It’s hard being a woman especially when your periods are hell-bent on ruining your day-to-day life. You can’t stop them nor take a leave from them. Period cramps are common. In fact, every other woman you know, gets them. Although, most of the time, it’s just your uterus being angry and punishing you but it could also be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical diagnosis.
So, am I in danger?
Probably not, if it’s just your plain ole’ period cramps or Primary Dysmenorrhoea which is the ‘fancy’ medical term for it. These abnormal contractions occur because of hormones produced by prostaglandins. Period pain can become unbearable when prostaglandin production rises which is when pain relievers come in handy. However, in some cases, hormonal birth control pills (yay!) may be prescribed. We recommend that you talk to your doctor about either of these options for a comfortable period.
So, why should I be worried?
Severe period cramps and mood swings can be a sign of ‘Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder’ or ‘PMDD’ too. It is a health problem that usually shows up a week or two before the start of your actual period. Self-diagnosis isn’t the key here. We recommend that you visit your gynae to get a check-up. You may be asked for an ultrasound for diagnosis and be put on hormone therapy for treatment.
Now, here’s the problem...
Bodies are complicated. Women, in general, are prone to downplaying menstrual discomfort because of gender bias in the medical sector and the taboos related to it. It’s not unusual to hear, “Everyone goes through it. So, don’t act up.” Now, this brings us back to the scarier chronic diseases. Which includes Endometriosis, Fibroids and Uterine Polyps.
Without burdening you with the details, here’s what they mean;
- The inside of your uterus is lined but if that lining grows outside the uterus such as in the ovaries or the vaginal canal, it causes Endometriosis.
- Fibroids and Polyps have similar symptoms that include heavy periods and severe menstrual cramps. While Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop in the uterus; Polyps are small tissue growths that form on the uterine lining.
Uhm, so what should I do exactly?
If your pain is within the 'normal' range, there are some treatments that can help you manage it and even eliminate it. When it comes to period discomfort, these steps can make a BIG difference:
- Heat therapy: Many women find that using a hot water bottle or an electric heat pad soothes cramps and the tight feeling in the abdomen. If you don’t have a hot water bottle, try taking a hot water bath or shower.
- Low-Intensity Exercises: Many studies have proven that a few minutes of walking or light exercise can help you with period pain. This will also reduce nausea and bloating that you experience during periods.
- Cramp Relief Roll-On: Innovation is a blessing. Especially when it’s au-natural. Using a cramp relief roll-on is one super effective method to get instant pain relief. It is 100% herbal and doesn’t stain your PJ’s.
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✍️ This article was curated by Divyansh Mehta
