What is menstrual pain?

❓ It's that time of the month again - the one that, for many women, rhymes with menstrual pain! Whether it's cramps, headaches or mood swings, the pain of menstruation can be unbearable.. Maybe with a few simple lifestyle adjustments, you can find some relief from your discomfort.

What is menstrual pain?  

Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is localized in the lower abdomen (abdominopelvic pain) and may extend to the lower back or legs. 

Menstrual pain is abdominal or pelvic cramping that occurs before or during menstruation.   

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when menstruation begins in adolescence. Often, the pain is mild and not serious. But still: 50% to 70% of teenage girls have permanent or occasional painful periods.

These pains are caused by uterine contractions and may be accompanied by nausea, headaches, fatigue and mood changes.

See also: Why does skin change during the premenstrual period?

Where do these contractions come from?

Contractions are triggered by the secretion of prostaglandins by the uterine mucosa, to facilitate expulsion. When prostaglandins are secreted in excess, there is an abnormal increase in contractions, depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen and causing pain. In many cases these pains are cyclical. They start with the bleeding and are more or less intense depending on the flow. However, they can also be felt a little before the period and sometimes last a little longer afterwards.

Menstrual pain generally diminishes over the years, and often disappears following pregnancy.

But in some cases, dysmenorrhea can become more severe. This may be due to a malformation of the genital tract or endometriosis. In young women, dysmenorrhea is known as "secondary" dysmenorrhea. In this case, it may be a symptom for which the disease in question is being investigated. These pains are sometimes accompanied by particularly heavy periods, pain during intercourse, etc. Again, this may be due to endometriosis, but not exclusively. Other causes include: the presence of fragments of the uterine lining (endometrium) in the uterine muscle (adenomyosis), a uterine fibroid, endometrial polyps, a copper intrauterine device (IUD) or a change in hormonal contraception. So it's important to talk to your doctor or gynaecologist to make a rapid diagnosis.

How to relieve pain? 

👩‍🦰 Menstrual pain cannot be ignored, and can be a real nuisance in everyday life. In addition to the medication prescribed by your doctor, a few simple tips can help you reduce the intensity or frequency of these pains. 

1/ Take an analgesic or antispasmodic to soothe painful periods.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. And avoid taking aspirin during your period, as it can cause bleeding.

2/ Eat anti-inflammatory foods 🥥

When you suffer from period pains, don't hesitate to adapt your diet and eat more anti-inflammatory foods. These foods can help reduce the intensity of the pain. Here are a few examples of foods with anti-inflammatory properties:

🥦 Green leafy vegetables : spinach, collard greens, kale and broccoli, are rich in vitamins, minerals and have anti-inflammatory properties.

🍓 Fruits : strawberries, blueberries, oranges and mangoes, are rich in vitamins C and E to calm inflammation.

🌾 Whole grains Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice and oats, are rich in fiber and nutrients, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

🌿 Nuts and seeds : Nuts, like almonds and cashews, and seeds, like flaxseed and chia seeds, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

🐟 Oily fish : oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.

👉 It is also recommended toavoid tobacco, alcohol and caffeinewhich can aggravate menstrual cramps.

3/ Take a green tea cure 🫖

The green tea can indeed be beneficial in relieving menstrual pain in a variety of ways:

🌱 Green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and pain. -

🌱Green tea can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce stress, which can help reduce cramps.

🌱 Green tea can prevent dehydration, which could worsen menstrual cramps.

👉 It's recommended to drink one to two cups of green tea a day during the menstrual period. It's also important to note that green tea can interfere with certain medications.

4/ Exercise 🏃

Physical activity can help reduce inflammation and relax muscles, which in turn can reduce the intensity and frequency of menstrual cramps, soothing your period pains. Physical exercise can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress and, in the process, help reduce cramps.. While regular physical activity is recommended, it's also important to listen to your body. Don't overdo it during your period if you're tired or have severe cramps.

👉🏼 You can choose to practice yoga or do some stretching to gently warm and relax your muscles. 

5/ Drink more liquids 💧

Drinking enough water can help flush toxins from your body, which can reduce inflammation and pain.

What's more, drinking water maintains hydration and thus prevents dehydration, which can worsen menstrual pain. 

6/ Use the heat ✔️

Heat can relieve menstrual pain, since it relaxes the uterine muscles, helps reduce inflammation and, consequently, lessens the intensity of cramps.

Here are a few ways to use heat to relieve menstrual pain:

💛 Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to the lower abdomen.

🛁 Take a hot bath or shower.

7 / Use essential oils 🍃

Essential oils can be used to relieve menstrual pain. In fact, their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help reduce inflammation and pain. Some essential oils can have calming and soothing effects, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping to relieve period cramps.

👉 Not my problem, the oil serum for menstrual pain 

Not my problem is a serum rich in essential oils that you can use to massage your lower abdomen, before and during menstrual pain. Specially selected for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, these essential oils will help relieve back and lower abdominal pain.

🙌 Applied as a massage, Not my Problem care also makes it easier to relax your muscles, and soothe cramps thanks to its warming action. Its melting texture quickly penetrates the skin to provide immediate relief. 

In summary, the answers to your questions:

👨‍⚕️ If, even after trying to soothe menstrual pain, it continues to prevent you from living a normal life, and you notice that it's getting worse or that other symptoms are appearing, don't hesitate to consult a GP, gynaecologist or midwife.