HOW TO DEAL WITH MENSTRUAL PAIN

Menstual pain, menstrual cramps,dysmenorhea... they all mean the same thing. menstrual pain by definition is a gynaecological condition characterized by pain/cramp during menstruation which tends to interfere with the daily activities of the woman, its avery common condition with statistics showing that more than 25% of women world wide. and as much as 90% of adolescent females tend to have menstrual pain at one time or the other.
 Now the pain may be sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting pain,varying among individuals. it may come before menstruation or during menstruation though the pain tends to subside after that. its also believed that child bearing tends to curb the condition though this too is not always the case.The pain is often felt more in the lower abdomen,in some women its felt arond the navel, while others feel it at the left or right part of their abdomen. it may radiate to the lower  back. There are females  who have this pain only transiently while others tend to even require hospitalization.Likely associated symptoms include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, headache, dizziness, disorientation, hypersensitivity to sound, light, smell and touch, fainting, and fatigue. The Symptoms of menstrual pain often begin immediately following ovulation and can last until the end of menstruation.
  
TYPES:
 The type of menstrual pain is grouped into primary and secondary types.

• primary: this is the  most common type AND caused by a normal physiological process.this tends to affect ladies younger than 20 and doesn't have any underlying pathological condition

• secondary: this pain is usally described as crushing or cramping and is usually associated with another know disease such as endometriosis, uterine  fibroids, pelvic  inflammatory disease etc and usually doesnt start from the first menstrual period menarche

What causes menstrual cramps?

During each menstrual period, if there is no sperm to fertilize the egg, the uterus contracts to expel its lining. This process is driven by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are associated with pain and inflammation in higher levels. These uterine contractions cause much of the pain felt during menstrual cramps because the contractions inhibit blood flow to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).

In addition, substances known as leukotrienes are also elevated during menstruation, and they may be a cause of menstrual cramps.   

HOW TO MANAGE MENSTRUAL PAIN 

1. Try not to think about stuff thart would anger or upset you. this build up the chemicals that causes menstrual pain
2. Make sure you avoid caffeine: soda, pop, coffee, etc, etc. Also, avoid foods high in sugar and sodium.
3. Engage in stress releiving activities.exercises helps a great deal/ dance if you can to that favourite jam of yours
4. TRY dietary supplements,Some studies indicate that Vitamin E, thiamine and Omega-3 supplements may reduce menstrual cramps.  
5. Pain killers like NSAIDS e.g ibuprofen tend to reduce menstrual flow and not just the pain. if  you're reactive to  NSAIDS( NON STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS) try taking acetaminophen. it might not work as good. but it sure would work.
6. If you suspect you might have secondary dysmenorhea, see your doctor as soon as possible 

PLS DROP YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENT.