Why pains during periods

NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , like ibuprofen, inhibit the production of prostaglandins and inflammation. Other types of over-the counter painkillers may reduce pain, but tend to be less effective for treating menstrual cramps NSAIDs are also used in reducing heavy bleeding Some people may choose to use hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill or the hormonal IUD, to relieve and prevent menstrual cramps.

This reduces or eliminates the associated build-up of prostaglandins, muscle contractions and cramps Transcutaneous nerve stimulation TENS is an approved treatment for menstrual cramps. TENS can also be combined with other methods, like heat and medication. As more is learned on the relationship between inflammation and period cramps, we may see recommendations for cramp-prevention diets.

So far though, the data on this is limited but promising, and there are no formal clinical recommendations. One clinical trial of 33 women with menstrual pain found that women had less menstrual pain when they followed a low fat-vegetarian diet than when they were taking a placebo dietary supplement pill A survey of students found that those who reported consuming servings of dairy had less menstrual pain than those consumed no dairy at all.

This is possibly due to the intake of calcium, and maybe also vitamin D, but more research is needed—a trial on vitamin D found that very high doses were required to make a difference, which some but not all practitioners would consider unsafe Deficiency in magnesium, which is associated with anxiety and stress, has also been linked to more intense menstrual cramps Check with a nutritionally-trained practitioner before taking a supplement—like any medicine, they can have side effects and interfere with levels of other nutrients in the body.

Here are the top-evidenced supplements for period pain:. Ginger, it seems, may be as effective as common painkillers. Two systematic reviews of ginger for menstrual pain found that the root was likely more effective than a placebo for reducing pain 23, Clinical trials of more than students with moderate to severe period pain found that pain was similarly reduced in students taking ginger, as students taking the NSAIDs Ibuprofen or mefenamic acid 25, One ginger group took mg capsules of zintoma ginger extract, from the start of their periods, and then every 6 hours, until their pain was relieved.

Magnesium and magnesium deficiency may play an important role for some people in dysmenorrhea A systematic review that included three studies on magnesium found that it was effective in lessening menstrual pain better than a placebo and may be helpful in limiting the need for pain medication Magnesium carries few side effects, but can cause loose stools, so you may need to ease into it.

The three studies used different doses of magnesium, so you may want to talk to a practitioner to get a recommendation—our collaborator Lara Briden recommends starting with mg taken daily. Zinc supplementation may be effective for a similar reason as magnesium, but more research is needed In a randomized control trial of women, the duration and severity of period cramps was significantly improved in those taking zinc, compared to those taking a placebo Vitamin B1 has been shown to be effective in reducing period pain.

One large trial found that people taking mg daily had less menstrual pain than those taking a placebo Results thus far are promising, or mixed. Stress relief may help ease period cramps in some people. Preliminary research has found that people with high levels of stress are more than twice as likely to report having painful menstruation Stress during the follicular phase the first part of the cycle may be more likely to lead to painful menstruation than stress in the luteal cycle the second part of the cycle, after ovulation People who smoke have an increased risk of experiencing painful menstrual cramps The risk increases with time, as someone continues smoking.

Second-hand smoke has also been shown to increase menstrual cramps Hormonelike substances prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps don't cause other medical complications, but they can interfere with school, work and social activities.

Certain conditions associated with menstrual cramps can have complications, though. For example, endometriosis can cause fertility problems.

Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of a fertilized egg implanting outside of your uterus ectopic pregnancy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Menstrual cramps dysmenorrhea are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen.

Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. Fibroids: Growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. Fibroids usually are noncancerous. General Anesthesia: The use of drugs that create a sleep-like state to prevent pain during surgery.

Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs. Intrauterine Device IUD : A small device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which a thin, lighted telescope called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision cut in the abdomen.

The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery. Menstruation: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus that happens when a woman is not pregnant.

Many types are available over the counter, including ibuprofen and naproxen. Ovaries: Organs in women that contain the eggs necessary to get pregnant and make important hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone that is similar to the hormone made naturally by the body. Prostaglandins: Chemicals that are made by the body that have many effects, including causing the muscle of the uterus to contract, usually causing cramps.

Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus. This procedure is used to stop bleeding after delivery.

It is also used to stop other causes of bleeding from the uterus. Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women's health.

It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Some of the conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include the following: Endometriosis —Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body, such as on the ovaries and fallopian tubes , behind the uterus, and on the bladder.

Relax—Meditating or practicing yoga also can help you cope with pain. The type of surgery depends on the cause of your pain: Fibroids can sometimes be removed with surgery. Adhesions: Scars that can make tissue surfaces stick together. Birth Control: Devices or medications used to prevent pregnancy.

Bladder: A hollow, muscular organ in which urine is stored. Dysmenorrhea: Discomfort and pain during the menstrual period. Estrogen: A female hormone produced in the ovaries. Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus. Menstrual Periods: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus.

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