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Pain, pain go away
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Pain, pain go away

Pain, cramps, bloating and mood swings are common during periods. But why does the body react this way? We ask experts

pain during periods

For many women, periods are accompanied by many aches and pains. Doctors say that pain is natural; it is also natural for menstruating women to feel lethargic and even go through emotional breakdowns and mood swings.

Dr Manpreet Sodhi, consultant obstetrics and gynecology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, Haryana, talks about the reasons for the pain. “The uterus contracts during the menstrual cycle to aid in the expulsion of its lining. The uterine muscles contract because of hormone-like molecules (prostaglandins); they are involved in pain and inflammation. Severe menstrual cramps and breast tenderness are linked to higher prostaglandin levels,” says Dr Sodhi.


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She adds that the most common kind of pain radiates from the back to the medial side of the thigh and legs during periods. This is due to spasmodic pain in the nerves of the uterus.

That’s exactly what Saritri Naik, 36, who works in an MNC company in Bengaluru faces every month. “Those two days [the first two days] are so painful. The pain along with the heavy flow restricts me to bed,” says Naik.

She tries many things to soothe herself during periods like sleeping in a prone position with a pillow under her belly and consuming hot food and liquids. She also distracts herself from the pain by watching web series and keeping herself warm in bed.

Dr Shafalika S B, consultant gynecologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, says that usually, it is women in the age group of 20-40 who experience period pain. Among young people, the pain is usually because of a functional cause.

“In young girls, the opening of the uterus is very tiny. The menstrual blood tries to come out from the tiny opening because of which the uterus squeezes harder. That’s why they get lower abdominal discomfort, which radiates to the lower and upper back and lower thighs. This is called primary dysmenorrhea which is largely harmless,” says Dr Shafalika.

She adds that if the pain is severe and affects a woman’s daily activities, then the cause of the pain has to be evaluated. “The pain may also be due to underlying conditions like adenomyosis and endometriosis or even fibroids,” she says.

It is not just pain; some women also experience other symptoms during periods.

Constipation and frequent bowel movements: Dr Shafalika points out that the menstrual cycle involves lots of hormonal changes and these hormonal changes can cause gastrointestinal issues like loose stools, constipation, bloating and fever.

Women could also experience menstrual migraine.

Dr Swati Chitnis, gynaecologist and obstetrician Shalby Multispeciality Hospitals Ahmedabad, Gujarat, says that most of the symptoms are self-resolving. “We advise women to take probiotics like buttermilk, curd and even warm fluids for relief and hydration,” says Dr Chitnis.

Sexual urge:  Dr Chitnis adds that due to an increase in estrogen and testosterone, women may experience an increase in sexual desire/libido during their ovulation period. It is a major mechanism to ensure that reproduction takes place, adds the doctor.

Emotional breakdown: Due to the fall in progesterone levels, women could experience mood swings during this period. Dr Chitnis says that feeling low, getting upset or sad are natural.

“Estrogen levels peak during the second part of the menstrual cycle, around which time women begin to experience PMS symptoms, and then [estrogen] decreases swiftly, making them feel drained or lethargic,” says Dr Sodhi.

Practising yoga, meditating, reading a book, watching a movie and talking to friends can help one through this time, points out Dr Chitnis.

Feeling of heaviness: Explaining the logic behind it, experts say that just before the period (luteal phase), there is an excess of progesterone which causes fluid retention in the body, due to which the body tends to feel bloated and heavy. When the periods arrive, progesterone levels drop drastically and the body pushes out all the fluid that is accumulated; the person then feels lighter and better. Experts advise limiting the intake of salt to help reduce bloating.

Itchiness:  Itchiness in the vaginal area if repeated in each period cycle, is to be checked with a gynecologist. “Frequent washing of the vaginal area is not recommended as it will dry out the skin and that can lead to cracks and itchiness. Itchiness can be caused due to bacterial or fungal infection, allergy or due to pads and condoms,” says Dr Chitnis.

Acne: Pimples can show up during periods because of plummeting levels of estrogen and progesterone right before menstruation, says Dr Sodhi. “Sebum, an oily fluid that lubricates the skin, may be secreted in greater amounts as a result. Too much might cause breakouts and blocked pores. Hormones can also stimulate the development of acne-causing bacteria.”

Period pain: explaining the menstrual cycle

While many experience periods once in 28 days, the menstrual cycle can vary between 21-35 days. It is divided into four stages – the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase and the luteal phase.

Menstrual phase: This phase is commonly referred to as periods. The walls of the uterus break down and are shed through bleeding. It usually lasts for two to seven.

Follicular phase: After the completion of periods, follicles develop in the ovary which secretes estrogen. Estrogen helps in the growth of the endometrium – the lining of the uterus.

Ovulatory stage: In this phase, the egg is released from the ovary. The egg moves through the fallopian tube and then to the uterus. Once the egg is released, the ovaries produce progesterone which makes the endometrium thicker.

Luteal phase: After ovulation, the uterus prepares for pregnancy where the uterus lining is completely ready to receive a fertilised egg. The cells in the ovary continue to produce progesterone and if fertilisation doesn’t take place, the progesterone level will fall and the periods will begin.

Takeaways

Many women experience pain during periods. While the intensity of the pain and related symptoms can vary, there could also be associated symptoms like mood swings, lethargy and irritation. Rest, hydration and hot packs can help relieve the pain.

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