What are prostaglandins and how do they affect the body. How do prostaglandins influence menstrual pain and pregnancy. Why are prostaglandins important for healing and inflammation. How do medications interact with prostaglandins in the body.

The Nature and Function of Prostaglandins in the Human Body

Prostaglandins are fascinating compounds that play crucial roles in various bodily functions. These lipid-based substances act like hormones, influencing numerous physiological processes. Unlike traditional hormones secreted by specific glands, prostaglandins are produced by various tissues throughout the body, allowing for localized effects.

One of the most intriguing aspects of prostaglandins is their diverse and sometimes opposing effects, depending on the receptors they interact with. This versatility makes them essential in maintaining bodily homeostasis and responding to various stimuli.

Key Characteristics of Prostaglandins

• Hormone-like compounds made from fats
• Produced by multiple tissues in the body
• Have a short half-life, limiting their effects to nearby cells
• Can have opposing effects depending on receptor type
• Influence various physiological processes

How do prostaglandins exert their effects in the body? These compounds bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces, triggering a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately lead to the observed physiological responses. Their short-lived nature ensures that their effects are tightly controlled and localized, preventing systemic disruptions.

The Impact of Prostaglandins on Menstrual Pain and Uterine Function

Prostaglandins play a significant role in reproductive health, particularly in menstrual pain and uterine function. Their presence in the uterus contributes to the cramping sensation many women experience during their periods.

How do prostaglandins contribute to menstrual pain? These compounds cause the uterine muscles to contract, which can lead to the discomfort associated with menstruation. This understanding has led to the development of targeted treatments for menstrual pain.

Managing Menstrual Pain: The Role of NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are commonly used to alleviate menstrual pain. These medications work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing uterine contractions and associated pain.

Can NSAIDs completely eliminate menstrual pain? While NSAIDs are effective for many women, their efficacy can vary. Some individuals may experience significant relief, while others might need additional pain management strategies. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing menstrual discomfort.

Prostaglandins in Pregnancy: From Conception to Labor

The role of prostaglandins extends beyond menstruation, playing a crucial part in pregnancy and childbirth. These compounds are involved in various stages of reproduction, from implantation to labor induction.

Prostaglandins and Labor Induction

During late pregnancy, the concentration of certain prostaglandins, particularly PGE2 and PGE2a, increases in uterine tissue. This increase is believed to contribute to the onset of labor by promoting uterine contractions.

How do doctors use prostaglandins in obstetrics? Medical professionals may administer synthetic prostaglandins to induce labor in certain situations. These medications bind to prostaglandin receptors in the uterus, stimulating contractions and helping to initiate the birthing process.

Prostaglandins in Early Pregnancy and Miscarriage Management

Prostaglandins also play a role in early pregnancy termination and miscarriage management. Medications like misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, can be prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions in these situations.

Why might doctors prescribe prostaglandin medications after a miscarriage? These medications can help the uterus expel the products of conception, reducing the risk of complications and potentially improving future fertility outcomes.

The Healing Properties of Prostaglandins

Beyond their roles in reproductive health, prostaglandins are crucial in various healing processes throughout the body. Their effects on the gastrointestinal tract and blood clotting mechanisms highlight their importance in maintaining overall health.

Prostaglandins and Gastrointestinal Protection

In the stomach, prostaglandins serve a protective function by:

• Reducing stomach acid production
• Stimulating the release of protective mucus
• Promoting blood flow to the stomach lining

How do these actions benefit gastrointestinal health? By balancing acid production and enhancing protective mechanisms, prostaglandins help maintain the integrity of the stomach lining, reducing the risk of ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues.

The Role of Prostaglandins in Blood Clotting

Prostaglandins are involved in both the formation and dissolution of blood clots, a crucial aspect of the healing process. This dual action allows for appropriate clot formation to stop bleeding and subsequent clot dissolution during the later stages of healing.

Why is this balance important for overall health? Proper regulation of blood clotting prevents excessive bleeding while also reducing the risk of harmful clot formation in blood vessels, maintaining cardiovascular health.

Prostaglandins and Ocular Health: Managing Eye Pressure

The influence of prostaglandins extends to eye health, particularly in managing intraocular pressure. This property has led to the development of prostaglandin-based treatments for conditions like glaucoma.

