What are painful periods called? Painful periods are the reason. Symptoms that occur with painful menstruation

Menstruation is a natural process that occurs every month in women. The onset of menstruation confirms that the woman has puberty. This process is completely natural, and every woman should accept and get used to it. But it's not that simple. It happens that a woman awaits these days with horror because she has painful periods.

In general, menstruation should not cause great inconvenience to a woman. However, pain during menstruation is a kind of signal that female body something is wrong. Every woman who has reached childbearing age should know the causes of painful periods.

Causes of painful periods

What causes algomenorrhea (painful periods)? The discharge of menstrual blood and endometrium occurs due to intense contractions of the uterus. When something interferes with this process, pain occurs during menstruation. A woman usually experiences the most severe pain on the first or second day of menstruation.

The most common reason why periods are painful is that the uterus is not positioned correctly. It compresses the nerve endings, which contributes to pain in the sacrum, lower back and lower abdomen. This condition can be either congenital or acquired as a result of various inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Also, the intensity of uterine contractions and a woman’s susceptibility to pain is influenced by the level of hormones in the body. Women over 30 often experience very painful periods, which are a consequence of increased levels of the female sex hormone, estrogen.

Special cells are responsible for the rhythmic contractions of the uterus during menstruation. chemical substances– prostaglandins. The higher their level, the more often and stronger uterine contractions occur. This is why painful periods often occur when elevated level prostaglandins. Often pain is also accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, headache and general poor health of the woman.

Why do painful periods still occur? This often happens due to dysfunction of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland. But in these cases, the woman suffers not only from pain during menstruation, but also from premenstrual syndrome.

If young women who have not yet given birth complain of very painful periods, this may indicate infertility.

The cause of painful periods can also be the use of an intrauterine device by a woman as a preventive measure against unwanted pregnancy. Since the intrauterine device is foreign body, the body often tries to “get rid” of it. In addition, the spiral promotes increased production of prostaglandins by the uterine mucosa.

Pain during menstruation is often a symptom of chronic inflammatory diseases female genital area: inflammation of the ovaries, endometriosis, colpitis, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, etc.

It happens that algodismenorrhea is caused by a genetic factor, when many women in the family suffered from this disease.

Symptoms of painful periods

Algodismenorrhea is the most common gynecological disease. According to statistics, every second woman experienced pain during menstruation. Moreover, often painful periods manifest themselves not only in pain in the abdomen, lower back, sacrum, but are also accompanied by other body disorders: nausea and vomiting, headaches, irritability, fainting, pain in the legs, etc.

If a woman regularly has painful periods, then often all these symptoms are a consequence of the fact that the woman spends the whole month tensely waiting for her next period and perceives it as a disaster that cannot be avoided. That is, the psychological factor also plays an important role.

What symptoms require consultation with a gynecologist?

• During menstruation, the pain increases sharply and is accompanied by very heavy bleeding.
• Less severe pain during menstruation than usual.
• Menstruation is accompanied by increased body temperature, chills, and sweating, which may indicate an inflammatory process.
• The discharge is unusual, has a pungent odor and an unusual color. During urination, a woman feels pain and burning. These symptoms may indicate an infection in the body.

When should you call an ambulance?

• Severe dizziness, loss of consciousness.
• Sharp, severe pain in the lower abdomen that prevents you from getting out of bed.
• The appearance of pieces of grayish or silvery tissue in the menstrual blood.
• If you have your period during pregnancy.

Diagnosis of painful periods

To diagnose algodismenorrhea, a woman must answer a number of questions to the gynecologist:

• What is the nature of the pain, how is it related to menstruation and when does it start?
• Does the woman have an active sex life and how often does she achieve orgasm?
• Does she have a regular menstrual cycle?
• Does a woman feel pain during intercourse?
• What methods does a woman use to protect herself from unwanted pregnancy?
• Does the woman have this moment inflammatory gynecological diseases and have they existed in the past?
• Does the woman suffer from infertility?

Every woman should understand that painful periods are not only an unpleasant sensation, but also evidence that some kind of disturbance is occurring in the body. Therefore, in case of algodismenorrhea, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will help identify its cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

There are many questions associated with the topic of menstruation. They occur differently for everyone: the color of the discharge, the degree of pain, the presence or absence of other symptoms. Many women dream of getting rid of pain during and after their periods. Fortunately, today in pharmacies it is presented wide choose painkillers. Therefore, you can always choose a drug to reduce or relieve pain.

