How to Get Rid of Period Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Tips

According to Medical Journal Australia, menstrual or period pain affects an estimated 70.8% of adolescent girls and young women aged 13–23 years in Australia. Period pain or period cramps occur when the muscles in the uterus contract or tighten. Experiencing some pain during your period is normal.

They are caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins released in the uterus during menstruation. Some women have higher levels of prostaglandins than others. The reason for this is unclear, making them more likely to experience period pain. 

Prostaglandins cause the muscles in the uterine wall to contract, resulting in cramping pain. The levels increase just before the period starts when period pain is most common and severe. Prostaglandin levels decrease after a day or two, and the pain usually subsides.

Women who began menstruating at a young age (under 12 years old) or have heavy, irregular, or long periods are more likely to experience period pain.

Other factors associated with pain are smoking, low body weight, being under 30 years old, and having infections diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

What is Normal Period Pain?

Period pain is considered ‘normal’ if:

• It begins one or two days before or when your period starts and lasts up to three days.
• It improves with the use of pain relief medication.

It’s essential to consult your doctor if period pain interferes with your daily life.

What are the Symptoms of Period Cramps?

The primary symptom of period pain is cramping in the lower abdomen (pelvis), which typically begins just before menstrual bleeding starts and usually lasts for about 2 to 3 days. The severity can vary from mild to severe and incapacitating.

Other associated symptoms include:

• Low back pain
• Pain in the thighs
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Dizziness or feeling faint

What Causes Period Cramps?

Women with painful periods may have higher levels of natural chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause contractions of the uterus, bowel, and blood vessels.

How to Get Rid of Period Cramps?

To alleviate period cramps, consider these methods:

Pain-relief medication: Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain. For this, consult your doctor.

Heat therapy: Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen or back.

Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to release natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Hydration and diet: Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and salty foods.

Relaxation techniques: Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Consult a doctor: If the pain is severe or persistent, seek medical advice for further treatment options.

How to Get Period Cramp Relief?

If you experience painful periods, you can try:

• Pain-relief medication such as paracetamol
• Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen
• Regular exercise, which releases natural pain-relieving chemicals
• Applying a heat pack or hot water bottle to your abdomen and lower back to relax the muscles

What Are the Other Conditions that Cause Period Cramps?

Some period pain is due to other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where cells like those that line the uterus grow in other parts of the body, particularly around the ovaries and behind the uterus. Pain severity can vary from mild during periods to severe throughout the menstrual cycle.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle layer of the uterus, which can cause painful periods for some women.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is when the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, leading to heavy and painful periods.

If diagnosed with endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis, your doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options based on your situation.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Knowing when to seek medical help when the period pain worsens is important. Answering the following questions will help:

• Does the pain hinder your work or school?
• Does the pain last for more than 2 days of your period?
• Do you have abnormal discharge or bleeding?
• When you have your period, do you experience pain while peeing?
• Does the pain persist after taking over-the-counter painkillers?
• Is sex painful? It is a common symptom of health conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.

If the answer is yes to one or more of these questions, then consult a doctor immediately. If the pain worsens, you can consult a doctor online or get a period pain medical certificate. 

Remember, you’re not alone, and effective treatments are available.

Conclusion

Period cramps are a common experience for many women, varying in intensity from mild to incapacitating. While some pain is normal, severe discomfort should not be ignored. 

If period cramps interfere with daily life or are linked to other symptoms, seeking medical advice is essential for appropriate treatment.