why period is painful?

Answer 1

Derived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.

Almost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder. The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain. More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school. Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].

"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins. These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience. Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.

Pain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours. In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped. In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.

Dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes). In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms often include painful pelvic or abdominal cramping, headache, suprapubic cramping (an area of the pelvis overlying the bladder), backache, pain radiating down into the thigh area, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and even syncope (a temporary of consciousness). Upon physical exam, those with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit normal vital signs and a tender uterus, but no cervical or ovarian abnormalities. Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea may exhibit varied vital signs depending on the underlying cause and may be found to have tenderness, nodules, and/or enlargement of the uterosacral ligaments, the rectovaginal septum or other adnexa (the region of the pelvis that encompasses the ovary, fallopian tube and surrounding broad ligament).

Treatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies. Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea. Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate. Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps. Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain. Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates. Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping. Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.

If Endometriosis or another disorder is the underlying or secondary cause for dysmenorrhea, you will benefit most from having the disease diagnosed and effectively removed. It is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling or incapacitating is never normal and should be investigated as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be rendered.

Reference:
[1] Jamieson DJ, Steege JF. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care practices. Obstet Gynecol. 1996;87(1):55-58.

Answer 2

The exact cause is still unknown. The condition is known as dysmenorrhoea. The responsibility of progesterone secretion and withdrawal for spasmodic dysmenorrohoea is certain In this condition, uterine contractions with considerable intensity occurs.and at the peak of these contractions the intra uterine pressure is so high that the uterine muscles, does not get sufficient blood supply. This usually occurs if the uterus is not developed properly or position of the uterus may also a cause - as in retroverted.
The polarity of the uterus is disturbed ( when the uterus contracts the cervix should dilate and vice versa) -so, there is difficulty in the discharge of the menstrual blood through the cervix.. There may be inadequate liquefaction of the menstrual blood clot. there may be hormonal imbalance . Psychological also may be a cause: as misdirected parental influence, -as in tomboy personality or the immature shy, self conscious,unself reliant, spoiled and ready to use menstruation as an escape from unpleasant school or other duties. parent fixed, are also the causes.

Answer 3

That 's da way God created woman. First mensturation-Periods-is the signs of ur body is getting ready to ovalute, shows that u r matured- not a child any more and also time to accept a man in to u, The inner linings of ur uterus walls (endometerium) gets cracks inside. Depends on da cracks u 'll bleed and u av da pain. Imagine - when u av a cut / injury any where outside the body it bleeds, pain. as da wound heals less bleed n less pain. dis is da bacic concept in period and pain. I av answered the same topic like 2 weeks ago in detail. Best of luck.

Answer 4

Take something that will ease the cramps. The blood generates to your uterus because it is preparing for conception in the case of a pregnancy. Whe the area gets too congested it affects circulation and you get cramping and a bloating kind of feeling. No need to experience pain when you are going through a natural process. Take midol.

Answer 5

don't have to be painful,i used to have painful periods.until i gave birth to five kids,it seems.that the more women menstruates.and sheds the line of the uterus.the more likely she is. to get cramps.cos there Will be more residues of blood clots left behind.and the more there is blood clots.the more contractions.the uterus will have to do in order to expel those,sometimes uterine cysts causes pains as well abdominal tenderness.however the most common ailment affecting the female reproductory system is the condition,called endemeotresis..try drink teas made of.camomile,thyme and lavender.it will calm down the cramps.and avoid spice heaty foods.as well as carbonated or soft gaseous drinks

Answer 6

Women's period is painful because it is and there is little that can be done to change it. Here are some remedies that seem to work for my two females here at home (Wife and daughter, you gutter minds!)Get some Mint leaves and boil some water, when it is boiling rapidly, dropt the mint leaves in and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, you can sweeten it with honey (avoid sugar) . It works!

Answer 7

Through the month you uterus collects blood, preparing for conception.
When there is no conception, your uterus must dispose of the unneeded blood it has collected.
As the uterus contracts, the blood lining tares away from the uterus walls, therefore causing pain.
Hope this helps.

Answer 8

It hurts because your uterus is shedding the lining of that egg that you didn't use this month. A woman's uterus contracts, and that's why it hurts. A woman's uterus contracts when she's in labor too, and yeah, it hurts as well.

Answer 9

Cramping which helps expel the unused tissue, etc.

Answer 10

the cramps are caused by your uterus contracting. I'm on mine now and AAH! It hurts! :D