Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps and is a fairly common problem, especially among teenage girls and women in their early twenties. Estimates for women suffering from dysmenorrhea range from 50% to 90% of women. However, although the main cause of this condition remains unclear, some theorize that it may be related to the buildup of prostaglandins during the end of the cycle that causes uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea is something of a medical condition.
The incidence of dysmenorrhea in young women
Age is definitely a factor in cases of menstrual cramps, with the highest incidence of this seen in women who are in their late teens and in their early twenties. However, the frequency of cramps and associated pain tends to decrease with age and most women report that the cramps stop or lessen after the birth of their first child. The severity of these crams varies from person to person if a woman’s life is interrupted for 2 to 4 days each month.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea is a medical symptom and as such should be treated by a professional. Possible causes of this condition may include uterine disease, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammation, endometriosis, birth control device use, fibroids, tumors, and irritation as a result of tampons. About 70% of menstrual cramps experienced by women are the result of primary dysmenorrhea, but your doctor should be told if the pain worsens and extends beyond the menstrual period.
Diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea
Women who experience severe cramps that disrupt their lives for more than 2 days each month should consider seeing a doctor to rule out these medical conditions. The diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea can only be made once the doctor rules out all possible causes of menstrual cramps. If the doctor does not find an explanation for the cramps, it is recommended to increase physical exercise, reduce weight and treatment by heat therapy with good bags of wheat or microwaveable hot bottles to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
Treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with heat therapy
The most effective and probably the oldest way to treat menstrual cramps is to simply lie on a flat surface with your legs elevated and apply some heat to your lower abdomen. Microwavable heating pads and bags of wheat can also be used for this therapy. The heat works by relaxing the muscles, which helps relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. Items like bags of wheat, microwave heating pads, and hot bottles can be inexpensive, holistic, and a great way to relieve menstrual cramps.
prevention of menstrual cramps
Patients who are obese or who tend to live a somewhat sedentary lifestyle report a higher incidence of very severe menstrual cramps compared to women who eat a healthy diet and also exercise regularly. Many doctors believe that it is inactivity and obesity that contribute to the severity of menstrual cramps. However, losing weight and getting some physical exercise can also help alleviate some symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, but it won’t completely prevent menstrual cramps.
While there are quite a few treatments for menstrual cramps and their pain, most of them involve the use of chemicals which, of course, have some side effects. However, no steroidal anti-inflammatory medication has been shown to be effective in relieving the pain of these cramps. The problem is that there are often a number of adverse effects that could cause problems in the long run. Some doctors also prescribe birth control pills and hormonal contraceptives. But they also have side effects, plus women over 35 who smoke are strongly advised not to take birth control pills for a long time. But heat therapy is something that will work and has no long term or short term side effects. Since stress is known to contribute to menstrual cramps, a heating pad or hot bottle can be used to relieve pain and stress.
Heat is an excellent option to relieve pain and discomfort as a result of menstrual cramps. According to the Mayo Clinic, heat can be just as effective, if not more, in relieving menstrual cramps than medication, but fewer in side effects. The use of heat therapy, such as a microwavable bag of wheat or a heating pad, can help relieve cramps for many hours. This also helps increase your circulation, which in turn brings vital nutrients and oxygen to the tissues around the ovarian and uterine area.