How do prostaglandins affect eye pressure? Certain prostaglandins can decrease intraocular pressure by improving the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye. This effect is particularly beneficial in managing glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased eye pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Prostaglandin-Based Treatments for Glaucoma

Eye drops containing prostaglandin analogs are a common treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by mimicking the action of natural prostaglandins to reduce eye pressure.

What are some examples of prostaglandin-based eye medications? Bimatoprost (Lumigan, Latisse) is one such medication used in glaucoma treatment. Interestingly, it has also found application in promoting eyelash growth, showcasing the diverse effects of prostaglandin-like compounds.

The Double-Edged Sword: Prostaglandins in Inflammation and Pain

Prostaglandins play a complex role in inflammation and pain perception. While they are essential for initiating the healing process, their overproduction can lead to chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.

The Inflammatory Actions of Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation through several mechanisms:

1. Promoting vasodilation, leading to increased blood flow
2. Enhancing vascular permeability, allowing immune cells to enter tissues
3. Sensitizing nerve endings, increasing pain perception
4. Inducing fever as part of the immune response

Is inflammation always harmful? While often associated with discomfort, inflammation is a crucial part of the body’s healing process. It helps eliminate pathogens, remove damaged tissue, and initiate repair mechanisms. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues.

Prostaglandins and Pain Perception

Prostaglandins, particularly PGE2, play a significant role in pain perception. They can sensitize nerve endings, making them more responsive to pain signals. This action is one reason why NSAIDs, which inhibit prostaglandin production, are effective pain relievers.

How do prostaglandins influence chronic pain conditions? In conditions like arthritis, elevated levels of prostaglandins contribute to ongoing inflammation and pain. Managing prostaglandin levels through medication or other interventions can help alleviate symptoms in these chronic conditions.

Balancing Act: The Importance of Prostaglandin Regulation

Maintaining the right balance of prostaglandins in the body is crucial for overall health. Both excessive and insufficient levels can lead to various health issues, highlighting the need for careful regulation.

Health Issues Associated with Prostaglandin Imbalance

Too many prostaglandins can lead to:

• Arthritis
• Severe menstrual cramping
• Chronic inflammation

Too few prostaglandins may result in:

• Increased risk of stomach ulcers
• Elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma)
• Impaired wound healing

How do medical professionals address prostaglandin imbalances? Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific condition and whether there’s an excess or deficiency of prostaglandins. This may involve medications that either inhibit prostaglandin production or mimic their effects, depending on the situation.

Prostaglandins in Cardiovascular Health

Prostaglandins also play a role in cardiovascular health, particularly in early life. For instance, they are involved in the closure of the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel essential for fetal circulation that should close after birth.

How do doctors use prostaglandins to treat heart conditions in newborns? In cases where the ductus arteriosus fails to close naturally, prostaglandin medications may be used to promote its closure, ensuring proper blood flow in the infant’s circulatory system.

Pharmaceutical Interventions: Medications Affecting Prostaglandin Function

The pharmaceutical industry has developed a range of medications that interact with prostaglandins, either by inhibiting their production or mimicking their effects. These drugs are used to treat various conditions, from pain and inflammation to glaucoma and cardiovascular issues.

Types of Prostaglandin-Related Medications

1. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Inhibit prostaglandin production, reducing pain and inflammation
2. Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., misoprostol): Mimic prostaglandin effects, used in gastric protection and labor induction
3. Prostaglandin-based eye drops (e.g., bimatoprost): Reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma treatment
4. Synthetic prostaglandins: Used in obstetrics for labor induction and management of postpartum hemorrhage

How do these medications achieve their therapeutic effects? By either blocking prostaglandin synthesis or activating prostaglandin receptors, these drugs can modulate various physiological processes, providing relief from symptoms or addressing specific medical conditions.

Considerations in Prostaglandin-Based Treatments

While prostaglandin-related medications are valuable therapeutic tools, their use requires careful consideration. Potential side effects and interactions with other medications need to be taken into account when prescribing these drugs.

What factors do healthcare providers consider when prescribing prostaglandin-related medications? Doctors assess the patient’s overall health, existing medical conditions, and potential risks and benefits before recommending these treatments. Regular monitoring and follow-up are often necessary to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize adverse effects.

In conclusion, prostaglandins are remarkable compounds that play diverse and crucial roles in human physiology. From regulating menstrual pain and facilitating childbirth to promoting healing and managing inflammation, these hormone-like substances are integral to numerous bodily functions. Understanding their mechanisms and effects has led to significant advancements in medical treatments across various fields, including pain management, obstetrics, ophthalmology, and cardiovascular medicine. As research continues, our knowledge of prostaglandins and their potential therapeutic applications is likely to expand, offering new possibilities for improving human health and well-being.

