if it’s safe for you.

Exercise

The idea of exercising immediately before or during your period may not appeal to you, but exercise releases endorphins.

Research suggests exercise is effective at reducing menstrual pain to the extent it may also eliminate or reduce the need for pain-relief medication.

Moderate activity such as walking can be beneficial during your period in place of more strenuous activity.

Interested in other women’s health products?

We’ve got you covered. Our reviews and comparisons cover the top products for sexual wellness, total-body health, and more so you can find what’s right for you.

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4 Yoga Poses to Relieve Cramps

Yoga is a gentle exercise that releases endorphins and can help prevent or reduce menstrual symptoms.

One study compared the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on PMS symptoms. The researchers found that both yoga and aerobic exercise significantly reduced PMS symptoms and pain intensity. However, yoga was more effective than aerobic exercise at reducing symptoms. Helpful yoga poses for PMS may include:

• Cat-Cow pose
• Child’s pose
• Plank pose
• Cobra pose

You should contact your doctor if you have severe pain and very heavy bleeding. See a doctor if:

• the pain consistently prevents you from doing day-to-day activities
• the pain worsens or bleeding gets heavier over time
• you’re over 25 and severe cramps are a new development
• OTC medication doesn’t work

For severe cases, the best way to get treatment is for a doctor to diagnose the cause of your menstrual pain.

Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps: What Works?

Essential Oils for Menstrual Cramps: What Works?

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on May 6, 2020

Does it work?

For centuries, people have used essential oils to treat a variety of conditions ranging from headaches to heartburn. Today, these potent plant oils are gaining popularity once again as more and more people are turning to nontraditional treatments.

The essential oils of plants gives off a smell to provide the aromatherapy. Essentials oils can also be applied to the skin after diluting with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be swallowed. Some are toxic.

Although most medical research supports the oils as an aromatherapy treatment, few reports have found they can be useful in other ways. Here’s what you need to know about using essential oils to relieve menstrual cramps.

Essential oils are commonly used in skincare products and some foods. They’re also recognized as powerful aromatherapy tools for easing stress and anxiety. Few oils, however, actually have enough clinically significant research to support their use as a medical treatment beyond aromatherapy.

If you dig through the research that has been conducted, you can find mild support for using these oils as alternative therapies. These essential oils may be useful for treating menstrual cramps:

Lavender

Using lavender oil as an aromatherapy massage oil may greatly reduce pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps. In a 2012 study, nursing students used either lavender oil or a placebo paraffin product to determine if the essential oil had any benefit. Students who used the lavender oil reported greatly reduced cramping.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may be most famous for its culinary uses, but the aromatic spice has been used for centuries in alternative medical treatments. Cinnamon is known to reduce inflammation in the body. Massaging your lower abdomen with cinnamon essential oil may help reduce inflammation and symptoms of menstrual cramping.

Oil blends

Combining more than one type of essential oil may be beneficial. In one 2012 study, researchers used a combination that included lavender, sage, and marjoram oils. The oils were mixed with an unscented cream.

Study participants were instructed to massage the cream mixture into their lower abdomen from the end of their last period to the beginning of their next one. Women who used the cream with the essential oils reported less pain and discomfort during menstruation than women who used synthetic oils.

A 2013 study examined a combination of oils from:

• cinnamon
• clove
• rose
• lavender

These oils were added to almond oil. Women in the study were instructed to massage the oil combo into the abdomens. This study also found that women using the essential oils reported less pain and bleeding during menstruation than women who used the placebo treatment.

If you’re looking to use essential oils to relieve menstrual cramps, massaging the oils into the affected area is considered to be the best approach. Add a few drops of your preferred oil to a carrier oil.

Carrier oils are neutral oils that will help stretch the potent oils and make it easier to apply and use during a massage. Common carrier oils include:

• coconut
• avocado
• almond
• extra-virgin olive

Massage a small amount into your abdomen once per day for at least one week before the start of your period.

Check out: How taking birth control can affect cramping »

Before you massage your entire lower abdomen with these essential oil products, apply it first to a small area of skin. Wait at least one day to see if you may have a reaction. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, you shouldn’t use the oils. If you don’t, it’s likely that it’s safe to massage your entire lower abdomen with the product.

