Menstrual pain is a common symptom that precedes or accompanies menstruation and affects between 50% and 80% of women. Of these, 5% to 15% are so uncomfortable that they no longer feel empowered to perform certain daily activities such as going to school or going to work.
The latter, whose normal course of life is disrupted, can feel pain so intense that they sometimes have trouble putting words in it. In this regard, Professor John Guillebaud, of University College London, said: "Patients described menstrual cramps as almost as painful as having a heart attack"
Symptoms associated with period pain
Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea and comparable to cramps, comes from contractions of the uterus to expel the endometrium. These pains can be felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, back or thighs just before or during menstruation.
Menstrual pain is associated with premenstrual syndrome, which includes dysmenorrhea itself, and other symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, cravings, weight gain, gastrointestinal symptoms, chest pain, and this can go up to nausea and vomiting.
With severe dysmenorrhea, women with the disease usually remain bedridden for the duration of their stay, usually two or three days.
Primary dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is used to describe menstrual pain in women as a teenager and not caused by other diseases. It tends to diminish with age, or even disappear after the woman has given birth to her first child.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
With regard to secondary dysmenorrhea, it tends on the one hand to occur before the onset of menstruation and on the other hand to last longer than usual pain.
In addition, it often occurs later in the woman's life. A woman with normal periods may be prone to secondary dysmenorrhea if they become painful over time.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is often caused by diseases affecting the woman's reproductive organs such as infection, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Scientists have discovered the origin of menstrual pain
If, until now, the causes of dysmenorrhea remain unclear, it is possible that scientists have indeed succeeded in explaining them.
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Women's Health, researchers have discovered a link between menstrual pain as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome and the presence of markers of inflammation in the bloodstream.
The authors of this study state that: "Premenstrual symptoms related to mood, abdominal cramps, (...) and painful chest seem significantly and positively correlated with elevated levels of CRP, a biomarker of inflammation"
Naturally take care of your menstrual pains
The findings of this study corroborate those of so many others, with the intention of determining possible links between inflammation and disease, and leading to consider inflammation as the source of a considerable quantity. even the majority of the symptoms and diseases we know; it would give them the perfect ground to develop.
Therefore, to prevent menstrual pain, it is important to avoid what can lead to chronic inflammation.
The role that diet plays in health is immense. By guarding against inflammation, food has the power to protect us from many diseases, and to heal us.
1. Do you eat good fats and vegetables?
It is indisputable that in our journey towards better health, fresh and raw plants are our best allies. Make a nice splash of salads, soups and juices in your diet. Think about favoring foods rich in omega-3 because they cause, when we consume them, the release of anti-inflammatory substances. You will find omega-3 fatty acids in foods such as fish or flaxseed.
2. Avoid inflammatory foods
Avoid foods such as grains, dairy products, refined sugar and processed foods as they only exacerbate hormonal disorders and cause all kinds of disorders in our body, including inflammation.
3. Relax and practice a sporting activity
Chronic stress has been shown to be related to inflammation in the body, and moderate physical activity has anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to all the benefits it has and that we continue to discover every day.
