Ladies, if you dread those painful days of the month and feel that popping a pill is the only way to deal with it, you should think twice. Dr Nupur Gupta, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Director Well Woman Clinic, Gurgaon, says,‘You should only take a pill if the menstrual pain is affecting your day-to-day activities. And before taking one, you should always consult a doctor about the same.’
In most cases, painkillers are the best way to get rid of the excruciating pain that you go through during your periods. The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is that you should take a painkiller as soon as you experience pain. The medications that are commonly prescribed include ibuprofen/paracetamol, naproxen 250mg and mefenamic acid/dicyclomine for 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days. But if you are already taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or are suffering from any health problem, please consult your doctor before use.
Just like every medication has a side-effect (when taken in excess), so do painkillers. Prolonged use of ibuprofen/paracetamol may cause serious side effects such as bleeding disorders and damage to the liver. The common side-effects of these medications are –
- Gastric problem
- Stomach pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tightening of the chest
- Dizziness
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
Hence, it is always recommended not to use painkillers to relieve menstrual pain unless required. There are several other ways to manage painful periods at home. Although they may not stop the pain completely, these tips are quite effective in easing the pain.
Stop smoking: The chemicals present in the cigarette smoke alter the blood composition, making it thicker. It also causes the constriction of your blood vessels hindering proper flow and further increase your risk of experiencing pain during periods.
Exercise regularly: Of the various health benefits of exercising, being active and exercising regularly plays a key role in reducing pain during menstruation. You don’t have to hit the gym or perform strenuous exercises, even yoga or pilates and simple exercises like walking, cycling and swimming are quite helpful in dealing with menstrual pain. Here’s how to beat menstrual cramps and pain with yoga.
Try hot compresses: If you are home and are experiencing severe pain, try applying a hot pad or hot water bottle (a bottle filled with hot bottle, preferably a steel bottle). This helps in relaxing the muscles of the abdomen and also improves blood flow. Be careful while using it (do not use very hot water packs).
Take a warm bath or shower: If you are feeling tired along with extreme pain, it is better to take a bath or shower. It not only helps in relieving your pain but also relaxes your mind and body.
Massage: Another quick way to ease the menstrual pain is through massaging the lower abdominal area. All you need to do is massage your lower abdomen in light circular motions with your fingertips. You can also apply some warm oil as it intensifies the effect.
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) – A TENS machine works by releasing small electrical impulses through sticky pads that are placed on your skin. These stimulate the nerves in your pelvic area and thus, help in relieving pain. TENS machines are easily available in pharmacies and can be used at home. Before you buy one, consult your doctor about the same.
After following a strict diet and performing exercises daily, if you still experience menstrual-like cramps, it can be due to underlying conditions of the reproductive tract such as –
- Endometriosis: It is a condition in which the uterine tissue appears outside the uterus
- Fibroids and adenomyosis: These are noncancerous (benign) growths in the uterus that often result in abdominal pain
- Infections in the reproductive organs: In some cases, infections of the reproductive organs can also lead to abdominal pain. Here are 10 menstrual hygiene tips every girl and woman should know
- Abnormal pregnancy: It mainly includes ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes, outside the uterus)
- IUD (intra-uterine device): Consistent lower abdominal pain can be caused due to the use of an IUD for birth control
- Other conditions: Narrow cervix and ovarian cysts are some of the common health problems that might cause menstrual-like cramps.
So consult your doctor before taking painkillers to ease menstrual pain. And if you have been experiencing extreme pain, it’s better to consult a doctor at the earliest to rule out other possible causes of menstrual-like cramps.
You may also like to read:
Image Source: Shutterstock
For more on women’s health, visit our women’s health section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For health related queries, visit our Q&A section.