Periods and Pain Go Hand in Hand
- Posted on: Apr 30 2018
Let’s be honest here; there is no period that doesn’t involve some amount of pain. Menstrual cramping is a normal side effect of the shedding of the uterine lining. Even if a woman does not describe her periods as painful, cramping is the norm. What if period pain feels like it’s a little too much? Does this mean you are weak and need to put on your big girl panties? Or could period pain signal a real problem? Either one of those options feels less-than-pleasant, so let’s set them aside. For now, what we’d like to do is focus on the facts of period pain.
The period pain of any kind is referred to as dysmenorrhoea. It may describe the mild back and abdominal pain that some women sense a few days before their period starts, or it may describe the kind of pain that doubles you over and makes you stay in bed for a day or two. These painful sensations may be accompanied by fatigue, moodiness, abdominal swelling or bloating, and breast tenderness.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Dysmenorrhoea may be a primary or secondary condition.
Primary dysmenorrhea is pain that is brought on by menstruation. This condition is directly related to the contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining. During this time, circulation to the uterus diminishes, which may further exacerbate menstrual pain. Primary dysmenorrhea tends to be felt in the lower abdominal area and the back. Some women also sense pain down the front of their thighs, and may also feel nauseous when uterine contractions are at their most intense.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is the term that doctors use to describe the period pain that is not directly related to uterine contractions. This type of “period pain” may occur at any time through the cycle. It may coincide with longer or heavier periods and may occur alongside painful intercourse. This type of period pain may indicate something as minor as pelvic infection, or something as concerning as endometriosis.
If you experience period pain that does not decrease with strategies like taking over-the-counter pain relievers or a hot bath, contact Grace OBGYN. There is no need to worry about period pain, but there is value in consulting with your gynecologist to uncover a potential reason for this symptom.
It is important for every woman to be an informed patient. To discuss your health and wellness with an experienced physician, call 817-776-4722. We serve women from the Granbury, Cleburne, Willow Park, and S. Fort Worth areas.
Posted in: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding/Irregular Periods