Even though your doctor isn’t prescribing this treatment for you, it’s always a good idea to let your doctor know what treatments you’re using. Alternative treatments may impact prescription treatments you’re using. Let your doctor know everything you’re using so that they can watch for interactions or possible issues.

The most common treatments for menstrual cramps include:

Pain relievers

Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pain relievers are usually successful at treating menstrual cramps. You may begin taking a low dose of pain relievers a day or two prior to your anticipated menstrual start date. This may help you avoid painful cramps. Continue taking the pills two or three days into your period, or until the cramps stop.

Rest

Some women find relief from painful menstrual cramps simply by resting. Being active during the earliest days of menstruation may make cramps worse. Maintain a normal schedule as best you can while also letting your body rest.

Hormonal birth control

Birth control isn’t just for women who are trying to prevent pregnancy. Birth control can also help reduce menstrual cramps. In some cases, birth control can prevent menstruation altogether.

If OTC pain relievers or birth control options aren’t relieving your symptoms, consult your doctor. They may recommend a prescription-strength medication.

If you’re interested in treating your menstrual cramps with essential oils, keep these tips in mind:

Find a trustworthy supplier

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils. The FDA lists the essential oils that are “generally recognized as safe,” but they don’t inspect or test them for purity because they don’t make any treatment claim. For this reason alone, it’s important you find an oil company you trust is supplying you with pure oils. Many of these oils can be expensive. Don’t waste your money on a cheaper product.

Do your research

Once you find an oil you trust, it’s important you feel comfortable using the product. Find an aromatherapist or talk with your doctor about the proper use of these oils. The store or website where you purchase your oils should also have a trained professional who can help you and answer your questions.

Watch for side effects

Because essential oils haven’t been widely studied, it’s possible that certain side effects aren’t yet known. If you begin experiencing anything unusual after you use essential oils, stop using the product. Contact your doctor, and examine what might be causing the issues.

Learn more: Safe ways to use your birth control to skip your period »

Last medically reviewed on August 10, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Apay, S. E., Arslan, S., Akpinar, R. B., Celebioglu, A. Effect of aromatherapy massage on dysmenorrhea in Turkish students. (2012, December). Pain Management Nursing, 13(4), 236-240
  painmanagementnursing.org/article/S1524-9042(10)00067-6/abstract
• Aromatherapy and essential oils. (2014, December 17)
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032518/
• Marzouk, T. M. F., El-Nemer, A. M. R., & Baraka, H. N. The effect of aromatherapy abdominal massage on alleviating menstrual pain in nursing students: A prospective randomized cross-over study. (2013). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/742421/abs/
• Mayo Clinic Staff. Menstrual cramps: Treatments and drugs. (2014, May 8)
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/basics/treatment/con-20025447
• Ou, M. C., Hsu, T. F., Lai, A. C., Lin, Y. T., & Lin, C. C. Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. (2012, March 22). Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 38(5), 817-822
  onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01802.x/full
• Tung, Y. T., Yen, P. L., Lin, C. Y., & Chang, S. T. Anti-inflammatory activities of essential oils and their constituents from different provenances of indigenous cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) leaves. (2010, October). Pharmaceutical Biology, 48(10), 1130-1136
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20815702

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on May 6, 2020

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Remedies for menstrual pain: what helps

18+

Not everyone suffers from pain during menstruation. But most of those to whom they only bring trouble are forced to drink ibuprofen in shock doses in order to somehow exist. Are there other methods that are not so harmful to the liver? Eat!

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Women Health

Remember, but write down

voice tips

Menstruation

Menstrual pain is medically called “dysmenorrhea”. And their occurrence is not considered normal. Not everyone experiences pain during menstruation, and the pain that prevents you from doing your usual activities, going to work and forcing you to spend several days in bed is a reason to see a doctor and look for the causes of this condition.

Why do menstruation pains occur?

Dysmenorrhea occurs due to hormonal changes. During each cycle, the level of prostaglandins rises, reaching a maximum on the first day of menstruation – this is accompanied by increased pain. Then the lining of the uterus is updated, the concentration of prostaglandins decreases, the pain also becomes less pronounced.

