Dear Counselor, I am a girl of 18 years. I always have painful menstrautions. What causes pain during menstruation and what can I do about it?
Submitted by Counselor at SchoolNet on 7th April, 2009
Pains during menstruation are very normal unless if they are too severe. This pain is caused by the contraction of the uterus walls as blood is being shed and squeezed out. Pain-killers can help reduce on the pain and if it gets too unbearable, then you should see a health worker preferably a gynecologist and you will get treatment. A hot water bottle placed on the tummy can also reduce the pain.
Some girls, however, do not get pains at all during their menstruation and this too is normal.
Menstruation pain, also called Dysmenorrheal, is pain or cramps before or during menstruation. The pain is caused by endocrine imbalance and it affects many women. The 28 days (on average) changes in the female reproductive system associated with the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy by lining the uterus with blood occur. If fertilization and implantation do not take place, the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is discharged during menstruation.
The menstruation activity causes pain that involves sharp intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, also pelvis and abdomen pain, irritability, fatigue, backache, or nausea. Some women (with adolescents alike) also suffer from very strong pain that makes it impossible for them to perform normal household tasks, work at a job, or school-related activities for a few days during each menstrual cycle.
Now, here are 15 natural ways to treat Menstruation Pain:
1. Blanch ginger or lemon balm tea and drink.
2. Warm a small amount of olive oil, cool and rub on stomach. Lie down for 15-20 minutes.
3. Swallow 1 tablespoon of cumin and 1 glass of arrack to reduce the Menstruation Pain.
4. Once you feel the cramps, eat 1 banana.
5. Drain some pickle juice and drink 1 cup.
6. Swallow two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day with meals.
7. Eat yogurt daily and you won’t get cramps on your period.
8. Cook 150mg of fresh dill with 2 cups of water until it’s decreased to half, stir, and add two spoons of wine (just before you drink). Can drink 3-4 times a day.
9. Suck on a lollypop or peppermint candy to help with stomach cramps.
10. Boil some brown sugar and ginger in water with low heat, cool and drink.
11. Eat rice before menstruation to reduce the pain and bloating.
12. Take a very hot bath, can also add a cup of camomile tea into the water. Put your feet up and a heating pad on your abdomen and under your lower back.
13. Eat 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds a few days before you get the period.
However, when the pain persists I advise that you go to the health facility near you for advice.