Ease the severity of period pain with these
practical tips from Dr Cindy Pan
(Q) I experience cramps during my period. I take over-the-counter medicines but I’m against 'drugging your body'. The cramps are now worse than before and I have to take about three painkillers a month which I feel uncomfortable with. Do you have any advice?
(A) Menstrual cramps can be quite debilitating. They are generally thought to be caused by prostaglandins, the natural hormones produced by the body to stimulate uterine contractions during menstruation (and childbirth). In some cases the pains may be caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis (where the cells that usually line the uterus migrate to other parts of the pelvis causing severe pain on menstruation) or fibroids (benign tumours that grow inside the uterus). Your doctor can diagnose and offer specific treatment for these conditions.
If there is no underlying condition requiring specific treatment then there are still a number of options for managing your cramps. The treatment chosen will depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Simple measures such as adequate sleep, rest, relaxation, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, regular exercise (especially prior to the start of your period) and attention to overall fitness, local application of heat (such as with a hot water bottle or heating pad over the abdomen and pelvic area) and massage to the back and lower abdomen can all help.
Anti-inflammatory medications which work by blocking the effects of the prostaglandins are especially helpful if taken early, before the pain becomes too severe, such as one or two days before the period is due.
Taking the oral contraceptive pill can help with period pain by preventing ovulation and reducing prostaglandin production. Hormone secreting vaginal rings, hormone injections and hormone secreting IUDs can also help with period pain.
Acupuncture and herbal remedies such as krill oil, evening primrose oil, magnesium and chaste tree (vitex agnus castus) have also been known to help however such remedies are not scientifically proven and response is variable.
(A) Menstrual cramps can be quite debilitating. They are generally thought to be caused by prostaglandins, the natural hormones produced by the body to stimulate uterine contractions during menstruation (and childbirth). In some cases the pains may be caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis (where the cells that usually line the uterus migrate to other parts of the pelvis causing severe pain on menstruation) or fibroids (benign tumours that grow inside the uterus). Your doctor can diagnose and offer specific treatment for these conditions.
If there is no underlying condition requiring specific treatment then there are still a number of options for managing your cramps. The treatment chosen will depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Simple measures such as adequate sleep, rest, relaxation, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, regular exercise (especially prior to the start of your period) and attention to overall fitness, local application of heat (such as with a hot water bottle or heating pad over the abdomen and pelvic area) and massage to the back and lower abdomen can all help.
Anti-inflammatory medications which work by blocking the effects of the prostaglandins are especially helpful if taken early, before the pain becomes too severe, such as one or two days before the period is due.
Taking the oral contraceptive pill can help with period pain by preventing ovulation and reducing prostaglandin production. Hormone secreting vaginal rings, hormone injections and hormone secreting IUDs can also help with period pain.
Acupuncture and herbal remedies such as krill oil, evening primrose oil, magnesium and chaste tree (vitex agnus castus) have also been known to help however such remedies are not scientifically proven and response is variable.
Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/
No comments:
Post a Comment