What They Are and Their Role in the Body

Prostaglandins are compounds in the body made of fats that have hormone-like effects. They’re interesting because they can have different effects depending on the receptors where they attach.

Some known effects include uterine cramping and increased sensitivity to pain.

Researchers have even created artificial prostaglandins for use in medication to induce labor. Keep reading to find out more about prostaglandins and the ways they may affect your body.

Prostaglandins are unique compounds because they have hormone-like effects. That is, they influence reactions in the body when they’re present in certain tissues.

Unlike hormones, they aren’t released from a specific gland. Instead, the body has a number of tissues that can make prostaglandins.

Another interesting aspect of prostaglandins is that different ones have different effects. Many times, these effects are exact opposites. Examples include:

• constriction or dilation of blood vessels
• forming platelets into a cluster or breaking them up
• opening or closing up airways
• contracting or relaxing smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• causing uterine contractions in pregnancy and when not pregnant

As you can see, prostaglandins play a variety of roles in the body. Doctors are still figuring out all the ways prostaglandins may affect you.

Prostaglandins have significant effects, but they also have limitations. They usually have a short half-life, so they don’t last long in the body. For this reason, they can only affect cells that are close by. That’s why they’re present throughout the body to exert the following effects.

Period

Prostaglandin receptors are present in the uterus whether you’re pregnant or not. Doctors think that prostaglandins may be responsible for uterine cramping that can cause painful periods.

Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, blocks prostaglandins and may help reduce menstrual pain.

Pregnancy

In late pregnancy, a woman starts to have a larger number of certain types of prostaglandins in her uterine tissue. These include PGE2 and PGE2a. Doctors believe these types are responsible for creating uterine contractions.

Contractions are part of what can help move a baby down the birth canal in preparation for labor. Doctors may also prescribe prostaglandin medications that attach to prostaglandin receptors in the uterus to induce labor.

Abortion

Doctors may prescribe prostaglandin medications to stimulate uterine contractions. This effect can cause abortion, or the termination of a pregnancy. Doctors may prescribe the medication misoprostol for a first trimester abortion, sometimes in combination with other medications.

Doctors also may prescribe misoprostol in the event of a miscarriage. The medication can help the uterus release the products of conception. This can reduce complications after miscarriage and promote the chance to conceive again.

General healing

Prostaglandins can have healing effects, especially in the stomach. They decrease stomach acid production while also stimulating the release of protective mucus in the GI tract.

In addition, prostaglandins also influence blood clotting to prevent bleeding. They also help dissolve clots when a person is healing.

Eye pressure

Prostaglandins can play a role in decreasing intraocular pressure. For this reason, doctors may prescribe eye drops that help reduce eye pressure. This effect can help treat conditions like glaucoma.

Inflammation and pain

Prostaglandins can promote pain reduction, yet they can also cause it. NSAIDs, such as naproxen (Aleve), block the creation of prostaglandins.

Doctors have found there are high concentrations of prostaglandins present in areas of inflammation. They know prostaglandins can have a variety of inflammatory effects, including causing vasodilation, promoting fevers, and recruiting cells involved in allergic reactions.

Doctors have also identified the prostaglandin type PGE2 as causing redness, swelling, and pain.

While inflammation isn’t always fun, it isn’t always bad either. Inflammation is one of the earlier steps to healing. Prolonged inflammation becomes problematic when it’s linked with chronic pain and illness.

Too many or too few prostaglandins in the body can cause health complications. Known problems with too many prostaglandins include arthritis and menstrual cramping. Conditions that can result from too few prostaglandins include glaucoma and stomach ulcers.

Doctors also use prostaglandins to treat heart conditions at birth, such as a patent ductus arteriosus.

Pharmaceutical companies manufacture a number of medications that affect prostaglandins in the body. These are as varied as the actions of prostaglandins themselves and include:

• Bimatoprost (Lumigan, Latisse). This is a medication used to treat glaucoma as well as to promote eyelash growth.
• Carboprost (Hemabate). This medication produces uterine contractions that may help reduce postpartum bleeding.
• Dinoprostone (Cervidil). This medication is used to promote labor by dilating a woman’s cervix.
• Misoprostol (Cytotec). This has a variety of uses, including to prevent gastric ulcers, to induce labor, and also to induce abortion. Doctors may also prescribe it to reduce postpartum bleeding.
• Latanoprost (Xalatan). This is an eye drop prescribed to treat glaucoma.

