Why can there be painful periods. Painful menstruation - algomenorrhea - causes and treatment. Forms of painful periods

Pain is considered to be a sign of a disorder of any of the functions of the body, a signal of malfunctions. But there is a natural process during which any discomfort is perceived almost as the norm. Severe pain during menstruation, especially on the first day, is experienced by most women of reproductive age. For some, the state of health is disturbed so much that it is impossible to do ordinary things and even just stand on your feet. Some perceive pain as doomed, trying to endure it, while others try to find a way to get rid of them. The question of why there is so much suffering in the initial days of menstruation rests on female physiology. This does not mean that you need to turn a blind eye to poor health, even if the gynecologist said that there are no pathologies.

Types of pain

For the first time, physical ailments may appear in girls already at menarche or within 1-3 years after the establishment of the ovulatory cycle. Discomfort covers in the first hours of menstruation or may begin 1-2 days before. The severity and strength of pain symptoms are different for everyone: from barely perceptible to unbearable. It is customary for medical specialists to combine such symptoms with the concept of algomenorrhea - a menstrual disorder. If painful sensations are associated with periodic delays in menstruation due to ovarian dysfunction, they speak of dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual pains can be primary: pursue from the onset of puberty. In such cases, the suffering of the first day is rather difficult to endure: accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever.

The secondary appears after a period of relative well-being due to various kinds of diseases, surgical interventions, neurotic abnormalities, and disorders in the sexual sphere. In such cases, severe heaviness in the lower third of the abdomen, spasms can be observed.

Why pain is painfully tolerated on the first day depends on a number of interrelated factors, including fluctuations in hormonal balance, the work of the nervous, muscular and vascular systems, and the psychological state of the woman.

Causes of pain

In primary algomenorrhea, conditionally natural and pathological causes of painful menstruation are isolated. At the beginning of the next cycle, the uterine cavity, lined with a dense mucous membrane, without receiving a fertilized egg, begins to contract, pushing out unnecessary epithelium. The process is regulated by sex hormones. During this period, the walls and neck of the organ are filled with blood and separated myometrium. Therefore, the first contractions are always transferred especially uncomfortable. Even with complete well-being, women feel squeezing and stiffness in the lower abdomen before menstruation, accompanied by physical fatigue. Severe pain can be caused by the following reasons:

an increased amount of prostaglandins - pain neurotransmitters in the myometrium;
violation of the synthesis of hormones: dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline;
lack of minerals and hypovitaminosis;
abnormal development of the connective tissue of the body;
features of the location and shape of the uterus: deviations, kinks, bends, underdevelopment.

Read also 🗓 Why does my throat hurt at the beginning of menstruation

The reason why the stomach hurts a lot before menstruation is a hidden neurological disorder, psychological trauma and other mental health conditions of a woman that affect the physical level.

Secondary algomenorrhea always suggests the presence of pathologies. Common causes of pain cycle disorder that occurs in women after a prosperous period:

improperly selected contraception, usually an IUD;
development of systemic diseases: diabetes mellitus, coronary disease, thyroid pathologies;
transferred inflammation of the internal genital organs;
surgical abortions, therapeutic curettage;
growing tumors of the uterus, endometriosis;
nervous or physical exhaustion on the background or sports.

In women over 40 years old, who are perplexed, they have recently become, thus a beginning menopause may appear.

Pain on the first day

Since the body of each woman is individual, pain on the first day of the next menstruation begins and proceeds differently. A characteristic clinical picture: a gradual increase in discomfort 10–12 hours before the onset of discharge. The syndrome develops as a series of successive contractions, pains in the abdominal cavity. The pain can be felt as stabbing, singing, burning, jerking, radiating to the rectum, bladder, thighs, and mammary glands. The following symptoms are also noted:

The initial degree of algomenorrhea is tolerated as a slight discomfort: the pain is quite tolerable, does not require medical relief, and gradually disappears within 1-2 days. At the same time, women do not pay attention to trouble or simply rest more.
With an average degree, it is already impossible to get along with pain. Contractions or cramps in the abdomen begin even before menstruation, and in the first hours of the discharge become unbearable. Almost always, health disorders occur with vegetative and neurological symptoms: severe irritability, sweating, trembling in the limbs, numbness.
In severe cases, the first pain signs appear a few days before menstruation, at the beginning of the cycle, a woman is forced to lie in bed all day due to excruciating pain and complete inability to perform any actions. Frequent accompanying symptoms: severe tachycardia, heavy sweat,. Recovery may take several days after menstruation.

