Menstrual pain, also called dysmenorrhea, affects 50 to 80% of women. Pain, fatigue, cramps… What can you do to relieve them? What treatment to take? Our solutions to understand the symptoms and calm painful periods.
Period pains – also known as dysmenorrhea – are very common. The contractions of the uterus necessary for menstruation are mainly responsible for pelvic and lower back pain. But in some women, the contractions are so strong that this period sometimes turns into a nightmare. Dysmenorrhea represents the first cause of school and professional absenteeism.
What are painful periods or dysmenorrhea?
Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea. They can be:
- primary: which appear at the start of menstruation, from adolescence and are generally not serious
- secondary: that is to say that occur in adulthood, after several painless cycles
These pains generally last one or two days. They start with bleeding and are greatest when the bleeding is greatest but can also occur for the duration of menstruation. Painful menstruation affects 50 to 80% (1) of women of childbearing age.
What symptoms?
The symptoms of painful periods vary from woman to woman. "These are pains in the lower abdomen, usually pelvic, median, which can also occur on the sides of the belly. They can radiate to the legs, the lumbar region and the rectum. ” explains Odile Bagot, obstetrician-gynecologist and author of the Dico des nana, aka Mam Gynéco. They often appear a little before menstruation, with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or at the beginning of it.
"These very violent pains can be accompanied by a so-called vagal reaction, therefore discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hypothymic discomfort and drop in blood pressure" adds the gynecologist.
Painful periods: what causes?
Dysmenorrhea can be primary (also called essential), with no identifiable cause, or secondary, due to another disorder. The causes of painful menstruation are multiple, which is why you should not hesitate to talk to a gynecologist.
The primary dysmenorrhea appears in adolescence, in the months following your first period. It is generally mild and is not caused by any gynecological disorder. This is a phenomenon linked to an excess of prostaglandins produced by the uterine lining during menstruation. The intensity of the contractions varies from one woman to another, depending on the level of prostaglandins secreted, but also according to her gynecological history and her level of stress.
For the secondary dysmenorrhea, the causes can be:
- endometriosis: "These are worsening menstrual pains, every month is worse" explains Odile Bagot
- adonemy: endometriosis in the uterine muscle (myometrium)
- of uterine fibroids
- a intrauterine device (IUD), better known as an IUD, with copper
Treatments to relieve painful periods
"Dysmenorrhea is characterized by three things: uterine contraction, inflammation, and pain. " explains Dr. Bagot. Thus, the most effective treatment for alleviating menstruation pain is:
- A spasmolytic (Spasfon®) against contractions
- A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Ibuprofen) to calm inflammation
- An analgesic (Paracetamol®) to relieve pain
When faced with painful periods, Odile Bagot recalls that it is important to anticipate pain. "You shouldn't wait to be folded in half by pain before taking a medication. Once the vicious circle of pain is set in place, it is much more complicated to stop it. " Treatment is most effective if you take it as soon as possible. The three key rules of the gynecologist? Anticipate pain, combine medications, take the effective dose prescribed by your doctor.
Finally, you should know that dysmenorrhea is reduced in the vast majority of cases by the contraceptive pill. Indeed, the progestins contained in these hormonal contraceptives reduce the thickening of the endometrium. As a result, the contractions during menstruation are less intense. "When the pains resist everything, we can propose to delete the rules, which is not dangerous for health" reminds the gynecologist.
What natural treatments for dysmenorrhea?
There are several non-drug ways to relieve menstrual pain.
Among the solutions offered to women suffering from painful periods, Livia is much talked about. It is a device that relieves pain through electrostimulation. The device works by sending painless electrical signals to the skin. “Livia is based on an analgesic principle. You could say that it short-circuits the various relays of pain " Odile Bagot analysis. Small flat: this medical device is not reimbursed and costs around 150 euros.
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Homeopathic treatment can also help reduce period pains. "Homeopathy has shown its effectiveness on the condition that it is given, not as a conventional medicine, but in an individualized manner" warns the gynecologist. Colocynthis 9 CH and Actaea Racemosa 9 CH are often prescribed for painful periods. It is advisable to consult a homeopath for individual treatment.
- A hot water bottle or bath
Applying a heat source such as a hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help relieve the pain. According to a Swiss study carried out on 2,400 women, the hot water bottle appears to be 92% the best considered treatment against the pain associated with dysmenorrhea. Taking a warm bath can also have a soothing effect.
- Gentle physical activity
Physical activity can help reduce period pains. But again, each woman is unique and has a different relationship to pain. Some light intensity activities such as swimming, walking or yoga are recommended. Most importantly: listen to your body. If the pain pains you in bed, don't force it.
Stress leads to the production of hormones, like adrenaline and cortisone, which stimulate the production of prostaglandins. During your period, try to relax and get a good sleep. For example, you can incorporate practices such as meditation or yoga into your lifestyle to help manage your stress.
Adjusting your diet during menstruation helps reduce unpleasant symptoms. Decrease your caffeine consumption (coffee, tea, energy drinks) which induces stress, but stress intensifies menstrual pain. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol as well as fatty and sugary foods.
What diet during painful periods?
“The pain is often due to inflammation. We will therefore favor an anti-inflammatory diet with omega-3, magnesium and B6 coverage to relieve ” explains Hélène Lemaire, dietician nutritionist, who has drawn up for us the list of foods to favor.
- Stock up on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory (linseed oil, camelina, hemp, salmon, mackerel …)
- Consume foods rich in magnesium (nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, whole grains, lentils, green vegetables …) which have an effect on the contractions of the uterus
- Favor foods rich in vitamin B6
- Adopt a diet rich in antioxidants (colorful vegetables and fruits, prunes …)
Painful periods: when to consult?
Odile Bagot is formal: "It is forbidden to suffer during your period". In a society where women have been told for centuries that it is "normal" to have pain during their period, it can be difficult to know when to be alert. However, when the pain is not relieved by anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers and they force you to be absent from work or school, it is a sign that you should consult a doctor. "If the quality of life has started, something must be done" insists the gynecologist.
(1) Kwon JS. Dysmenorrhea. SOGC Journal August 1997: 955 – 62
Thank you to Dr Odile Bagot, gynecologist and Hélène Lemaire, nutritionist dietitian.