Why do periods become very painful?

To choose the optimal treatment tactics for algomenorrhea, you should understand the reasons for its occurrence.

Primary algomenorrhea observed in young girls during the formation of the menstrual cycle (the first three years after the onset of menstruation) or in women who have not given birth after thirty years. It may be a sign:

• disturbances in the functioning of the sympathetic department nervous system and increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the blood. This violation is characterized not only
• painful periods, but frequent constipation, rapid heartbeat, sleep disturbances, circulatory failure in the upper and lower extremities, increased temperature before the onset of menstruation.
• tuberculosis of the genital organs. This pathology is characterized by painful periods, accompanied by menstrual irregularities, underdevelopment of the mammary glands, the manifestation of inflammatory processes in the appendages, and a seasonal increase in manifestations.
• magnesium deficiency in the body. Such algomenorrhea is accompanied by regular stool retention, aching pain in the intestines and symptoms characteristic of myopia.
• psycho-neurological disorders. This condition causes a distorted acceptance of pain. It doesn't fit with objective signs pathologies in the female reproductive system.
• congenital anomalies of development and location of the genital organs. Most often, such conditions are the cause of obstructed outflow of menstrual discharge, which stimulates additional contractions of the uterus.

Why does it occur

The following factors can provoke the development of primary algomenorrhea:

• a congenital disorder of connective tissue growth that is caused by magnesium deficiency. This disease has a dangerous complication in the form of a violation of the composition of cartilage tissue, which leads to improper formation of joints, lengthening of the limbs, flat feet and scoliosis. Myopia, problems with the digestive system and varicose veins may occur;
• genital tuberculosis;
• nervous and mental disorder;
• congenital uterine anomalies (bicornus, malposition or underdevelopment).

If the curvature of the uterus arose during puberty due to improper development or excessive stress, then there is a high probability that painful periods will no longer bother the girl after childbirth. If the pathology is congenital, then childbirth will not correct the situation; only a qualified specialist should treat the disease.

Secondary algomenorrhea observed in women with a history of childbirth, and is caused by reasons that need correction and may indicate:

• adhesive process in the pelvis that occurs after inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.
• tumor changes in the uterus and appendages, which impede the natural outflow of secretions, increasing pain during menstruation.
• endometriosis, the spread of endometrial cells in places not typical for it. With the arrival of menstruation, these cells are rejected, as from the uterine cavity, from all organs where they have become established. Thus causing additional pain.
• cicatricial changes in the uterus due to numerous interventions in the uterine cavity.
• violation of the integrity of the uterine ligaments during delivery.
• long-term use of intrauterine contraceptives.

There are three degrees of intensity of algodismenorrhea: mild, moderate and severe.

Statistics

70% of women of reproductive age face the problem of painful periods, but only 10% of them complain of unbearable cramp-like pain during critical days. Statistics say that pain syndrome is complemented by other symptoms:

• 17% of women experience fainting due to pain;
• 23% of the fair sex suffer from dizziness and another 13% from headaches;
• in 84% of cases vomiting occurs;
• 79% of women complain of diarrhea.

Source: https://ginekola.ru

Severity of pain during menstruation

Often PMS symptoms cause poor health. If your stomach hurts during menstruation, you may need to take medication.

The discomfort experienced during menstrual periods can be pulling, tingling and spastic in nature. Usually it makes itself felt a few days before the start of menstruation. For abdominal pain during menstruation, painkillers are often taken.

Depending on the severity of the pain syndrome, there are 3 degrees of menstrual discomfort:

1. Weak. The pain that occurs in the lower abdomen is not strong and pronounced. It does not interfere with the usual flow of life.
2. Average. The intensity of the nagging pain increases. You may feel lightheaded and dizzy. Body temperature drops slightly. There is instability in the psycho-emotional state.
3. Strong. The pain spreads throughout the body. There is a need to take period pills. Symptoms such as vomiting, headache, fever and weakness may occur. This is the reason for the depressed state of the woman.

The systematic occurrence of such unpleasant symptoms as nausea, vomiting, severe pain felt in the different parts body, may indicate gynecological diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of pain during menstruation

Many women who suffer from increased pain during menstruation consider this to be harmless and make do with taking antispasmodic and analgesic tablets, in the hope that after pregnancy and childbirth everything will improve on their own.

