What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are a common issue for many people. These cramps, often paired with discomfort and sometimes intense pain, can occur before and/or during menstruation. Their intensity and duration can vary, but understanding the root causes can help you manage and reduce this monthly discomfort. Additionally, finding the most suitable period products to ease discomfort is essential and varies for each person. 

Just as menstrual cups come in different shapes and sizes, the causes of menstrual cramps differ among individuals. Some of the most common causes of period cramps include:

Prostaglandins - these hormone-like substances produced by the body trigger uterine contractions. The uterus needs to contract to shed its lining during menstruation. While necessary, research shows higher levels of prostaglandins can result in more intense and uncomfortable contractions, leading to painful cramping.

Endometriosis - this painful and sometimes debilitating condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis can cause severe cramping and pelvic pain during menstruation due to irritation and inflammation of this tissue. Other symptoms of endometriosis include heavy bleeding during periods, severe period pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and can lead to infertility.

Uterine fibroids - also called leiomyomas or myomas, these growths in the uterine wall are almost always noncancerous and are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. Depending on their size and location, they can lead to significant menstrual cramping, excessive bleeding and reproductive problems. 

Adenomyosis - similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis involves the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. Specifically targeting the muscular wall of the uterus, it often results in more painful periods and severe cramping, and can cause the uterus to double, or even triple, in size.

Stress and lifestyle habits - lack of exercise or an unhealthy diet, can exacerbate menstrual cramping. An increase in stress hormones can affect menstrual cycles and increase pain perception, leading to painful period cramps.

Some of these conditions can cause ongoing pain and long-term complications. If you often experience severe menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding and/or pain during sex, you should speak with your doctor. 

There are various at-home remedies that can help to alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. Over-the-counter medications can help with pain and inflammation. Applying heat to the lower abdomen can relax muscles and alleviate cramping. Deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can reduce stress and lessen the intensity of menstrual cramps. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve blood circulation,  release endorphins and help regulate hormones, potentially easing period cramping.

Switching from tampons to menstrual cups or discs can also relieve cervical pressure and reduce cramping. Additionally, this switch may shorten the length of the period by preventing micro-tears in the vaginal wall.

Cramps are, unfortunately, a common aspect of menstruation. While occasional discomfort is normal, severe or debilitating cramps may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires a doctor's attention. Understanding the causes of cramping and adopting effective management strategies, can provide some relief and reduce the negative impact menstrual cramping can have on your quality of life. Finding the right period product, like a menstrual cup or menstrual disc or period underwear, might be the key to alleviating cramps and improving your menstrual experience.

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3R91ZCr