Expert recommendation on managing menstrual ache and irregularities

​Menstrual ache, often known as dysmenorrhea, is a typical health situation that may have a major influence on a lady’s every day actions since every lady experiences period ache in her personal distinctive manner, starting from gentle discomfort to extreme ache. While menstrual durations sometimes final for 4 to seven days, some girls might expertise irregular durations because of components resembling hormonal fluctuations, stress, underlying well being circumstances and extra.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sakshi Goel, Senior Consultant, MBBS, MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, suggetsed, “To effectively manage menstrual pain and irregularities, it is advisable to engage in gentle physical activities like walking or practicing Yoga. These activities can promote increased blood flow, which in turn helps alleviate menstrual discomfort. For immediate relief, using a heating pad or enjoying a warm bath can effectively ease menstrual cramps. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial during this time. A nutritious diet not only supports overall health but also aids in maintaining hormonal balance.”

Dr Radhika Raturi, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology at GR Hospital in
Dehradun, defined, “Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as painful periods, can significantly affect one’s well-being. It refers to the discomfort experienced during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs without an underlying condition, while secondary dysmenorrhea is linked to reproductive organ issues. The pain is caused by increased levels of prostaglandins, resulting in stronger uterine contractions for shedding the uterine lining.”

She elaborated, “Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition characterized by recurrent menstrual cramps that occur without any underlying medical condition. The pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea typically begins one to two days before the start of menstruation and may manifest as mild to severe abdominal, back, or thigh pain. Primary dysmenorrhea usually subsides within two to three days, providing relief until the next menstrual cycle. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when painful periods are caused by an underlying condition or infection affecting the reproductive organs. Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea usually starts earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer. This type of dysmenorrhea is often indicative of an underlying medical issue and requires further investigation and management. Several conditions can lead to secondary dysmenorrhea, including: endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervical stenosis, and congenital abnormalities.”

Highlighting that it’s regular to have some ache throughout menstruation, Dr Radhika Raturi mentioned, “Approximately 60% of women experience mild cramps during their period. However, around 5% to 15% of women report severe period pain that affects their daily activities. This percentage may be higher, as many people do not report their menstrual pain. In most cases, painful periods become less severe with age and may improve after giving birth.”

She shared the next ideas for managing menstrual ache –

• Medication for Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) resembling ibuprofen or naproxen successfully cut back prostaglandin ranges. These drugs inhibit the manufacturing of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing uterine contractions and relieving ache.
• Hormonal Birth Control: Hormonal choices, together with oral contraceptives, patches, or vaginal rings, regulate hormone ranges and cut back menstrual ache. Hormonal contraception can assist suppress the manufacturing of prostaglandins, leading to much less intense uterine contractions and decreased ache throughout menstruation.