Understanding and Managing Menstrual Cramps: Debunking Myths and Seeking Relief

2023-10-10 08:26:00

Keypoint:

‘Menstrual cramps’ have become normal for many women. People who have to deal with and trying to find ways to reduce abdominal pain But there are many prohibitions and practices such as not drinking cold water or coconut water, having sex without getting pregnant. Do not exercise. They are all false beliefs. that are not related to menstruation menstrual irregularities No matter if it comes too much It comes in small amounts, comes in short bursts, or has severe menstrual cramps. It may be a sign of disease, so you should see a doctor immediately.

Many women experience abdominal pain 1-2 days before their period and during the first few days of their period. menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) can range from slight pain or cramps. to severe pain in the lower abdomen and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as lower back pain Nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, dizziness and headache, etc.

On average every 28 days if the egg has no sperm to fertilize it. The endometrium sheds during menstruation. Menstrual pain is caused by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. (prostaglandin), which forms in the lining of the uterus during menstruation. Prostaglandins cause muscles to contract and contract, similar to pain during childbirth. It also causes nausea and diarrhea. If the body releases this substance in large quantities, it will increase the severity of the contractions. Makes menstrual pain worse.

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Check the type of menstrual pain.

‘Lower abdominal pain during menstruation’ can be a certain level of pain. Sometimes taking painkillers will get better, but in many cases the menstrual pain will become more and more painful.

There may be other symptoms as well, such as pain in the back, waist, coccyx, pain radiating to the front of the legs, abdominal bloating, swelling, enlarged abdomen, diarrhea, and increased frequency of urination. Difficulty urinating or when having sex, pain in the lower abdomen and uterus, which normally should not occur.

Menstrual pain can be divided into two types.

1.Primary Dysmenorrhea is the most common type of menstrual pain. This is usually caused by the endometrium producing too much prostaglandin.

2.Secondary Dysmenorrhea is caused by abnormal conditions of the uterus or other reproductive organs such as

Endometriosis (Endometriosis) may cause menstrual blood to appear in the pelvic area where the lining of the uterus clings to each menstrual cycle. Severe pain in the lower abdomen and may be a cause of infertility. The lining of the uterus grows inside the uterine muscle. (Adenomyosis) Patients will have severe menstrual pain and/or menstrual bleeding that is heavier and longer than normal. Uterine fibroids are usually not malignant. Often causes a lot of menstrual blood to come out or menstrual bleeding that lasts for weeks. along with chronic menstrual pain or lower back pain

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the female reproductive system. Most are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Cervical stenosis is caused by the cervix being too narrow. This causes menstrual blood to flow slowly but if the hole is completely closed. This will cause fluid to accumulate inside the uterine cavity. Causes severe and chronic abdominal pain.

What kind of pain? Who should see a doctor?

For most women, menstrual cramps are normal. But if you have the following symptoms It may be a sign of a more serious disease than normal menstrual pain.

I took the medicine but the pain still hasn’t gone away. Menstrual pain is getting worse. Are over 25 years old and feel severe menstrual cramps for the first time Fever with menstrual cramps Menstrual blood flows more than normal. The sanitary pad must be changed every hour. I feel pain in my lower abdomen even though I don’t have my period. Have symptoms of infection, such as leucorrhoeaThere is an odor and itching around the vulva. Menstrual blood is a different color than normal.
Infertility

How does food affect menstruation?

Dr. Asama Wanitchantikul, obstetrician-gynecologist, expert in gynecological oncology and gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Medpark Hospital Said that during menstruation It will cause blood loss, fatigue, lack of iron, easy dizziness, contraction of the uterus, and may cause abdominal pain. (menstrual cramps) because before the menstrual period comes The body experiences hormonal changes. Mental/emotional symptoms Mood swings, irritability, physical symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea.

However, food has no direct effect on the uterus because the food eaten passes into the stomach and intestines. Which is not connected to the uterus, but certain foods can affect various symptoms that occur before and during menstruation. Therefore, you should choose the right food to reduce those symptoms.

Recommended foods during menstruation

Drink enough water. The recommended amount of water is at least 2.7 liters per day to help replace blood loss. Helps reduce pain/lightheadedness. Helps reduce bloating. Foods high in iron (including fish, chicken, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale) help replace iron lost from blood loss. High protein and high fiber foods Helps control blood sugar levels Provides constant energy, not hungry easily. Omega-3 (Omega-3 / Fish oil) helps reduce menstrual pain. Helps reduce mood swings depressed or cranky Some herbs, including ginger and cinnamon, can help reduce menstrual pain. However, you should not eat too much. Foods that contain vitamins and minerals

Foods that should be avoided during menstruation

Salty food/salt

Eating too much salt or salty foods causes fluid retention in the body, swelling and bloating.

