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Is It Period Cramps or Something Else?
Period cramps often feel like throbbing or tightening in the lower abdomen.
Common PMS symptoms include bloating, fatigue, irritability, and weight gain.
Su Arslanoglu/ Getty Images
Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common punch in of painful period.
A chronic health condition does not cause it.
The most likely cause is having too manyprostaglandins, chemicals that cause the uterus to contract.
When the body has an abundance of prostaglandins, cramping feels worse.
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to painful periods brought on by an underlying health condition that affects the reproductive organs.
The pain usually gets worse over time and may continue after your period ends.
Early pregnancy may also causeimplantation bleeding, which comes up whenever the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall.
Why Period Cramps Hurt
Period cramps hurt because the uterus contracts and relaxes during your period.
A high number of prostaglandins can lead to more cramping pain.
It may also lead to chronic pelvic pain.
About 30% to 50% of people with painful periods experience severe pain.
Several factors affect period pain, including medical conditions, age, lifestyle, and socioeconomic determinants of health.
Mental health conditions may affect your pain level during your periods.
Period cramps are abnormal when they affect your ability to function in your daily life.
Painful periods are common, and you may find it challenging to advocate for yourself.
If your healthcare provider has dismissed your concerns, seek a second opinion.
These physicians have specialized training in chronic pain management.
Most people with painful periods do not require a pain specialist.
However, if treatment options have not been successful, consider asking for a referral to a pain specialist.
How Self-Care Eases Period Cramps
Self-care practices may seem like small decisions but can relieve period cramps.
Some discomfort during your period is common, but unbearable pain is not.
Chronic health conditions that cause painful periods include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and ovarian torsion.
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