Period Pain
What is Period Pain and how is it Caused?
Period pain is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and is very common. The majority of women at some point in life will experience period pain. Normally recognised as muscle cramping within the stomach and abdominal area, this pain is sometimes known to move into the back and legs.
The pain is very inconsistent and comes in different forms and intensities. Some months may be pain free or have a light/dull pain feeling whilst other months can be very intense. It is also reported that ongoing pelvic pain can occur (this pain occurs throughout the month, regardless of menstruation).
What Causes Period Pain
Period pain is caused by the muscular walls of the womb contracting (tightening). The womb does this constantly, regardless of a period but is very mild. These contractions are stronger during the menstrual cycle as the womb lining is being discarded. When the walls of the womb contract the blood vessels in the lining of the womb are pressured and compressed causing a temporary cut off blood and in turn oxygen to the womb. With the lack of oxygen chemicals are released in the womb that result in the period pains.
These chemicals released by the womb produce additional chemicals (prostaglandins) which encourage the womb to contract more which will continue to increase the pain. The amount of Prostaglandins will determine the severity of the pain and is the reason why women experience different periods every month.
Period Pain Conditions & Symptoms
Period pains can cause many symptoms, along with period pains. Period pain usually begins around the time of bleeding but some women experience pain for a few days before any period blood appears. Period pains tend to last between 48 and 72 hours but this is only a rough timeframe as pain is generally is worse around the time of heavy bleeding. Women who experience period pains with no underlying causes improve with age and have been reported to ease after having children regardless of age.
Additional to pain, periods can also bring on any of the following:
- Dizziness
- Aching pain in the abdomen
- Pressure in the abdomen
- Pain in the hips, lower back and inner thigh
- Upset Stomach
- Vomiting
- Loose stools
If you are using tampons and have any of the following symptoms you must get medical advice immediately:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Faint feeling or dizziness
- A rash (rather like sunburn)
How do I treat Period Pain
In most situations period pain and its conditions can be self treated. A few ways in which you can ease the suffering of a period are:
- MN8
- Aspirin & Ibuprofen
- Heated pad or Hot water bottle
- Warm Baths
- Lying down and resting
- Massage your lower back and abdomen
- Avoid Caffeine and salt
- Exercise Regularly
Thousands of women have reported relief of period pain with MN8
MN8 is a small, powerful, natural device which attaches discreetly to your underwear to help relieve period pain
or call 0800 221 8494