Medications like NSAIDs also help to reduce the discomforts and inflammation caused by prostaglandins.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is one of the most common prostaglandin-related disorders that may cause you to see a doctor. Usually, prostaglandin-related menstrual pain is worse when the period first starts and gets better with age.

Talk to your doctor if you have painful periods that don’t get better when you take NSAIDs. Sometimes, painful periods aren’t related to prostaglandins alone, but instead to an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Prostaglandins are medically important compounds that can cause pain and relieve it. Doctors have figured out ways to use them to support labor and reduce postpartum bleeding risks.

When it comes to painful periods, NSAIDs can help block some unwanted prostaglandin effects. If these don’t help manage your chronic pain, talk to your doctor about other treatment options or potential underlying causes.

9 Best Heating Pads for Period Cramps

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• Best weighted heating pad for cramps: Sharper Image Calming Heat Massaging Weighted Heating Pad
• Best rechargeable heating pad for cramps: Sunbeam Goheat Cordless Heating Pad
• Best budget heating pad for cramps: Attmu Classic Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bottle
• Best adhesive heating pad for cramps: Rael Heating Patch
• Best washable heating pad for cramps: Sunbeam Wrapping Heating Pad
• Best automatic shut-off heating pad for cramps: Homedics Heating Pad
• Best microwaveable heating pad for cramps: Natural Life Shaped Heating Pad, Sloth
• Best wearable heating pad for cramps: CHICIRIS Special Protection Sets Menstrual Heating Pad
• Best whimsical heating pad for cramps: Huggable Uterus Cooling + Heating Pad

If you’ve ever had cramps during your period, you know they can range from mild to debilitating.

While there are lots of ways to soothe them, one common tactic is to use a heating pad. It not only feels comforting, but it can also help relieve pain.

Ready to try one? We gathered some of the best heating pads for cramps to help make your period less of a pain. Plus, we’ll dive into how, exactly, heat works its magic on cramps.

From warm compresses to hot water bottles of decades past, heat has long been a home remedy for menstrual cramps. But it turns out that science supports heat as an effective treatment for the pain.

When you apply heat to the lower abdomen or lower back, uterine contractions are relaxed, which in turn means less pain.

Additionally, a 2018 research review noted that heat increases blood flow, which can also reduce pain.

To find the best heating pads for menstrual cramps, we looked at reviews for different types of heating pads. We kept in mind a variety of needs and lifestyles. You’ll find the following types of heating pads on our list:

• cordless
• electrical
• adhesive
• microwaveable

Additionally, all the products included have been vetted to ensure they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards. You can read more about our process here.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $20
• $$ = $20–$50
• $$$ = over $50

Best weighted heating pad for cramps

Sharper Image Calming Heat Massaging Weighted Heating Pad

• Price: $$$
• Type: electric

This heating pad is best for those looking for a bit more intervention for their cramps. With a total weight of 4 pounds, it helps put pressure on the lower abdomen or back, offering comfort to those experiencing menstrual cramps. Vibration helps relax the muscles.

Reviews are mostly positive, though some say they wish the vibration feature worked better.

Pros

• You don’t have to compromise comfort to be close to the power supply. The heating pad’s 9-foot power cord makes it easy for you to get relief from almost anywhere in a room with a wall outlet.
• It has a vibrating feature that provides massage along with heat therapy to relieve cramping.

Cons

• It has no built-in battery. You can only use it when you’re in a room with an electrical outlet.
• Some reviews mention that it takes a while for the heating pad to warm up.

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Best rechargeable heating pad for cramps

Sunbeam Goheat Cordless Heating Pad

• Price: $$$
• Type: cordless

This heating pad comes with a rechargeable lithium battery that can run up to 4 hours. It also heats up really fast — within just 30 seconds. You can even spray the pad with water if you want to turn it into a warm compress.

Reviewers seem to love the ability to walk around free of a cord while receiving hours of continuous heat. It’s ideal for people who don’t have time to stop and relax while trying to soothe cramps.

Pros

• It has a built-in battery that can last up to 4 hours on a low setting.
• It heats up quickly — within 30 seconds.
• Since you don’t have to plug it into a power supply, you can have it with you anywhere and at any time.

