Are menstrual cramps normal?

Menstrual cramps are undoubtedly one of the most unpleasant aspects of menstruation. Although the severity of cramps varies from mild stinging that lasts 1-2 days to unbearable pain that interferes with daily activities, it still raises questions.

Read on to find out the answers to all your questions about menstrual cramps!

How do menstrual cramps manifest themselves?

Cramps first feel like a throbbing pain or stinging in the lower abdomen. A pressure or insidious pain prevails in the area, and these pains can radiate to the lower back and inner thighs. It usually begins 1-2 days before menstruation and reaches its peak approximately 24 hours after the start of menstruation. It may take approximately 2-3 days.

What other symptoms may accompany menstrual cramps?

• Nausea
• feeling of exhaustion
• Headache
• dizziness
• soft stools

Why does it happen?

During menstruation, the uterus contracts regularly to remove bleeding from the uterus. The uterus releases chemicals called prostaglandins during these contractions. The cramps you feel are directly related to these chemicals. As prostaglandin levels increase, cramps also increase.
Some people tend to have more crampy periods for no apparent reason, and this is normal.
For others, severe menstrual cramps may be a symptom of different medical conditions.

Other medical conditions that cause severe menstrual cramps:

Endometriosis (Chocolate Cyst): It is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus grows outside the uterus and grows in another area. This may cause bleeding outside of menstrual days, pain during sexual intercourse, and may also lead to menstrual cramps.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 people. Rising androgen levels cause menstrual irregularities and can trigger menstrual cramps.
You can also read our article where we discuss PCOS in full detail.

Fibroids (Myomas): These are non-cancerous but hard and large tumors that develop inside or outside the uterus. While it can cause severe pain and cramps, there are also myomas that develop without symptoms.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): It is a type of bacterial infection of the vagina. It is usually transmitted sexually. The disease can cause damage to the uterus, ovaries and vagina. This may cause pain and cramps.

Cervical Stenosis: It is a condition in which the opening of the cervix is ​​narrow enough to prevent menstrual flow. This opening can increase the pressure inside the uterus and predispose to cramps.

Adenomyosis: The condition in which the inner layer or membrane of the uterus, which covers the inner surface of the uterus and is excreted with menstrual bleeding every month, is located within the muscle layer of the uterus is defined as adenomyosis. These cells in the muscle layer of the uterus may show bleeding characteristics similar to menstrual bleeding. In addition to bleeding, pain and cramps are among the common symptoms.

In whom are menstrual cramps more common?

In menstruating individuals under the age of 30
Those who experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual periods
Those with irregular bleeding
Those with a history of menstrual cramps/pain in their biological family
In smokers
People who menstruate at an age younger than 11 years

What is good for menstrual cramps?

consuming plenty of water
Using a hot water bottle and heat patches
Organizing warm shower sessions
Massaging the abdomen with essential oils
Getting pain relief support under expert supervision
Doing light-paced exercises
Reduce stress in life
Turning to vitamin supplements
Avoiding caffeine and salty foods
Reviewing sleep patterns

You can review our article in detail about alternative suggestions that are good for menstrual cramps and pain .

Last word;
If your menstrual cramps are painful and last longer than a few days, the best step would be to make a doctor's appointment.

You can apply alternative solutions to relieve your cramps until the appointment day, and make Kiklou menstrual panties a part of your routine to increase menstrual comfort.

>>>Click to review Kiklou washable menstrual panties now.

Source

https://www.healthline.com/health/painful-menstrual-periods
https://www.healthline.com/health/severe-menstrual-cramps