How to relieve pain

To endure even a “natural” deterioration in well-being is very harmful to the nervous system. This can lead to the development of depression, neuroses, and greatly complicates life. If the first day is not the result of a tumor or other organic lesion, you need to resort to medical methods of help. It is useful to start drinking painkillers not at the beginning of the cycle, but a day before the expected discharge. To relieve pain during menstruation, drugs based on paracetamol, ibuprofen, drotaverine help. Painkillers that combine several active ingredients are more effective. For example, Trigan-D containing an analgesic and antispasmodic. Usually the use of a suitable remedy helps to alleviate severe soreness.

If the pills do not help or the effect of them is insignificant and short-lived, you can try physiological methods. The day before the onset of menstruation and on the first day, it is recommended to drink more diuretic liquids: weakly brewed tea, decoctions of parsley, dill seeds, elecampane root, currant compote. This will contribute to better resorption and removal of puffiness. Additionally, you can apply dry heat to the stomach and lower back: a heating pad, a bottle of hot water. For some, it is not warming the abdominal wall that helps relieve severe cramps, but cold. It is undesirable to use ice, it is enough to put a towel moistened with cold water on the lower abdomen.

For more tips on how to reduce period pain, ask your gynecologist.

Pain treatment

If the first painful day of the menstrual cycle is not associated with a health disorder, is not accompanied by delays, the discharge has a normal appearance - without massive blood clots and pus, the therapy does not involve any specific methods. Pain treatment in this case consists in the timely prevention of symptoms and their maximum relief:

It is recommended to choose a suitable painkiller. For each woman he is different: Ketanov, Ibuklin helps one, the other - No-Shpa, Trigan-D or Nise.
If health allows, on the first day of menstruation you need to walk more - movement contributes to a better discharge of edema, myometrium and mucus.
It is useful to perform special relaxing stretching exercises, yoga asanas.
A light massage of the abdominal wall helps, which can be performed independently: with palms for 1-2 minutes. perform stroking and rubbing the abdomen clockwise.

They say that the progenitor Eve is to blame for women's ailments - painful childbirth and menstruation. She managed to eat the forbidden fruit, and even incite Adam to an ungodly act! That's why, history testifies, the creator ordered the entire female sex not only to give birth in agony, but also to lose blood every month with pain.

This, of course, is still the question of why the entire weaker sex is raped for the sin of one Eve. But, one way or another, the problem of painful periods confronts seven out of ten women almost from the very beginning of menstruation.

Causes of pain during menstruation

If we ignore the biblical story, then there may be several reasons for the pain during menstruation.
One of them is a lack of calcium and magnesium in the body. Another, more common in women of mature age, is the presence of fibroids, fibroids or endometriosis.

In addition, provoke pain during menstruation, various inflammatory processes in the pelvis, as well as sexual infections.

In cases where the source of pain is not associated with severe damage to the reproductive organs and infectious diseases, physiological discomfort during menstruation can be significantly reduced with the help of traditional painkillers or using folk remedies.

Folk remedies for pain during menstruation

Among the recipes of folk remedies for getting rid of pain during menstruation, teas with medicinal herbs, decoctions of chamomile and oregano, as well as an infusion of the so-called red brush are most often found. This is such a traditional "female" herb, used by ancient healers in the villages to treat heavy and painful menstruation. In addition, in such cases, following a certain diet and some pleasant indulgences in food also help to achieve the goal and cope with pain during menstruation.

Herbal tea for period pain

If the monthly natural process of cleansing the reproductive organs is painful, then the first step is to impose a taboo on yourself. Well, or at least significantly reduce the use, especially a few days before the onset of menstruation.

