Where does menstrual pain come from & what helps against it?
Around half of all women know the regular suffering of menstrual pain. Especially at the beginning of the period it comes to convulsions. The pain in the abdomen, abdomen and pelvic region can be so exhausting that everyday life has to be reduced to zero for just a few hours. Responsible for the misery is a group of tissue hormones called prostaglandins.
Cause of the menstrual pain
For the possible implantation of a fertilized egg, the uterine lining is a well-perfused layer. Here prostaglandins are produced from the so-called series-2. If it does not come to fertilization, the mucous membrane dies. Now, the hormone causes the muscles of the uterus to contract and the mucosal tissue is pushed through the cervix through contraction. This leads to a reduced blood flow in the tissue and its supply of oxygen is reduced. In some women now begins the common pain. A narrow cervix or a wallowing uterus can also cause pain. Mental factors such as stress and restlessness are mentioned as another cause.
Duration and concomitants
Menstrual cramps vary greatly in their strength and duration. In one he is gone after a few hours, in the other he pulls himself over days. It becomes even more draining if, in addition, migraine, back pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are added.
What to do about the acute pain?
If you do not want to use the painkiller immediately, you can support the relaxation of the uterus with herbal teas such as yarrow, lady's mantle, chamomile, lemon balm or chaste tree. Heat on the abdomen or back can relieve the pain. Hot water bottle, warm baths or warm cherry stone pillows? Anything that is pleasant is allowed.
Better circulation through movement
If you want to move (and can), you can go for a walk. Anything that promotes blood circulation helps the lining of the uterus to detach. Yoga exercises, gymnastics, Nordic walking or cycling relieve the pelvis and the back area. Even an orgasm works, because here not only pain relieving endorphins are released, it also relax the muscles in the abdomen during muscle contraction.
Pay attention to nutrition
One week before the menstrual period, it is recommended to pay special attention to the diet. Now, the abandonment of animal foods such as meat, sausage, eggs or milk is announced, as they are the raw material for the formation of prostaglandins from the series-2. Also, sugar, alcohol and table salt should be avoided as much as possible.
Keep magnesium under control
Menstrual pain can also be compounded by magnesium deficiency. A lot of magnesium contains nuts, bananas, wheat germ, legumes and whole grain rice.
Conventional medicine relies on painkillers
If painkillers are used, it is important in severe pain to resort to a preparation that inhibits the formation of prostaglandins and thus solves the cramps. Here, a discussion with the pharmacist or pharmacist is worthwhile, because women report that they often try painkillers in times of need, but they bring little improvement or "hit the stomach". In addition, the inhibition of Series 2 seizure-causing prostaglandins also affects the Series 1 and Series 3 prostaglandins, and these are important in inhibiting inflammation or reducing blood clotting.
And what about the pill?
If nothing helps, some women decide to take the pill. This prevents ovulation and the formation of the endometrium is reduced. In rare cases, women continue to complain of pain. In this case, a change of the drug can help.
Surely you have more tips, because already 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia women suffered from the recurrent "ailment", and of prostaglandins was certainly not talked back then.