Cons

• It’s on the pricier side.
• It has no extra functions, aside from providing heat relief.
• Some purchasers say that it has a poor battery life that runs out quickly.

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Best budget heating pad for cramps

Attmu Classic Rubber Transparent Hot Water Bottle

• Price: $
• Type: hot water bottle

Old-fashioned? Perhaps. But a hot water bottle is a tried and true way to keep heat on your lower abdomen or lower back.

Available in eight colors, each bottle includes a cozy knit cover. The bottle should fit up to 2 liters, though you may want to fill it a little less full depending on where you want to place it.

Some reviewers note that the bottle has a strong chemical smell when it’s first opened. If you’re sensitive to smells, you may want to let it air out before using it.

Pros

• You don’t need a power supply to use it.
• It’s cost effective.
• It retains heat longer than traditional water bottles.

Cons

• It doesn’t provide heat automatically. You have to fill it with hot water every time you want to use it.
• Some buyers complain that the bottle leaks.

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Best adhesive heating pad for cramps

Rael Heating Patch

• Price: $
• Type: adhesive

The Rael Heating Patch is not technically a heating pad, but the budget-friendly adhesive patches offer some serious cramp relief on the go. They’re made to start heating up as soon as you open them.

While you’ll want to avoid attaching these straight to your skin, you can place them on the underside of your shirt or on your underwear. They’re small, discreet, and well-loved by reviewers.

Pros

• You can use it without electricity.
• It starts heating up as soon as you place it on the affected area.
• It may help with other menstrual pain symptoms like bloating and low energy levels.
• According to Rael, the ingredients are natural, nontoxic, and skin-friendly.

Cons

• It isn’t reusable.
• Some users note that it’s a bit pricey.

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Best washable heating pad for cramps

Sunbeam Premium Machine Washable Integrated Heating Pad with Compact Storage

• Price: $$
• Type: electric

This heating pad has four unique settings so that you can customize your pain relief. It also has handy straps on the end, so you can roll it up neatly for storage.

But, perhaps best of all, it’s totally washable. Just disconnect the controller, and you can toss it in the machine.

One reviewer who says they bought the heating pad for cramps notes that it heats up quickly — and that it works great for muscle aches, too.

Pros

• It allows you to choose the kind of pain relief you want.
• It’s washable and reusable.

Cons

• You have to plug it in to use it.

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Best automatic shut-off heating pad for cramps

Homedics Heating Pad

• Price: $$
• Type: electric

With a 9-foot cord and an automatic shut-off feature, this 12-by-24-inch heating pad will keep you comfortable and safe as you drift off to sleep.

One reviewer who bought this for cramps praises the removable sponge pad that provides moist heat. They also say the removable cover is “super soft.”

Pros

• It warms up within 30 seconds of plugging it in.
• You can customize your heat relief.
• It can provide moist heat.
• It goes off on its own after 2 hours, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off if you fall asleep while using it.
• You can return it within 30 days from the purchase date if you don’t love it.

Cons

• It has no built-in battery. You have to plug it in to use it.
• You can’t move too far away from the power outlet.

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Best microwaveable heating pad for cramps

Natural Life Shaped Heating Pad, Sloth

• Price: $$
• Type: microwaveable

This pad can be heated or cooled, making it a versatile pick.

It’s filled with rice and relaxing lavender. And, while the sloth design is adorable, the kidney bean shape is also practical for soothing menstrual cramps.

Reviewers praise the cute design and say the pad retains heat nicely.

Pros

• You can pay for it in four installments.
• You only have to clean it with a damp cloth.
• Reviews on the website say it smells lovely.
• You can make it warm up your body and keep you cool whenever you want it to.

Cons

• You have to heat it with a microwave first before using it.

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Best whimsical heating pad for cramps

Huggable Uterus Cooling + Heating Pad

• Price: $$
• Type: microwaveable

It’s a uterus-shaped uterus warmer. We couldn’t resist.

Enjoy the silliness of the shape of this heating pad while calming your menstrual cramps. Laughter is the best medicine, after all!

Pros

• You can pay for it in four installments.
• It can provide heating and cooling at your desired preference.

Cons

• You need a microwave to use it.
• Some of the reviews on the website say it smells bad.

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Heating pads are wonderful tools for alleviating menstrual cramp pain, but there are some safety caveats.

You can put the heating pad on your lower abdomen or your lower back, but make sure to not place any heating element directly on your skin. If you choose to use a higher heat setting, limit your direct contact to under 15 minutes in order to avoid burns or overheating.

Additionally, if you’re using an electric heating pad, be sure not to fall asleep while using it. You may want to opt for one that includes an auto shut-off feature.

In addition to heating pads, here are other ways to relieve menstrual cramps:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. You can try ibuprofen or acetaminophen for cramp relief, or talk with your doctor to see if a prescription-strength option may be right for you.
• Light exercise. While working out may be the last thing you want to do on your period, getting some movement into your day may help relieve pain.
• Ice therapy. If heat doesn’t appeal to you, cold packs may help.
• Orgasms. Having sex or masturbating on your period could help cramps, thanks to the rush of pain-relieving hormones.

Can a heating pad make cramps worse?

Unfortunately, yes.

Overuse of a heating pad can backfire, causing worsening menstrual cramps. Try to alternate between heat and cold therapy to find a balance for yourself.

How long can you use a heating pad for cramps?

This varies by individual. But, generally, the lower the temperature, the longer you should use the heating pad.

Try starting with 15 minutes on a lower setting. If you can tolerate this and find it helps, slowly increase the time and the heat.

Where do you put a heating pad for cramps?

For menstrual cramps, heating pads can be applied to the lower abdomen or lower back.

While many people experience cramps in their abdomens, tolerating a heating pad on that spot may be difficult, so try the lower back as an alternative.

A heating pad can be a great tool for relieving period cramps. Just be sure not to apply it directly to your skin or fall asleep while using it.

If heat doesn’t help, talk with your doctor about other pain-relief options.

Pain during menstruation – what to do

Pain during menstruation is familiar to almost every woman. But not every woman knows how to reduce pain and just patiently waits for the pain to go away on its own. Sometimes the pain is very strong, which causes discomfort and poor health. So, how to reduce pain, what to take for pain and how to embellish women’s days?

What are the causes of painful periods?

First of all, you need to consult a gynecologist if there is pain during each menstruation, only then make a decision. Do not immediately take painkillers, which can even harm. The cause of the pain may be a disease of the uterus and genital organs, in order to dispel these doubts, it is necessary to be examined.

If a woman has diseases of the genital organs that have already passed into the chronic stage, then, most likely, it is the diseases that cause pain. Nowadays, women are increasingly resorting to intrauterine contraception, which means that contraception can be a harbinger of painful menstruation.

If the pain is not so strong and does not require the use of painkillers, then you can try to cope with it yourself.

How to relieve pain with folk remedies?

First of all, do not immediately reach for pills to reduce pain, because this can be achieved in other equally effective ways. A completely safe and effective way is physical exercises that are aimed at working out the abdominal cavity, but more on that later.

Sometimes you can think of folk medicine, it can help where drugs can not help. To calm the pain, you can make yourself raspberry tea, for this you only need to pour a tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water. Infuse such a decoction for 20 minutes, then strain and start taking. The decoction is best drunk in small sips so that it is enough for the whole day.

Chamomile flowers, known for their medicinal properties, can also help with pain. You need to take a pinch of chamomile flowers and lemon balm, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. It is necessary to take this infusion before meals, it is advisable to drink during the day until the pain subsides or becomes minimal.

It should be noted that such an infusion can be taken a few days before the onset of menstruation, such tea will not bring harm, but the benefits will be palpable. If desired, you can change the decoctions by brewing different herbs (chamomile, oregano, lemon balm, raspberry leaves). Most importantly, do not forget to drink the decoction and remember about regular reconciliation, only then will the result be noticeable.

Do bad habits play a role in painful periods?

Oddly enough, but bad habits play an important role if a woman has painful periods. First of all, we must try to give up smoking, it will be useful not only for the course of menstruation, but also for the general condition of the woman. The same applies to alcoholic beverages.

You need to be less nervous, not get into stressful situations. Hypothermia also affects the course of menstruation, chilling the genitals, a woman can have not only bouts of pain, but also complications that can lead to various diseases.

For a week or a few days, it is best to give up dairy products and meat, eat vegetables and fruits. By following these simple rules, you can alleviate the condition during menstruation and forget about exhausting pains.

What exercises can help relieve painful symptoms?

After trying herbal teas, you can add physical exercises to them, which should help relieve pain. It is enough to perform 2-3 exercises, this will be enough to notice improvements. So, you need to perform the following exercises:0003

• lie flat on your back, raise your legs up at a right angle, rest your feet against the wall, lie in this position for no more than 5 minutes, this will be enough;
• stand in a knee-elbow position, head freely lower to the floor, you need to breathe evenly, shallowly, after breathing for 5 minutes, you can rise;
• lie on the floor, bend your knees, rest your feet on the floor, then slowly raise your hips, lifting them off the floor, repeat the exercise 5 times.

If the exercises, decoctions and other methods that have already been tried did not help you, then you should seek help from a gynecologist. The sooner the cause of painful menstruation is identified, the higher the likelihood that it can be eliminated altogether.

why the stomach hurts, how to relieve cramps

contents

• How do pains in the lower abdomen appear during menstruation?
• Causes of menstrual pain
• How to reduce pain during menstruation?
• When should a woman see a doctor?

Pain during menstruation is considered a common menstrual disorder: its prevalence reaches 80%. Painful menstruation has a negative impact on a woman’s life: they complicate family and personal relationships, disrupt daily activities, and are a common cause of disability. In addition to the pain itself, a woman develops a fear of waiting for her period, which can lead to nervous exhaustion ¹ . Let’s find out why the stomach hurts during menstruation and how you can relieve the pain.

How do pains in the lower abdomen appear during menstruation?

Scientifically, painful periods are called “dysmenorrhea”. The pain is usually dull, but can be cramping, pulling, burning. Women complain of pain without a clear location – “the lower abdomen hurts.” Painful sensations can spread to the back, along the inner surfaces of the thighs, give into the rectum ¹ .

In addition to pain, there are accompanying symptoms. All associated symptoms in dysmenorrhea can be divided into 4 groups ² :

• emotional-mental – irritability, loss or increase in appetite, decreased mood, drowsiness, insomnia, odor intolerance, taste perversion;
• autonomic – nausea, belching, hiccups, feeling cold or hot, sweating, fever, dry mouth, frequent urination. Also, a woman’s stomach may swell, there are false urges to defecate;
• vegetative-vascular – fainting, headache, dizziness, palpitations, pain in the heart, coldness, numbness of the arms and legs, swelling of the eyelids, face;
• metabolic-endocrine – vomiting, feeling of “cotton” legs, general severe weakness, itching of the skin, pain in the joints.

Sometimes the listed complaints bother a woman more than spasms. In some women, pain and psychosomatic reactions during menstruation are so pronounced that they lead to complete disability lasting from several hours to several days ³ .

Depending on the severity of abdominal cramps, concomitant symptoms, disability, dysmenorrhea is mild, moderate and severe ³ :

• mild – the stomach hurts during menstruation only on the 1st day. At the same time, there are no accompanying symptoms, the daily activity of a woman is not disturbed;
• moderate – menstrual cramps are felt in the first 2-3 days of menstruation, other complaints may be present, but women, as a rule, do not refuse to study and work;
• severe – the stomach hurts a lot, there are a variety of accompanying symptoms. The pain lasts from 2 to 7 days and causes disability.

Causes of menstrual pain

Dysmenorrhea is usually divided into primary and secondary, and their causes differ ³ . In primary dysmenorrhea in women, as a rule, there are no pathological changes in the genital organs. With secondary dysmenorrhea, the appearance of cramps in the lower abdomen during menstruation is associated with various (most often gynecological) diseases.

Primary dysmenorrhea usually appears in adolescence 1–3 years after the onset of menstruation. In the first years of the disease, pain during menstruation is usually tolerable, short-term and does not affect performance. Over time, there may be an increase in spasms, an increase in their duration, the appearance of new symptoms accompanying pain ² .

The mechanism of development of pain during menstruation is associated with the following causes ² .

• Excess prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are biologically active substances. The body produces them to regulate sleep, body temperature, inflammation and pain response. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed and prostaglandins are released from it. Normally, they provide uterine contractions and the removal of the “old” endometrium to the outside. In women with dysmenorrhea, prostaglandins are produced in excess. The strength of uterine contractions increases, intrauterine pressure increases, spasm of the uterine vessels occurs – all this leads to the development of pain. The more prostaglandins are formed, the more the stomach hurts.
• Lack of progesterone. Hormones control the production of prostaglandins. It increases with the participation of estrogens and decreases with the action of progesterone. If estrogens are produced in excess and their ratio with progesterone is disturbed or progesterone is formed in insufficient quantities, then menstruation becomes painful.
• Hypersensitivity to pain. Women with painful periods have been found to have a low pain threshold. This is associated with a weakening of the analgesic system. Increased pain sensitivity can be inherited. However, the prolonged existence of pain in itself leads to overexcitation of nerve cells and an increase in pain sensitivity.

