Why do I have pain at periods ?
The painful periods are the result of uterine contraction, which evacuates the mucous membrane / endometrium that detaches at the end of the cycle, when the egg has not been fertilized.
We can represent pain at periods on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most severe). A pain level of 10 represents maximum pain (when you're writhing in pain).
We advise you to consult a doctor when your pain reaches 6. Of course, this pain is subjective and specific to each menstruating person. Some people will identify their pain as a 4, while others will put it at a 7.
We consider that :
- From 1 to 3, it's a mild pain. There is some discomfort and minor pain, but this has no impact on daily life. The pain does not prevent you from taking part in any activity. The solution for these mild aches and pains? Apply a hot water bottle to your belly, or practice a gentle sport like yoga or stretching, which will act on the muscles and tensions felt. You can also use essential oils to help you relax.
- From 4 to 6, we're talking about average pain. For this type of pain, in addition to the hot water bottle and natural solutions mentioned above, we can think about painkillers, especially if the pain has an impact on our daily life.
- Pain levels of 7 to 10 are high. When the pain has been present for several days and neither natural solutions nor painkillers are working, it's important to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional, who will be able to help you.
The menstrual panties Elia menstrual briefs can help you cope better with periods, especially when your periods are heavy and painful. Made from soft, certified organic cotton, they avoid the irritation you may experience with other types of protection. They don't constrict the tummy, so they won't make your tummy ache worse during periods.
How to relieve pain periods
There are as many techniques as there are women to relieve pain at periods.
However, some techniques and tricks are better known than others:
- Breathing: to relieve menstrual pain, the breath is an easy area to work on. Breathing into the belly can help relieve menstrual pain. A simple breathing exercise consists in inhaling deeply by inflating the belly, then emptying it by exhaling. Breathing should be belly-based.
- The yoga Yin yoga is a gentle type of yoga, perfectly suited to the pain of periods. It's a regenerative type of yoga that brings gentleness and comfort. It's a practice that favours floor postures. Positions are generally held for between 45 seconds and 7 minutes. It provides deep relaxation of tissues, ligaments and tendons.
- Essential oils help you relax. Tiger Balm can also be used to relieve pain at periods. Its warmth relieves stomach pains, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. It will ease contractures, while lthe scent of essential oils will help you relax through breathing.
- Herbal teas: depending on the one you choose, the virtues vary. We recommend German chamomile and marigold herbal teas for their calming and soothing qualities, or thyme infusions for their antispasmodic properties.
- Foot reflexology can also help relieve pain at periods.
Why do I have pain at periods without having my periods ?
The stomach ache we feel during our menstruation is not only due to periods. There may be several reasons for this:
- Aches and pains can herald the arrival of periods even though they haven't yet arrived - this is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS also includes other symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, acne, headaches, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.
- Pain may be due to a pelvic infection, caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea etc. Other symptoms associated with an STI are fever, foul-smelling and abundant discharge, pain during urination or intercourse, or uterine bleeding. If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor, who will be able to give you the right treatment.
- Ovarian cyst rupture: ovarian cysts are not necessarily dangerous to health. Most of the time, their presence is not even noticed. But the rupture of an ovarian cyst can cause pain similar to that felt during menstruation. It can also cause bleeding other than the periods. In this case, consult your gynecologist for a thorough examination.
- Endometriosis Endometriosis: this disease causes pain in the pelvic area, during periods, but also throughout the cycle. For many women, this pain is a disabling part of their daily lives. In fact, it affects 1 in 10 women. Painful intercourse is also a symptom of endometriosis. If you feel pain that prevents you from leading a normal life, consult your gynecologist: pain is not normal!
Is it possible to have pain from periods and still be pregnant?
Sometimes, pain similar to that of periods is actually indicative of early pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
This is when the egg develops outside the uterus, in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy can never be carried to term. An ectopic pregnancy is suspected if there is constant, severe abdominal pain and an absence of menstrual periods. You should consult your gynecologist immediately if you experience these pains, as an ectopic pregnancy can lead to pregnancy rupture and severe internal bleeding if not treated in time. In the most serious cases, this can lead to death.
Ectopic pregnancies now account for 2% of all pregnancies, a figure that has tended to increase in recent years due to risks such as smoking, or a conception age over 35.
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