Classic black tea for period pain

An excellent proven remedy for painful periods is strong black tea, freshly brewed, sweet to cloying and very hot. It is better to drink it reclining in bed, placing a warm heating pad on the lower abdomen.

Chocolate for period pain

Bitter chocolate has an inexplicable property to relieve spastic pain during menstruation. Although there is a plausible explanation: eating is accompanied by an increase in the level of hormones of happiness - endorphins. These are the ones that provide pain relief. Therefore, eat chocolate during menstruation, as much as you like - today you can not give a damn about the waist.

And in general, some people manage to lose up to five to six kilograms of weight!

Bananas for period pain

Banana, by the way, can be dipped in bitter chocolate dissolved in a water bath or in honey - the amount of endorphins in the blood will definitely go off scale.

Cognac against pain during menstruation

Just don't get carried away with this tool! Overdo it - and it will become even worse if it also drags on to painful periods. Experts say that to eliminate discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation, 50-70 grams of brandy is enough.

However, get it on your nose that it’s better not to even get cognac from the bar if you use antispasmodic drugs, or sedative or painkillers.

Other effective ways to deal with pain during menstruation

Very often, painful periods occur in those who move little. Not everyone works as fitness instructors, someone in the accounting department is working on numbers!

To some extent, you can reduce the risk of painful periods by doing at least ten to fifteen minutes a day at least a semblance of physical education.

There are women who consider the most terrible days in their lives - critical. Dysmenorrhea, or very severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which can only be identified by a gynecologist, simply unsettles the ladies. Such symptoms are not normal, but signal serious health problems. Here you can not hesitate, you should consult a doctor for help as soon as possible.

What is the menstrual period

Menstruation, or menstruation, is the process of rejection of a certain part of the endometrium, during which bleeding occurs. menstruation is considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle. During this period, a woman cannot become pregnant.

During monthly bleeding, an intense contraction of the uterine muscles occurs. Vasospasm occurs, which prevents the proper nutrition of tissues, and therefore there is severe pain during menstruation. The reasons for this lie in the increased level of prostaglandins in the blood. That is, during the whole month, the uterus prepares for the fertilization of the egg, and its internal cavity is covered with small blood vessels, which should nourish the embryo in case of conception. If pregnancy does not occur, then these tissues become unnecessary for the body. He seeks to get rid of them by bleeding.

The situation is reminiscent of a “mini-birth”, where the uterus contracts and tries to push out unnecessary tissues, while opening the cervix. Moderate pain here is quite acceptable, but severe pain indicates health problems. You do not need to endure them and you need to do everything possible to get rid of monthly soreness.

Severe pain during menstruation: causes

As a rule, behind such an uncomfortable state lies a number of very different factors, these are:

violation of the hormonal background of a woman;
inflammation of the uterus or appendages;
endometriosis, including adenomyosis;
myoma (fibromyoma) or any other formation in the uterus;
polyps in the uterine environment;
violation of the production of progesterone;
ovarian cyst;
ectopic pregnancy.

Can cause stress and prolonged nervous tension severe pain during menstruation. The reasons will help to establish a specialist. So, a gynecologist should be contacted with prolonged menstruation, which lasts more than seven days and is accompanied by very severe pain. You should go to the doctor with an increase in body temperature up to 38 ° C. Of particular concern are symptoms that occur for the first time in a woman. And severe pain in the first days of menstruation. The reasons must be clarified.

A type of dysmenorrhea

There are primary and secondary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). The first occurs as a result of a failure in the production of progesterone. This is a kind of response to the non-fertilization of the egg. The woman experiences pain during the release of the egg from the ovary. In the absence of ovulation, the body begins to rebel and experiences a number of ailments. These are abdominal pains, migraine, dizziness and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, neuropsychological disorder, etc.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs if there is or appendages. In addition, pain in the lower abdomen may indicate an inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity, pregnancy. These may be the consequences of surgery, trauma or a viral disease. Similar ailments provoke and some methods of protection from unwanted pregnancy. For example, a spiral.

Types of ailments

Severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which often speak of health problems, can be different, these are:

headache (migraine);
discomfort, increased pressure in the eye area;
sharp jumps in blood pressure;
discomfort in the heart;
nausea, dizziness and vomiting;
excessive sweating;
depression, irritability;
mood swings;
sleep disturbance;
fast fatiguability;
puffiness;
excessive sensitivity of the breast;
lower back pain;
violation of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, etc.).

It has been proven that most women experience some discomfort during menstruation (especially on the first day) between the ages of 13 and 45.

About pain syndrome of varying severity

Changes in the chemical composition of the blood during menstruation affect the functions of the brain, which causes migraines. A similar condition can be caused by a violation of the water-salt balance. In order for the body to be able to fully carry out the process of cell rejection during the menstrual period, it accumulates fluid, which then participates in this process. Causes swelling of the limbs, articular part and brain tissue. All this provokes a severe headache during and before menstruation.

Lower abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain during menstruation, the causes of which each woman has her own, occurs in many. Moderately manifested pain is considered the norm, while severe ones indicate certain disorders in the gynecological field.

Pain in the abdomen can be weak, moderate and strong. They appear in the depths of the pelvis as a dull, pulling or pressing pain. They can be constant or pulsating. Pain syndrome is considered normal, which begins to manifest itself before the onset of critical days and disappears immediately after the end of menstruation.

Severe pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, the causes of which are often not established, can be combined with migraine, accompanied by a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Such a state cannot be considered normal. In this case, you should undergo a complete medical examination.

Consequences of painful menstruation

Very severe pain during menstruation, the causes and consequences of which should be identified by a gynecologist, lead to a complete loss of ability to work. They affect the well-being, the psychological state of a woman.

The mild and moderate form does not cause complications. The average pain syndrome, provoked by diseases of the genital organs and pathologies, can progress due to the development of a gynecological disease. At the same time, the pain itself does not have any effect on the complication of the symptom.

Menstruation should not be accompanied by very severe pain, depriving a woman of full capacity. The treatment of such symptoms is not limited to painkillers, you should look for the true cause and eliminate it. Severe pain is exhausting. They are hard to endure not only physically, but also emotionally, because it harms the nervous system. In addition, the constant use of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers is addictive and a number of side effects.

Very painful critical days signal a serious problem in the body. It is simply necessary to treat such periods.

Diagnosis of painful menstruation

Severe pain during menstruation, the causes and treatment of which will help establish the correct diagnosis, is a real problem for a woman. To begin with, the lady should visit her gynecologist, who can prescribe the following:

hormone analysis;
pelvic ultrasound;
laparoscopy;
scraping for the study of intrauterine material;
general clinical examination;
dopplerography of vessels.

In addition, a woman must constantly keep a diary of the monthly cycle and a calendar of critical days. All the symptoms that were present during this period are entered there. Length of menstruation, profusion. All this helps to establish the severity of the disease. The specialist may also advise to be examined by a neurologist, psychotherapist and osteopath. Often, at the end of the examination, a diagnosis of algomenorrhea is made. Treatment is prescribed depending on the severity.

Treatment of menstrual pain

Menstrual pain affects 90% of women aged 18 to 35 years. Such pains are often intense, so the timely intake of an effective analgesic helps patients restore the rhythm of life and completely eliminate menstrual pain.

Dialrapid is a fast-acting analgesic that eliminates pain of any intensity. Potassium bicarbonate acts as a pH buffer, providing the drug with complete dissolution in water, and subsequently creating a microenvironment around the active substance - diclofenac potassium. It is this microenvironment that promotes accelerated absorption and helps the drug to be completely absorbed by the body. The pronounced effect of Dialrapid shows in the first 5 minutes after application. The powder is absorbed by the body almost as quickly as an injection, and unlike its tablet counterparts, it has a high peak plasma concentration.

Folk remedies that can reduce pain

Very severe pain during menstruation, the causes of which lie in the diseases of a number of organs, can be eliminated by traditional medicine.

The pain symptom will help to remove. To prepare the infusion, pour a tablespoon of herbs with a mug (300 ml) of boiling water. Let it brew for an hour. Drink 50 mg every hour and reduce the dose as the pain subsides.

Severe pain before menstruation, the causes of which are individual for each woman, is able to remove water pepper. Two tablespoons of the plant are poured with half a liter of boiling water, after which the mixture is boiled over a fire for another 10 minutes. Before use, the herbal infusion must be cooled and filtered. Eat three times a day for 100 gr.

The collection of the following herbs will help relieve soreness: knotweed, centaury, horsetail, in a ratio of 1:3:1:5. Here, a tablespoon of the mixture is steamed with a glass of boiled water. They insist on an hour. Drink one sip throughout

Elecampane root helps to cope with pain. Pour a teaspoon with a glass of boiled water, wait an hour, filter. Use a tablespoon in the morning, afternoon and evening.

These and other folk recipes are able to overcome menstrual pain, so they cannot be discounted.

Preventive measures

Delivers a lot of problems severe pain during menstruation. How to treat it without medication and what to do so that in the future such a symptom does not bother? So, the following measures help to eliminate the cause and have a preventive effect on the body:

Correct schedule.
Complete sleep.
Physical exercise, including swimming.
Dietary menu with a predominance of raw vegetables and fruits.
Drinking the right amount of water, at least 1.5 liters per day.
Refusal of bad habits (alcohol and cigarettes).
Relaxation and getting rid of stress, depression.
Yoga, acupuncture, massage, electrophoresis with novocaine.
Soothing herbal tea.
Bath with essential oils.

Such events will best affect the health of a woman, her well-being and reduce the pain of menstruation. They can get rid of this discomfort forever.

There are contraindications. It is necessary to consult with a specialist.

In the body of a woman, there are monthly processes associated with the functioning of the reproductive organs. If everything is in order with health, then menstruation is a common physiological phenomenon, which, although inevitable, does not cause much trouble. But some women are shudderingly waiting for the onset of another torture in the form of painful periods, when all their strength and attention are focused on overcoming this condition, it is impossible to think about work, about family affairs. Such menstruation is a pathology that requires treatment.

Content:

Algomenorrhea and its types

Algomenorrhea (painful menstruation) is a disorder that is associated with the occurrence of unusually severe abdominal pain during menstruation. Painful periods can become from the very beginning of their appearance in a girl. This condition sometimes worries a woman until the onset of menopause.

Pain in the lower abdomen and lower back during menstruation occurs in every woman. The pain is associated with contractions of the uterus, which rejects the dead mucous membrane. However, the strength of sensations depends on the individual characteristics of the body, such as the location and shape of the uterus, health status, sensitivity to pain.

It is considered normal if painful sensations do not make a woman suffer, menstruation causes only a slight indisposition, which disappears after 2-3 days. A pathology requiring treatment is considered unbearable pain during menstruation, which makes a woman unable to work, while she cannot do without painkillers. In addition to painful periods, she has signs of other cycle disorders and symptoms of concomitant ailments.

Symptoms associated with painful menstruation

In addition to abdominal pain, pathological menstruation also causes:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
Strong headache;
vegetative disorders (increased sweating, fever, dizziness, fainting);
jumps in blood pressure, rapid pulse or cardiac arrhythmia;
weakness, muscle and joint pain.

Possible violations of the regularity of the onset of menstruation, an increase in their duration. Blood discharge may become too intense or, conversely, scarce. There may be spotting bloody leucorrhoea between periods.

Painful sensations often occur even before the onset of menstruation (1-2 days) and disappear only with their end. The pains are constant or similar to contractions, pulling, cutting, aching.

Degrees of soreness

There are 3 degrees of severity of the course of painful periods.

Light degree characterized by short and tolerable painful sensations.

Average degree manifested not only by painful sensations in the abdomen and back, but also by increased urination, chills, neuropsychiatric disorders (increased irritability, depression, intolerance to bright light, strong odors and loud sounds).

Severe degree associated with very severe pain, disruption of the heart, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness, loss of consciousness.

Depending on the cause of painful menstruation, two types of algomenorrhea are distinguished: primary and secondary.

Video: Symptoms of painful periods, what to do if they occur

Primary algomenorrhea

So called painful periods, not associated with diseases or damage to the genital organs. Most often it occurs in adolescents within 3 years after the onset of puberty. At this time, the body undergoes drastic changes in the composition of hormones.

Depending on the type of hormone, the increase in the level of which leads to pain, there are two types of primary algomenorrhea:

Adrenergic (in the blood, the content of adrenaline is increased). This type is characterized by symptoms such as fever, increased heart rate, severe headache, pallor, hiccups, bloating, indigestion in the form of constipation.
Parasympathetic (increased levels of serotonin in the spinal cord). In this case, such painful symptoms as a decrease in heart rate, a decrease in body temperature, diarrhea, swelling of the face and extremities, and weight gain occur.

Types of pathology

Given the cause of painful periods, there are several types of primary pathology: spasmodic, psychogenic and essential.

Spasmodic algomenorrhea. The main cause of pain is spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the uterus.

Psychogenic. Pain arises from fear of symptoms experienced once and left an indelible mark on the memory.

Essential. This is a disease, the cause of which is a decrease in the threshold of sensitivity to pain due to disruption of the centers of the brain. At the same time, even a slight effect on the nerve endings causes severe pain.

Causes of painful menstruation

The causes of the primary disease are:

A congenital disorder in the development of connective tissue in the body due to a lack of magnesium. This disease is dangerous because it leads to a violation of the composition of the cartilage tissue. Incorrect formation of joints occurs, limbs lengthen, flat feet, scoliosis occur. Myopia, indigestion, varicose veins are also characteristic.
Tuberculosis of the genital organs.
Neuropsychiatric disorders.
Congenital malformations of the uterus (bicornuate uterus, abnormal location of the uterus, its underdevelopment).

Note: If the cause of pain during menstruation is the bending of the uterus, which occurred already in the process of puberty (due to developmental abnormalities or weight lifting), then after the woman gives birth to a child, her painful periods can turn into normal ones. But if there is a congenital pathology, then after childbirth it does not disappear. It is required to conduct a gynecological examination and treatment.

Secondary algomenorrhea

Secondary pathology occurs as a result of acquired health disorders: the formation of scars and adhesions in the uterus after operations and abortions, as well as hormonal disorders, infectious and inflammatory diseases. Such problems can occur at any age, but they are more common in women aged 25-30.

One of the causes of pain in secondary algomenorrhea is the presence of varicose veins in the organs of the small pelvis and abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the nerves located in the pelvic region can also cause severe pain.

Secondary algomenorrhea often occurs in women seeking to lose weight through fasting, which leads to anorexia or bulimia. One of the main reasons for the appearance of painful periods is a violation of the structure of the tissues of the uterus, their scarring, soldering after illnesses.

Genital infections. They can be sexually transmitted, causing the appearance of purulent inflammatory processes, leading to a violation of the cycle, exacerbating the symptoms of algomenorrhea. To get rid of such diseases (trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea) is possible only with the simultaneous treatment of both sexual partners.

There are infectious diseases that can be contracted both sexually and through everyday contact (for example, thrush).

Inflammatory diseases. They can occur when microorganisms enter from the outside due to a violation of the rules of hygiene, as well as as a result of the activation of opportunistic microflora. In small quantities, streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli are present in a healthy body, without causing a pathogenic effect. Their activation and pathological reproduction occurs with hypothermia, a lack of vitamins, a violation of the composition of the microflora of organs, and their damage.

Diseases that can lead to painful periods include inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), the mucous membrane of its cavity (endometritis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis).

A warning: The peculiarity is that inflammatory processes quickly spread from the external genitalia to the uterus and ovaries. The consequence of chronic diseases is the bending of the neck, coarsening of tissues, violation of the state of blood vessels, the appearance of cysts, polyps, malignant neoplasms. At the same time, a woman has various menstrual irregularities and pains in the lower abdomen, which are aggravated during menstruation.