Desserts/high sugar foods

If you eat too much, it will cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate and cause mood swings.

Caffeine / Tea / Coffee

Caffeine causes fluid retention in the body, swelling and may increase headaches. But a lack of caffeine can also cause headaches. Therefore, there is no need to abstain from caffeine. Just don’t drink too much.

alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates the body and can lead to headaches and bloating.

Spicy/spicy food

Spicy food irritates the stomach. It does not directly affect the uterus. But it can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea, which can affect menstruation symptoms.

Meat/red meat such as beef, pork

Contains iron to help replace lost blood. But it does contain prostaglandins. (Prostaglandins) too much, which can cause the uterus to contract and cause menstrual cramps.

Misconceptions regarding food and menstruation

1. You should not drink cold water or eat ice during menstruation.

“Drinking cold water or ice does not have any effect on menstruation. Because menstruation is blood that comes out of the uterus. Menstrual cramps are abdominal pain caused by uterine contractions. when drinking cold water The body has a system for adjusting the temperature of the food it eats. And water that enters the body passes through the stomach and intestines. It is not related to the uterus at all. These two systems are clearly separated, so cold water or ice does not cause menstrual cramps and does not cause menstrual clots.

2. You should not drink coconut water during menstruation.

“There is no prohibition on drinking coconut water, but it is not recommended to drink too much. Coconut water contains phytoestrogens. (Phytoestrogen), which is a natural compound with a structural formula similar to female hormones.”

3. Coconut water causes menstrual irregularities and menstrual cramps.

“The mechanism of menstrual cramps is due to uterine contractions involving prostaglandins. (prostaglandins) in coconut water are high in estrogen. Even though it is not the main cause of symptoms But it can affect uterine contractions and interfere with menstrual flow. However, if you don’t drink too much, Coconut water is beneficial to the body because it is rich in mineral salts that are necessary for the body.”

4. Because menstruation is ‘bad blood’, the more you come…the more waste is expelled.

“Menstruation isn’t bad blood! But it is only the endometrium that comes off along with the blood. which is equal to Menstruation is therefore not a process of expelling waste from the body as many people understand. And my period is heavy… It may also be a warning sign of abnormal conditions.”

5. You should not exercise during menstruation.

“Girls often believe that they should not exercise during their periods. Because the body is in a state of fatigue, there may be a risk of fainting. Which is actually Even during menstruation, you can exercise. Because the endorphins that are released not only help you feel relaxed. But it can also help reduce menstrual pain. Choose a light activity like yoga or swimming, but you must take extra care and attention to cleanliness, such as using tampons.”

6. Have sex during your period…you won’t get pregnant!

“Many couples believe that having sex while the woman is menstruating will reduce the chance of pregnancy. Which is actually Having sex while menstruating still has a chance of getting pregnant. Because of the blood oozing out in the first days It may not be menstrual blood. But some people may have blood leaking out during ovulation… If you don’t wear a condom, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant. Including having sex in the last days. of menstruation Because male sperm can live in the vagina for up to 72 hours following ejaculation.”

7. If your period isn’t normal. Must take blood-thinning medicine

“Because of the misconception that menstruation is bad blood. Cause when you miss your period… I understood that I had to take blood-thinning medicine in order for waste to be expelled. The fact that menstruation does not come or comes irregularly may be caused by a hidden gynecological disease. And taking blood thinners may have serious consequences if the patient has certain underlying diseases, such as uterine tumors. or chocolate cysts”

8. During menstruation, do not take cold showers. Because it will cause a fever and discomfort.

“Ancient people had one belief that During menstruation, hormones in the body fluctuate. Taking a cold shower may cause the body to adjust its temperature in time. You can have a fever or be sick. But in reality During menstruation, you can take a cool shower at a normal temperature as usual.”

9. Rarely change sanitary pads, increasing the risk of ‘cervical cancer’

“Girls who have had quite a lot of menstruation. You may change your sanitary pads frequently each day. But for people whose menstruation is so light that more than half a day has passed before changing their sanitary pads once. Make you believe that Habits of not changing sanitary pads may increase the risk of cervical cancer. Which is actually The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with the hpv virus. It has nothing to do with changing sanitary pads infrequently. But using the same sanitary pad for too many hours. It may have a greater effect on the cleanliness of the hidden area.”

10. Using a tampon will break the hymen.

“One of the beliefs of girls What is still virgin is the understanding that Using a tampon can break the hymen. Which is not true! Because the hymen is a thin membrane. that can be flexible and has holes for menstruation to flow in and out The size of the hole is also wide enough for a tampon.”

refer : Medpark Hospital ,Paolo Hospital

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#false #beliefs #menstruation #drink #cold #water #coconut #water

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