Symptoms and Illnesses
What You Need to Know
Acne (adults/teens)
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Pain
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Painful Periods or Dysmenorrhea
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Painful periods or dysmenorrhea Dull pain and shooting pains in the lower abdomen, sometimes spreading to the lower back, just before and during the first days of your period? These are signs of painful periods, or dysmenorrhea. What you need to know This problem affects more than 50% of women of reproductive age. It usually appears after puberty, when ovulation begins, but it can also occur during perimenopause. For most women, the start of a period brings tension in the lower abdomen, or even a general feeling of discomfort (water retention and weight gain). For some, however, periods can be truly disabling. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, together with a foul mood, may force you to stay home. Causes The true causes of dysmenorrhea are not fully known. It is often hereditary and mainly affects women who are overweight, under stress, or heavy smokers. Dysmenorrhea can be a symptom of a condition affecting the uterus (endometriosis or adenomyosis) and, in that case, may benefit from specific treatment. Painful periods are not inevitable: if this is your situation, see your gynecologist. What to avoid Do not self-medicate. See your doctor if: - The pain is hard to bear or returns every month with the same intensity. - Lower abdominal pain comes on suddenly and for no apparent reason: it may be due to a condition of the reproductive system (vaginal infection, ovarian disorders, uterine polyp, and so on). Warning: Avoid painkillers containing aspirin, which may increase blood loss. Good practices Prevention - Avoid stressful situations and practice relaxation activities (yoga, qigong—a Chinese form of exercise—and deep-breathing techniques). - Have acupuncture sessions with a physician trained in acupuncture; this may help reduce your pain. - Limit stimulants (tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and so on). - Follow a diet rich in oily fish for their omega-3 content, which may help reduce painful periods. During your period - Place a hot-water bottle on your abdomen or lower back. - Take a hot shower or bath. - Do some gentle exercise: stretching sessions or walking. - Rest. Medications - Painkillers—preferably acetaminophen (paracetamol) for mild pain, or ibuprofen if there are no contraindications—may relieve you. Above all, do not take aspirin, which increases bleeding. - Antispasmodics containing phloroglucinol (Spasfon and similar products) are of little benefit for painful periods. - Herbal medicines and homeopathic products have been given an indication for painful periods. Even though their effectiveness has never been scientifically proven, they may relieve you in some cases. So much the better.