Tumors of the uterus(myoma, cancer). Soreness and the unusual nature of menstruation is often the only sign of their formation. A growing tumor compresses the vessels, as well as the nerve endings located in the uterus and neighboring organs. The shape of the uterus may be disturbed, and stagnation of menstrual blood occurs in it. Swelling occurs, muscle elasticity is lost. Uterine contractions become painful. With the growth of the tumor, the manifestations intensify.

Endometriosis. This disease is associated with endometrial hyperplasia and its germination in other organs. At the same time, the processes of the cycle are shifted in time of onset, menstruation becomes painful, prolonged, hormonal disorders occur due to the appearance of dangerous ovarian diseases (such as, for example, an endometrioid cyst).

Dysplasia, leukoplakia, cervical erosion. These diseases are associated with damage to the epithelial cells in the cervix, a violation of the ability to stretch the cervix, a possible change in its shape, and a decrease in uterine contractility.

Hormone disruption. It can be caused by taking hormonal drugs, using hormonal contraceptives, malfunctioning of the ovaries, thyroid gland, pituitary gland. Metabolic disorders and its consequences (diabetes, obesity, sudden weight loss) can also cause painful periods.

Cause of painful menstruation after childbirth

During childbirth, the ligaments that hold the uterus are damaged, while it deviates from its usual position, which leads to pain during menstruation due to uterine contractions. It is also possible to change its shape, the formation of folds in which menstrual blood stagnates. This causes a painful inflammatory process.

Video: Causes and treatment of algomenorrhea

Treatment for algomenorrhea

A gynecological examination, a smear test for infections, as well as a blood test for hormones and atypical cells, allow us to draw conclusions about the presence of diseases. After examining the organs using ultrasound, tomography methods, it becomes obvious whether there are developmental pathologies or neoplasms in the uterus. If necessary, their nature is specified by biopsy. The choice of treatment methods depends on the type of disease, the age of the woman, the severity of the pathology.

Treatment of primary algomenorrhea

Doctors advise in the presence of primary pathology to try to avoid unrest and stress, devote more time to physical education, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. In the second half of the cycle, it is recommended to limit sex, not to lift weights.

Well helps physiotherapy (electrophoresis for the introduction of novocaine in the area of the solar plexus), as well as acupuncture. Drug therapy is prescribed: taking sedatives (valerian, relanium), painkillers (spasmalgon, no-shpa), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, butadione), vitamin E.

Plant-based preparations are used to normalize hormonal levels (remens, klimadinon). For the same purpose, hormonal contraceptives (anteovin, ovidon) are prescribed.

With painful periods, it is necessary to keep a menstrual calendar, which records the intensity, location and nature of the pain. Every 3 months it is important to visit a gynecologist. If nothing is done, then the condition will only worsen over time, a mild degree of violation will turn into a severe one.

Treatment of secondary algomenorrhea

If it is established that diseases of the genital organs are the cause of painful menstruation, then treatment is carried out with drugs of the appropriate action (antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral agents).

Progesterone-based drugs are used that suppress ovulation, reduce intrauterine pressure, as well as the intensity of uterine contractions. In this case, the use of oral contraceptives gives a good effect. Successfully treated with duphaston.

If painful periods occur due to the presence of adhesions, scars or tumors in the uterus, then a surgical operation is performed. This takes into account the age of the patient, her intention to have children.

Physiotherapy methods (electrophoresis, therapeutic baths) allow you to deal with inflammatory processes. A popular method of eliminating menstrual pain is hirudotherapy (the application of leeches that suck blood, reducing tension in the uterus). The saliva of leeches contains painkillers and anti-inflammatory substances.

If the doctor does not find contraindications, then with such a pathology it is permissible to use traditional medicine: soothing herbal teas with oregano, mint, muscle-relaxing beet and pumpkin juices. Decoctions and infusions with anti-inflammatory properties are used (from burdock leaves, acorns and herbal preparations).

