Menstrual cramps: what it means and how to relieve symptoms

Menstrual cramps are characterized by compressive pains predominantly in the lower abdomen in the days before menstruation or during this period. The intensity is variable. “Some women are more pain tolerant; while others present very intense pain, in some cases, disabling, requiring investigation with a specialist”, comments Matheus Beleza, gynecologist and obstetrician at Hospital Santa Luzia, from Rede D’Or São Luiz.

“Cramping is usually more intense in young women, who have had their first cycles recently, and tend to improve over the years. This is due to the maturation of the hormonal axis that regulates the menstrual cycle and the better adaptation to the release of prostaglandin that promotes the contraction of the uterine muscles”, explains the doctor.

Symptoms

Beauty explains that menstrual cramps are associated with the release of prostaglandin. This substance is released by the layer that lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium. “During the menstrual period, its levels rise, causing uterine contractions and consequent decrease in the irrigation of this organ for a few moments, generating pain that can vary in intensity in each patient”, she says.

According to the gynecologist, cramps can also be related to changes in the female pelvic organs, such as ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus itself, requiring investigation and specific procedures in these cases.

The pain is described as compressive and cyclical, predominantly in the lower abdomen and with variable intensity in the days before menstruation and during this period. “For some women it is very intense, harming the performance of day-to-day tasks, such as work, physical and sexual activity”, highlights Matheus Beleza.

Due to the action of prostaglandins in other organs and systems, colic can also be associated with other symptoms. The gynecologist highlights:

• Headache
• Back pain
• nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea

Beleza highlights that menstrual cramps should draw the patient’s attention whenever its intensity impairs the performance of day-to-day activities, when it has intense symptoms in other organs or is progressive (that is, when symptoms worsen over the years).

In these cases, the first professional to be sought is the gynecologist. He will carry out the necessary investigation and may guide the conduct and need for specific investigation. “In more severe cases, evaluation by other specialists such as a urologist, proctologist and psychiatrist may be necessary”, explains the doctor.

how to relieve colic

In simple cases, explains Beleza, drug therapy with symptoms associated with behavioral measures is chosen. Warm local compresses, regular physical activity and a balanced diet are recommended.

“Stress has been shown to be an important worsening factor, and yoga and meditation are also recommended as an adjunct to the treatment”, adds the gynecologist.

The most used medications for pain relief are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics and analgesics. “For severe cases, therapy can be done with hormones, contraceptives and medications that block menstruation, always after strict guidance and monitoring by a specialist”, explains Beleza.

Severe cases, it is worth noting, require detailed investigation and specific treatment, in general, requiring the use of contraceptives.

Home remedies for menstrual cramps

There are some general measures that help relieve pain and improve the patient’s quality of life:

• Make local compresses: in general, the compress promotes relaxation of the abdominal muscles (which are usually tense due to contraction).
• Practice yoga and meditation: as highlighted by Beleza, stress makes colic worse, so fighting it with the practice of yoga and meditation is an interesting measure.
• Eating well: opting for natural and light foods is the most suitable, especially in this period of colic. It is also good to avoid excess sodium, saturated fat, caffeine and sugars. Drinking plenty of water is also essential.
• Exercising: contrary to what many people think, doing physical activities is also important in controlling this symptom… Among other reasons, the fact that exercising releases endorphins, a hormone responsible for the sensation of pleasure.
• Drinking teas: Some teas can help relieve pain, but this varies greatly from person to person. Either way, they help with hydration. Examples are lavender, basil, calendula, chamomile, mugwort tea, among others.

It is worth emphasizing that, in the case of intense cramps, the most appropriate thing is to consult the gynecologist, who will investigate the case and indicate the right treatment.

Colic as an alert for other diseases

But when can cramps be a warning for something more serious? This is a common concern among women.

Matheus Beleza explains that, when colic is associated with severe cases, as in endometriosis, the patient has pain that worsens over the years, impairing her quality of life, making it difficult to practice physical and sexual activity, increasing absences from work and mood changes.

“In some cases, the patient may present changes in bowel and urinary habits, and it is important to investigate and follow up with a specialized professional and multidisciplinary team”, emphasizes the gynecologist.

Other types of colic

Not all colic is menstrual, check out other types and learn how to differentiate them:

• Intestinal colic: Beleza explains that they usually manifest with pain and distension of the entire abdomen, and may present associated symptoms such as change in the character of feces, gas and reports of ingestion of food of dubious origin.
• Renal colic: the gynecologist explains that it is usually more intense in the upper region of the abdomen and back, occurring in cases where the patient has a known history of calculi (stones) or in those with low fluid intake.
• Ovulation cramping: You can have cramping in the middle of the menstrual cycle, when ovulation is occurring. On the other hand, women who take contraceptives do not have this symptom as the pill blocks ovulation.

Menstrual colic, reinforces Beleza, can be differentiated from renal and intestinal colic by the cyclical form and the specific period in which it occurs.

These are just examples of the main types of colic. But, each case must be evaluated privately by a doctor.

Regarding menstrual cramps, you now know that it is relatively common and varies in intensity. In patients in which the pain is disabling, impairing their quality of life, however, it is very important to consult a gynecologist, who will be able to investigate the case and indicate the most appropriate treatment.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.