As a gynecologist, I am always asked, ‘Are painful periods common?’
No! Not Always.
Some mild cramping is normal, but when the discomfort is annoying & stops you from living your normal life or you have to take pain medications every month then it is the sign of an underlying condition. Medically, we refer period pain as dysmenorrhea.
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What are the causes of period pain?
Well! There are several reasons, like hormonal fluctuation, high insulin levels, consumption of high amounts of vegetable oil, sugar, refined grains, smoking, and alcohol. All these are guaranteed to make your menstrual cycle painful.
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What are the types of painful periods?
It is of 2 types: Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea. In the case of primary dysmenorrhea, there is no cause, and the pain is manageable. Usually, the pain gets less after the 1st few days.
In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, the problem is with the reproductive tract, and it is due to something serious.
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Causes of Severe painful period
It can be due to endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, adenomyosis, and cervical stenosis. No need to think that pain during periods is common and normal for everyone.
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What works for period pain?
Yes! Periods of pain are common, but here are some tips which you can try to get relief like using a hot water bottle or heating pad, starting exercising, staying hydrated, and resting well.
I always suggest that patients take painkillers under medical guidance because these are not suitable for everyone.
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What are the food options to reduce period pain?
It is important to follow a low-fat diet and eat magnesium-rich food, Vitamin-E Rich food, and calcium-rich food. During this time you should avoid tea and coffee.
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During the consultation, Dr. Neera Gupta, who is the Best IVF Doctor in Bathinda, will talk about your medical history and perform pelvic examinations.
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What is the treatment for severe period pain?
For primary dysmenorrhea medical treatment, we suggest hormonal birth control like patches, rings, pills, and IUDs. Some patients might get relief with prescription pain relievers.
For secondary dysmenorrhea, we suggest the treatment depending on the patient's condition. Severe cases of painful periods might need surgery.
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You need medical attention if your menstrual cycle affects your life every month, symptoms become severe, or your menstrual cramps start to get worse after you turn 25.
Feel free to get a medical evaluation if your pain is not suppressed with the home remedies. Together we will find what works best for your condition.
