Managing Dysmenorrhea Effectively
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps. This is a type of pain which originates from anywhere in the abdominal and the pelvic areas can be mild enough to be managed effectively to severe conditions that can interfere with a woman’s daily activities. Menstrual cramps affect about an estimated 50% of women and 15% of these women classify their dysmenorrrhea as severe.
There is primary dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps which is not due to an underlying gynecologic problem while secondary dysmenorrheal is due to an abnormal condition of the reproductive system. It is important to monitor any menstrual pain during menstruation along with unusual symptoms like heavy menstrual flow, severe headaches, severe cramping and even noticeable irregularities in menstrual schedule. Consult a gynecologist to be diagnosed right away and to get the most appropriate treatment.
Managing mild to moderate dysmenorrheal on the other hand may be done at home using simple natural techniques. Here are some of the most effective strategies that you can do:
1. Heat therapy is the most popular and by far one of the most effective ways to reduce menstrual cramps. Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad to apply heat on the entire abdominal area.
2. It is important to take a rest even for an hour to reduce pain and discomfort of dysmenorrhea. You may lie on your front or in a side lying position to reduce the pressure on your abdomen.
3. Try massaging the abdomen or the area where there is severe pain with ointments and oils to apply heat directly. Apply gentle but firm stokes to massage the abdominal muscles effectively. You can apply ointments and oils as much as you want to reduce the pain.
4. Light physical activity like walking can help. Do not try to job, run or even do aerobic exercises; just walk while consciously straightening your back and your core.
5. Try a hot shower or a warm water soak (it can be messy) to sooth aching muscles of the abdomen as well as to let the heat radiate towards the uterine wall, relaxing the uterine muscles. You can use this technique as much as you can to remove pain.
6. Herbal teas are also known to effectively reduce dysmenorrhea. Teas that can induce calmness and relaxation like chamomile and lavender can help soothe aching muscles of the uterus and the abdomen. Drinking herbal teas can also help alleviate or prevent menstrual cramps.
7. Take your daily vitamin supplements and eat a healthy diet. Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day and add more fiber in your diet. All of these can significantly improve menstrual cramps. If cramping becomes severe and accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
There is primary dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps which is not due to an underlying gynecologic problem while secondary dysmenorrheal is due to an abnormal condition of the reproductive system. It is important to monitor any menstrual pain during menstruation along with unusual symptoms like heavy menstrual flow, severe headaches, severe cramping and even noticeable irregularities in menstrual schedule. Consult a gynecologist to be diagnosed right away and to get the most appropriate treatment.
Managing mild to moderate dysmenorrheal on the other hand may be done at home using simple natural techniques. Here are some of the most effective strategies that you can do:
1. Heat therapy is the most popular and by far one of the most effective ways to reduce menstrual cramps. Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad to apply heat on the entire abdominal area.
2. It is important to take a rest even for an hour to reduce pain and discomfort of dysmenorrhea. You may lie on your front or in a side lying position to reduce the pressure on your abdomen.
3. Try massaging the abdomen or the area where there is severe pain with ointments and oils to apply heat directly. Apply gentle but firm stokes to massage the abdominal muscles effectively. You can apply ointments and oils as much as you want to reduce the pain.
4. Light physical activity like walking can help. Do not try to job, run or even do aerobic exercises; just walk while consciously straightening your back and your core.
5. Try a hot shower or a warm water soak (it can be messy) to sooth aching muscles of the abdomen as well as to let the heat radiate towards the uterine wall, relaxing the uterine muscles. You can use this technique as much as you can to remove pain.
6. Herbal teas are also known to effectively reduce dysmenorrhea. Teas that can induce calmness and relaxation like chamomile and lavender can help soothe aching muscles of the uterus and the abdomen. Drinking herbal teas can also help alleviate or prevent menstrual cramps.
7. Take your daily vitamin supplements and eat a healthy diet. Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day and add more fiber in your diet. All of these can significantly improve menstrual cramps. If cramping becomes severe and accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.