Video: How to relieve painful periods

Menstruation is a natural physiological function of all women of reproductive age. This period is also called critical days, and for many women they are really critical - intense pain, headache, nausea, upset stools and general malaise, and so every month from year to year.

According to statistics, 30-50% of women aged 14 to 45 go through such torment. Unfortunately, not everyone turns to gynecologists for help, believing that this is normal, because. occurs in many, and no one has died from it yet, also hoping that with time everything will work out.

Firstly, to endure pain is not only abnormal, but also fraught with consequences for the nervous system, and the systematic use of analgesics only helps to reduce the pain syndrome, but does not solve the problem and will not lead to anything good (the body sooner or later gets used to taking the drug, and you will need more and more powerful painkillers, or vice versa, the sensitivity to pain will gradually “erase”, and the cause of the disease will only progress, but without pronounced manifestations, which leads to neglect of the disease).
Secondly, pain in itself is not normal, it is your body's signal that something is wrong and that it needs help. Therefore, consulting a gynecologist for painful periods is simply a necessary step on the way to your women's health and a quiet life.

Like any other disease, painful periods, and not everyone knows that this is a disease called algodysmenorrhea, have causes that can and should be eliminated. That is, the treatment of painful periods (algomenorrhea) is possible.

Causes of painful periods

Algomenorrhea (painful menstruation, algomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea) is of two types: primary and secondary.

Primary algomenorrhea is called functional, as it is not associated with anatomical disorders of the internal genital organs. While secondary algomenorrhea is a consequence, or rather, a symptom of a number of gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis, chlamydia, chronic inflammation of the uterine appendages and a malformation of the internal organs of the genitourinary system.

Causes of primary dysmenorrhea

Most often, primary dysmenorrhea manifests itself in adolescence during puberty, when the hormonal background is not as stable as in adult women. The main cause of primary dysmenorrhea is an increase in hormone levels. According to the reaction of the body to an increase in the level of a particular hormone, painful periods of this type can be divided into two groups:

Adrenergic- is associated with an increase in the level of dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine. The condition is characterized by a severe headache, fever, disruption of the intestines (constipation), the skin on the face and body is very pale, and on the feet and palms it is often cyanotic, which is associated with a slowdown in the passage of blood through small vessels. There are sleep disturbances in the form of insomnia.
Parasympathetic- is associated with an increase in the level of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid. In this case, most of the symptoms are opposite to the adrenergic type of primary dysmenorrhea: low body temperature, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased heart rate, swelling of the face. Possible weight gain a day or two before the onset of menstruation, as well as reactions on the skin of the face.

According to the results of recent studies, in addition to hormonal disorders, the causes of primary dysmenoria can also be abnormalities in the development of connective tissues, vascular disorders, disorders of the sexual and other functions of the body.

However, most often, primary dysmenorrhea is caused by a violation of the hormonal background. This manifestation of painful menstruation is diagnosed and treated jointly by a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

To solve this problem for the fair sex at a young age, it is necessary to turn to pediatric gynecology, where gynecologists will find a special approach to any patient without injuring the teenage psyche.

Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea is most common in women over the age of 30. Since the causes are pathological in nature, the pain syndrome with concomitant ailments can be very intense, up to temporary disability.

External and internal endometriosis is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. Pain with endometriosis during menstruation lasts 2-3 days and has a aching character. Endometriosis itself is a fairly common disease, which, if neglected, can lead to a number of chronic diseases, up to infertility.
Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.
Tumors of the genital organs.
Expansion of the pelvic veins.
Adhesive changes after surgical intervention.

Diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea is also not difficult, and the cause of painful periods can be quickly identified by tests and ultrasound (ultrasound of the pelvic organs).

Depending on the results of the examination, you will be prescribed either therapeutic or surgical treatment. Anyway in no case should you hesitate to visit a gynecologist, due to the fact that secondary dysmenorrhea is in most cases a sign of pathology, which, without proper attention, can develop into a whole bunch of chronic diseases and infertility.

So, you need to contact a gynecologist if you have severe ailments during menstruation.

3 main degrees of manifestation of painful periods