Abdominal cramps during menstruation may appear or increase under the influence of external factors. These include ³ :

• smoking;
• obesity or underweight;
• stress;
• exposure to extreme temperatures;
• injuries and infections;
• excessive exercise.

Also, the risk of menstrual pain increases in girls who have previously heard a negative opinion about menstruation from adult women (mothers, sisters).

In secondary dysmenorrhea, pain is a symptom of some pelvic disease, including ³ :

• endometriosis. With this disease, a tissue similar to the endometrium appears outside the inner uterine layer: it grows into the muscular layer of the uterus and even into neighboring organs. Pain with endometriosis is severe, it can hurt not only during menstruation, but also in the intermenstrual period. Soreness is explained by inflammation, tissue damage, accumulation of blood in endometrioid foci, adhesions;
• uterine fibroids. The pain appears when the myomatous node makes it difficult for the outflow of blood during menstruation. A large volume of menstrual blood, as it were, is “born”, overcoming resistance;
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. Chronic inflammatory process of the pelvic organs can reduce the production of progesterone, increase the formation of prostaglandins. Due to the long existence of the inflammatory focus, pain sensitivity increases;
• malformations of the uterus and vagina. This is a rare cause, but causes very severe pain. Due to a congenital anomaly, the outflow of blood to the outside is impossible or significantly difficult. With the onset of menstruation in a girl, blood accumulates in the internal genital organs and the pain increases. Correction requires surgical treatment.

How to reduce pain during menstruation?

Primary dysmenorrhea is treated with pharmacotherapy ^2,3,4 :

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antispasmodics;
• combined oral contraceptives;
• preparations of gestagens;
• vitamin E, B6, magnesium preparations;
• calcium antagonists.

There are non-drug therapies that can reduce period cramps. They can be used as a supplement or alternative to medical treatment ⁴ :

• physical exercise to stretch and relax muscles;
• applying a heat source (eg heating pad) to the abdomen;
• behavioral psychotherapy;
• acupuncture and acupressure.

Dysmenorrhea may occur in women who use intrauterine contraception (spiral). It has been proven that when using a spiral, the concentration of prostaglandins in the endometrium during the adaptation period increases and causes an increase in the contractile activity of the uterus. Therefore, women with painful periods should not use this method of contraception ² .

Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the nature of the underlying disease. To find the cause of pain during menstruation, a specialist after questioning, examining, taking a smear may recommend additional studies: complete blood count, urine, blood biochemistry, examination by functional diagnostic tests, consultations of related specialists, ultrasound of the genitals, abdominal organs, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy ³.

In the treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea, the most important factor is the elimination of its cause. For treatment, pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, surgical operations are used ^2.3 .

In infectious and inflammatory processes in the genital tract, local remedies are used in complex therapy, for example, Depantol® suppositories. This is a combination drug that has a regenerating, antiseptic, metabolic effect. Depantol® contains ⁵ :

• chlorhexidine – antiseptic, active against bacteria, fungi, protozoa;
• dexpanthenol is a stimulator of tissue repair, it normalizes cellular metabolism, accelerates mitosis and increases the strength of collagen fibers.

Depantol® does not interfere with the functional activity of beneficial vaginal microflora – lactobacilli. Candles remain active in the presence of blood, pus ⁵ .

When should a woman see a doctor?

Dysmenorrhea is not just pain during menstruation, but also a risk factor for other chronic pain (in the abdomen, pelvis, limbs), sleep disorders, poor mental health, and a trigger for some gynecological diseases. This is why period cramps should not be endured, they should be treated by a specialist ⁴ .

Pain during menstruation may be symptoms of a serious gynecological disease if ^2.3 :

• stomach pain worse with each successive menses;
• there are spasms constantly, and in the period of menstruation and before them intensify;
• soreness occurs towards the end of or after menstruation and is accompanied by a rise in temperature;
• painful periods associated with pain during intercourse;
• menstruation became painful after 30 years.

Timely treatment of gynecological pathology helps to eliminate secondary dysmenorrhea. Regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist help to detect the disease in time.

¹ Kulagina N.V. Spasmolytic therapy of primary dysmenorrhea. Medical advice. 2018; 13:180-184.

² Prilepskaya V.N., Mezhevitinova E.A. Dysmenorrhea.