90% of women have experienced period cramps, and we believe that many our audience experience the pain every month.
Do you ever wonder what causes period cramps? How to stop period cramps, and what can we eat to relieve it?
What causes period cramps?
Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, back pain, headache, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
There are two types of period cramps: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by a severe contraction within the uterus during the first few days of the menstrual cycle. Typical treatments are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and smooth muscle relaxants.
On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by another disorder.
Endometriosis, chocolate cyst, uterine fibroids, and uterine adenomyosis can be the conditions that cause cramps. It is recommended to consult a professional and treat the diseases.
Read more: What is a chocolate cyst? Do I need to remove it?
3 things you should avoid for period cramps
Abnormal lifestyle
It is not surprising that an unbalanced diet, stating up late, stress, smoking, etc. are all possible causes of period cramps. Maintain good habits is improtant to reduce period pain as a long-term strategy.
Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise causes poor blood circulation and therefore increases the likelihood of period cramps.
However, during period cramps, it is recommended to reduce the amount and intensity of exercise.
You can still do sports depending on your body conditions, but don’t forget to take a rest if you feel uncomfortable.
Caffeine intake
Drinks such as coffee, coke, tea, etc. should be avoided during period cramps.
How to stop period cramps? What to eat to relieve period cramps?
You must have heard of eating chocolate or drinking hot cocoa to relieve period cramps. Well, it’s not completely wrong.
Since chocolate contains ingredients such as tryptophan and refined sugar, it makes you feel happy and thus provides a short relief.
However, it is not a cure for period cramps.
Then, what to do for period cramps?
Take enough nutrients
The following nutrients are recommended to take during period cramps:
- Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids
- Calcium
- Antioxidant nutrients
Common foods include milk, soy milk, salmon, tuna, nuts, whole grain rice, brown rice, oatmeal, red meat, and dark green vegetables.
If you are trying to conceive, we understand the frustration to see the period. However, we encourage you to take this as a little break and get enough rest for your body.
Many of the nutritions above are also recommended also for getting pregnant. By consuming them and taking good rest, your body is prepared again for the next “peak time”!
Read more: Best Prepregnancy Diets: What foods to eat to increase your fertility when trying to conceive?
Warm compress
In addition to taking nutrients, using hot towels or warm compress can increase blood flow and relieve the pain of period cramps.
Painkillers
If the pain is unbearable, taking painkillers is a quick and effective way to relieve it.
However, painkillers can relieve the pain but not the root cause. It is not recommended to rely too much on painkillers. While taking painkillers, we should always follow the recommendations of professionals to avoid overdosing.
The key to relieving period cramps
Although period cramps can rely on painkillers for short-term improvement, the most effective approach is adjusting your lifestyle habits.
Maintaining good habits can also improve your body condition. Especially for women who are trying to conceive, it is important to keep good habits to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
We believe that many readers of Eveline may be preparing for pregnancy. We understand that it is frustrating to experience the period after each month’s attempt and to suffer from the period cramps.
But please do remember that it’s never easy to get pregnant. Take a good rest and good care of your body this month. When the next ovulation comes, Eveline will be here to help you know when it’s peak time!
———
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
———
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels
