Why do I have painful periods?
Painful periods are the result of the uterine contraction that evacuates the mucous membrane / endometrium that detaches at the end of the cycle, when the ovum has not been fertilized.
We can represent menstrual pain 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 unique to each menstruating person. Some people will identify their pain at 4, while others will put it at 7.
We consider that :
- From 1 to 3, the pain is mild. There is some discomfort and minor pain, but this has no impact on daily life. The pain does not prevent you from carrying out 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, you can think about painkillers, especially if the pain has an impact on your daily life.
- Pain levels from 7 to 10 are high. When it has been present for several days and neither natural solutions nor painkillers are working, then it's important to consult your doctor or a health professional, who will be able to help you.
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How to relieve period pain?
There are as many techniques for relieving period pain as there are women.
However, some techniques and tips are better known than others:
- Breathing: when it comes to relieving menstrual pain, breath is an easy area to work on. Belly breathing 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 form of yoga, perfectly suited to menstrual pain. 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 for menstrual pain. Its warmth helps relieve abdominal pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. It will ease contractures, while the 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 menstrual pain.
Why do I have period pains without having my period?
The stomach ache you feel during your period isn't just due to your period. There may be several reasons for this:
- The pain may herald the arrival of a period, but it hasn'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.
- The 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.
- Rupture of an ovarian cyst: 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 menstruation. In this case, consult your gynecologist for a thorough examination.
- Endometriosis Endometriosis: this disease causes pain in the pelvic area during menstruation and 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 experience pain that prevents you from leading a normal life, consult your gynecologist: pain is not normal!
Is it possible to have period pains and still be pregnant?
Sometimes period-like pain is actually a sign of early pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
It's 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 the woman's death.
Ectopic pregnancies currently account for 2% of all pregnancies, a figure that has been on the rise in recent years due to risks such as smoking, or a conception age over 35.
