Menstrual cramps are painful cramps which are felt in the pelvic and the abdominal areas of the body. These cramps are usually a result of menstruation and are not the same kind of discomfort that is experienced during premenstrual syndrome. A lot of women suffer from both the conditions but are unable to distinguish between the two and often use the terminology interchangeably.
There is a lot of cramping in the abdomen during menstruation, however, most of these cramps are not very painful and may not even be felt. There are also some kinds of cramps which are extremely painful and can cause severe discomfort.
ps cramps are characterized with a pinching pain in the abdomen and pelvis. The pain usually begins in the lower abdomen and travels to the pelvic area. In some cases, the calf muscles of the woman may also get cramped. These cramps can be occasional or may even occur after regular intervals.
The cramps are often accompanied with headache, nausea, vomiting, and irregularities in bowel movement.
Causes of Menstrual Cramps
In the reproductive cycle of a woman, the inner lining or the endometrium of the uterus prepares itself for receiving a fertilized egg during each fertility cycle. However, if the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, the extra layers of lining which are made up of blood and tissue begin to shed. When the egg is not fertilized, the amount of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which are released in the fertility cycle, begins to dwindle and the lining swells up and begins to break. To aid the break down of the uterine lining in this manner, molecular compounds known as prostaglandins are released into the blood stream. These compounds aid in the breakdown of the lining, allowing the broken tissue and the discarded blood to flow out of the body. In the next monthly cycle, a new lining is made.
The action of the prostaglandins which causes the uterine muscles to contract and shed the lining, may also cause the cramps that a woman experiences. There are other compounds known as leukotrienes, which are released in the body as a response to the swelling in the woman’s womb, may also have a role to play in menstrual cramps.
Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Cramps are caused due to contracting muscles which may constrict, making the elimination of the blood and tissue extremely painful. Therefore, most of the home remedies for menstrual cramps are centered around dilating the blood vessels and easing the muscles.
The best remedy for menstrual cramps is a hot compress. Soak a towel in warm water and wring it free of water. Wrap the towel around your lower abdomen so that the heat can allow the muscles to relax and the blood and tissue to break down so that it can pass out easily.
Diet for Menstrual Cramps
If you experience menstrual cramps, drink a lot of warm liquids. This helps exude warmth to your muscles and help them relax.
Other Suggestions for Menstrual Cramps
Keep yourself warm in order to avoid menstrual cramps. If the cramping is unusually severe, do consult your doctor.
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