Stomach ache and periods : how to get over the pain?

Many women experience discomfort related to periods, dysmenorrhea. Among the various disorders that a menstruating person may encounter, there are the stomach aches of periods. Lower abdominal pain. How can I get rid of uterine pain at periods ?

Why does my stomach hurt during periods ?

The menstrual cycle is the source of many disorders and in particular of periods symptoms. It's perfectly normal to feel a little pain and discomfort during the periods period. The menstrual cycle is a sea ofhormones that influence our bodies in many ways. The cause of stomach ache during periods is directly linked to the more or less strong contractions that the uterus makes to expel the endometrium. These contractions are caused by an excess of a hormone called prostaglandin.

What are the different types of stomach pain at periods ?

During menstruation, it's not uncommon to experience various types of pain. Many women wonder how to get rid of lower abdominal pain during periods. To find solutions, it's important to identify and understand your pain at periods. Bellyaches during periods are commonly referred to by the medical profession as dysmenorrhea.

Recurrent bloating

During the periods period, and especially just before the onset of pregnancy, you may be prone to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and your stomach ache may be a symptom of bloating. This is because progesterone causes the digestive system to slow down, relax and stop doing its job. Progesterone can then lead to gas accumulation and constipation, often synonymous with a bloated belly at periods. If bloating becomes chronic, we recommend you consult a doctor. Some signs that you are suffering from bloating during your periods :

• a swollen abdomen
• water retention
• upset stomach
• flatulence and gurgling in your digestive tract
• an unpleasant smell when gas is expelled

Cramps of varying severity

The menstrual cramps is the most common problem experienced by women periods. 80% of women experience pain in the lower abdomen, back, legs and thighs at the time of their periods. 15% of women suffering from uterine pain during periods are handicapped in their daily lives. These cramps sare often associated with dizziness, diarrhoea, migraines or nausea during periods.

Dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps and spasms of the uterus, can appear as early as adolescence or adulthood. If pain appears in adulthood, it's a sign of an imbalance or underlying pathology.

Abdominal cramps during periods can be painful and violent, and have several causes:

• If prostaglandins peak too high, resulting in excessive uterine contractions l
• If the cause of the pain is linked to a pathology such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS or uterine fibroids. It is then important to consult a doctor.

How to relieve stomach ache during periods ?

In some cases, periods pain can be unbearable, forcing menstruating women to change their activities or stay in bed. There are several ways to relieve abdominal discomfort during periods. However, beware of self-medication: always seek the advice of a health professional!

Taking medication

There are several drugs on the market, available in pharmacies or by prescription, to relieve pain at periods.
Doctors recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and ibuprofen as first-line treatments. Some drugs, such as Antadys or Ponstyl, are specifically designed to treat abdominal pain during periods. Spasfon and Doliprane can also help reduce spasms and uterine contractions at periods when pain becomes widespread. Be careful not to take aspirin, which will increase bleeding from periods !
Some doctors will prescribe contraceptive pills to regulate hormones and control the menstrual cycle, blood flow and pelvic pain during periods.

Natural methods

• Use a hot-water bottle or cherry-stone hot-water bottle to relieve abdominal pain
• Take a hot bath to relax
• Get enough sleep and take time to rest during the day
• Acupuncture and osteopathy can help limit pain at periods , especially for those with adhesions related to endometriosis or gynecological disease.
• practice a gentle sporting activity such as yoga or walking
• Limit coffee, tea and salt consumption
• Use an essential oil (or several!) adapted to uterine contractions during periods. Ask your pharmacist for advice!
• Avoid stressful situations
• Use appropriate sanitary protection to avoid adding to your discomfort.
• Avoidtobacco and alcohol.

Who should I talk to about painful stomach pains?

If you experience chronic abdominal pain during your periods, whether or not accompanied by heavy bleeding, we recommend that you make a diagnostic appointment with your GP, gynecologist or midwife, who will be able to diagnose your condition and suggest a suitable course of treatment.
If the pain is frequent and increasing in intensity, you may be suffering from endometriosis, a fibroid or another disease. If you have dysmenorrhea but no periods , you probably have a developing pregnancy. Your doctor or healthcare professional will then prescribe a check-up to find the cause.

The FAQ for stomach ache during periods

What causes stomachache during periods ?

How do you get over the stomachache of periods ?

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