How do I know that everything is fine with me and my periods?

Discomfort during menstruation is quite common – about every second woman. In some cases, pain and spasms are almost imperceptible, in others they really cause a worsening of the condition.

Usually the appearance of pain is not associated with serious problems, however, in some cases, their appearance may indicate the following disorders:

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• endometriosis;
• uterine fibroids;
• adenomyosis.

A doctor will help to confirm or exclude such a diagnosis, who will conduct an examination, listen to complaints, prescribe the necessary tests and examinations.

In the event that menstruation is still accompanied by pain, but no anomalies are found, then you can try to alleviate the discomfort non-drug.

There are at least 9 ways to improve your period. Try at least a couple of them and maybe they will be what you need.

Yoga

Some yoga poses can help relieve the pain of your period, and regular practice actually makes it less difficult. One study showed that a weekly one-hour yoga session for three months resulted in a noticeable improvement.

Yoga can be practiced both between periods and during them – at a time when menstruation has already begun, it is better to refrain from inverted postures.

Herbal tea

Drinking herbal tea also helps to improve menstruation: chamomile and mint teas had the greatest effect, which had an overall relaxing effect. In addition, fennel tea and ginger tea were helpful.

Magnesium

Adding sources of magnesium to your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, including your period. It is not necessary to take magnesium supplements – products containing this microelement may also be useful. Look out for almonds, black beans, spinach, yogurt, and peanut butter.

Electrical impulses

Those who have been to the physiotherapist’s office know that there is an electrical stimulator with two pads, between which electrical impulses of a certain frequency pass. In this way, many injuries, including surgical ones, heal. Now there are devices designed to get rid of spasms. Two pads are placed in the lower abdomen, electrical impulses relax the muscles, the pain subsides. In theory, everything is fine, but in practice, many did not get the desired effect, so the method has not yet been finalized.

Massage

The combination of traditional massage with acupressure can relieve spasms if you get into really professional hands. The specialist will not knead your lower abdomen for an hour, but will reach different points, from your face to your heels. If the pain does not subside, you will at least enjoy the massage.

Acupuncture

A 2016 review analyzed 42 studies looking at the effect of acupuncture on period pain. The results were quite encouraging: acupuncture relieved pain and did not cause other side effects.

Heating pad

Probably the most effective way to get rid of pain. Traditional water heaters work great, but they’re hardly worth bringing to the office. Look for more modern options, such as one that needs to be heated in a microwave, or a heating pad that works from the mains (although this also looks a little strange). The warmth emanating from it relaxes the muscles, the pain goes away. And great!

Physical activity (and even orgasm)

The endorphins that your body is able to release not only improve your mood, but also have an analgesic effect. One of the easiest ways is to play sports. Another simple option is sex, which also leads to the release of endorphins. In general, with painful periods, do not exclude this option.

Diet

One study found that a low-fat, vegetarian diet was beneficial for those with period pain.

We don’t suggest going vegan, but if you have severe dysmenorrhea, consider ditching the unhealthy fats found in processed foods and fast foods in favor of healthier ones, such as those found in olive oil.

Photo: Shutterstock

I have painful periods. What to do? — Meduza

1

What happened?

Nothing special. It’s just that the taboo is gradually being lifted from talking about menstruation: Natalia Vodianova writes about them on her Facebook, comics are published on this topic, and instead of blue liquid, they began to use red instead of blue liquid in advertisements for panty liners. In Russia, there is still quite a bit of high-quality available information about menstruation. As a result, it is widely believed that PMS happens to almost every woman (this, to put it mildly, is not true). Pain is perceived as a natural and inevitable phenomenon, it is tolerated because “it’s normal” or treated with drugs that cannot bring relief. We decided to tell you what is being discussed in modern scientific research.

2

But pain is really normal. Is not it so?

Not always. If there is no disease and only pain, then yes – this is a variant of the norm. Such pain appears already at the first menstruation or a little later, and this is just a feature of the body. Now it is believed that discomfort occurs due to vasospasm. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) secretes substances called prostaglandins that cause the uterus to contract. Due to this pressure, the vessels narrow, the uterus receives less blood and, accordingly, oxygen and sends signals about this, including pain. In fact, people experience the same pain with angina pectoris and myocardial infarction – when the heart stops being supplied with enough blood. This pain is completely optional to endure: the doctor in most cases will help get rid of discomfort.

In Russia, it is often believed that the pain is caused by the “curvature” of the uterus – when the upper part of the uterus is tilted back. In fact, this anatomical feature cannot be the cause of painful periods.

3

You said “if there is no disease.” What are we talking about?

Yes, sometimes the cause of pain is some disease. Here is a list of the most common ones:

• Myoma of the uterus. A formation of muscle cells that grows on or in the uterus.
• Inflammation of the female pelvic organs. It mainly occurs due to sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Adenomyosis. This is a disease in which the endometrium grows into the wall of the uterus.
• Endometriosis. In this disease, a tissue similar to the endometrium grows on other organs: more often – on the fallopian (fallopian) tubes, ovaries, tissues lining the abdominal cavity, intestines, less often – somewhere else. Due to endometriosis, inflammation occurs, then scarring. During menstruation, these foci bleed, which causes pain.

4

And how can I understand that the pain is due to some kind of illness, and not just like that?

Only a doctor can understand this. You can try over-the-counter pain relievers and various non-drug methods. If they do not help within three months, you need to consult a doctor.

If there are “red flags”, all the more reason to go to the doctor. For example, such:

• pain appeared after 25 years;
• it gradually increases;
• have other warning signs (for example, menstruation has become irregular or heavier than usual).

5

What can I try to do myself?

1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. It is recommended to start with those that belong to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – unless, of course, there are contraindications. These are, for example, ibuprofen and naproxen. They not only reduce pain, but also reduce the level of prostaglandins. If the pain is very severe, it is better to start a day or two before your period (if you do not have a calendar app, it is better to get one). Paracetamol is not an NSAID, but it can be used in addition to or when nothing else can be used. In Russia, antispasmodics are often used instead of NSAIDs to combat pain during menstruation. But, unfortunately, they have not proven their effectiveness in this area, and in Western countries they are not used to treat painful menstruation.
2. Use non-drug methods. This is not to say that they always help as well as drugs, but they can still relieve pain. Putting a heating pad on your stomach is the method that has proven to be the most effective of all. Also, training, relaxation and abdominal massage may help. If you quit smoking, you are more likely to have less pain in the future. The effectiveness of various dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbs, is questionable. In addition, their composition is often unpredictable and various adverse reactions are possible. It is not clear what is more in this case – potential risks or potential benefits. In general, doctors do not recommend.

6

If all else fails, what will the doctor do?

If the doctor decides that the disease is not the problem, he may advise you to take NSAIDs differently (for example, more often) or prescribe prescription painkillers.

Another standard option is hormonal contraceptives. They suppress ovulation and the menstrual cycle and keep the endometrium inactive so it doesn’t produce too many prostaglandins. These can be any hormonal contraceptives: those that contain progestin and estrogen (combined), and those that contain only progestin. In other words, pills, and patches, and vaginal rings, and implants, and intrauterine devices, and injections will do.

True, combined contraceptives are better studied in this regard, and doctors usually prefer them for painful periods. By the way, hormonal contraceptives cannot be used without a doctor’s prescription: they have quite a few contraindications. If you want to use these remedies without the required breaks and thereby stop bleeding for several months, in this case you should also consult a doctor.

If none of this helps within three months, the doctor should think about some kind of disease.

7

What do you do if the pain is due to an illness?

Each case has its own options. Pelvic inflammatory disease is treated with antibiotics.

The two main treatments for fibroids are surgical removal and blockage of the blood vessels that supply the fibroids (uterine artery embolization).

The only reliable (and radical) way to deal with the symptoms of adenomyosis is to remove the uterus, but there are other, less extreme methods: both drugs and surgery.

In endometriosis – when a doctor performs an operation to make a diagnosis – he can immediately remove endometriotic lesions. Another option is to temporarily introduce a woman into artificial menopause. To remove the uterus, as the American actress and director Lena Dunham did, is necessary only in very rare cases.

8

I was diagnosed with endometriosis by ultrasound!

This is unlikely.