Period
pain is thought to be caused by contractions of the uterus that
occur when the blood supply to its lining (endometrium) is reduced.
Another theory suggests that menstrual cramps are related to hormone-like
substances that can cause muscles in the uterus to go into spasm.
There are two types of period pain, or dysmenorrhea, to give it
it’s technical term:
Primary dysmenorrhea is usually suffered by girls who have just
begun to menstruate. Medical experts believe that this type of period
pain disappears or becomes less severe after a woman leaves her
teens or gives birth. However, it is also thought that the this
type of pain occurs only at the completion of an 'ovulatory' menstrual
cycle, ie one during which an egg was released. It does not occur
after an 'anovulatory' cycle during which no egg was released. As
women leave their teens, and/or give birth, they tend to use the
contraceptive pill. In many cases, this causes them to have 'anovulatory'
cycles, which don’t cause period pain. Oral contraceptives
reduce painful periods in 70 to 80 per cent of women.
This type of period pain is due to common gynaecological conditions,
such as fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. An intrauterine
contraceptive device (IUCD), especially if you've never been pregnant,
can also cause period pain. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is diagnosed
in only one-quarter of women with dysmenorrhoea. Oral contraceptives
do not reduce painful periods in the case of secondary dysmenorrhea.
Tell us about your experience of period pain.
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