Indeed, a single dose of such drugs, adherence to a plant-based diet, normalization of work and rest, maintaining physical fitness through regular exercises to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles, applying heat to the abdominal area, stopping smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, preventing hypothermia, avoiding stressful situations - all these measures can significantly reduce pain during menstruation, mild and medium degree severity, but will not remove the causes of their occurrence.

To help the gynecologist select diagnostic methods, a woman complaining of excessive pain during her periods should keep a diary of her observations. menstrual cycle. Where indicators such as cycle duration, duration of bleeding, its intensity, as well as accompanying symptoms will be noted.

To find out the cause of severe pain during menstruation, the doctor at the first stage must conduct an initial gynecological examination and an intracavitary ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. This will reveal the volumetric formations of these organs or their abnormal location. General clinical parameters of blood and urine are not very informative in this case, but may indicate inflammatory processes. The laparoscopic method is used for diagnostic purposes in cases of suspected rupture of the uterine ligaments or varicose veins of the small pelvis.

IN mandatory They carry out a cytological examination of cells from the surface of the cervix and cervical canal, colposcopy, if necessary, do a biopsy from areas suspicious for cancer, curettage of the uterine cavity, and analysis of the amount of hormones. It may be necessary to involve other specialists (endocrinologist, neurologist) in the treatment.

Treatment of algodismenorrhea includes pain relief and treatment of the disease that caused it. It can be very difficult to determine the cause of primary algodismenorrhea, so therapy for painful periods of this type is reduced to taking antispasmodic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances and analgesics in the form of tablets or suppositories. A good analgesic effect is achieved using physiotherapeutic methods: acupuncture, electrophoresis. Taking sedatives will enhance their effect. In the absence of inflammatory diseases of the genital area, intramuscular injections of progesterone are prescribed, which helps relax the muscles of the uterus. If a woman is sexually active, contraception may be considered. hormonal drugs, which suppress ovulation and weaken uterine contractions. Surgical treatment is considered for congenital anomalies of the female genital organs.

Treatment of secondary algodismenorrhea much more often includes surgical methods. Surgical intervention is indicated for adhesions, cicatricial changes in the uterus, and neoplasms. Priority is given to laparoscopic and organ-preserving operations.

If pain occurs during menstruation, Paracetamol tablets can only be taken 3 times, one tablet per day.

The strength of the effects of pills for pain during menstruation directly depends on the chemical composition of the drugs. Painkillers medicines in capsule form are divided into groups.

Antispasmodics

The principle of action of painkillers in the form of tablets is based on the elimination of spasm and pain. The speed of exposure directly depends on the “generation” to which the chemical composition of the capsules belongs. The best painkillers for menstruation in this category are recognized:

Papaverine

The regimen for taking the painkiller is described in detail in the instructions. In most cases, it is recommended to take 1 tablet 3 times a day. The active components of this powerful drug help eliminate tone in muscle tissue. The pain does not go away completely after taking the pill, but it becomes barely noticeable, and severe cramps disappear.

Buscopan

Tablet regimen: in most cases, the therapist prescribes one or two tablets 5 times a day. The complex of painkiller components was created specifically to relieve tone and eliminate colic and pain that appear in the lower abdomen. Buscopan is recognized as one of the safest antispasmodic drugs during menstruation, because the tablets are absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract in minimal quantities, which means that the harmful effects on the organs of the digestive system are minimal.

Drotaverine

The dosage regimen is identical to Buscopan. Due to their dilating effect on blood vessels, the tablets are recommended for relieving not only menstrual pain, but also for eliminating discomfort in the postpartum period and during pregnancy. The drug has the longest lasting effect and is able to relieve pain in the shortest possible time.

No-shpa

One of the most loved pills by women for pain during menstruation. By chemical composition the medicine is an analogue of Drotaverine, but side effects not available during reception. Experts say that Noshpa can be taken up to 6 tablets per day.

Dosage of antispasmodics.

They are used alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs if the latter are insufficiently effective. For example:
Papaverine tablets - 1 tablet 3-5 times a day.
No-shpa tablets - 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day.
Halidor tablets - 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Buscopan tablets - 1-2 tablets 3-5 times a day.
Drotaverine tablets - 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day. Maximum daily dose- 240 mg.

Duration of treatment: up to 2 days or until pain disappears.

Antispasmodics are contraindicated:
with severe renal failure;
with severe liver failure;
with severe heart failure;
with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
with arterial hypotension (due to the risk of collapse);
for glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), except for drotaverine.

Analgesics

They are distinguished by their ability to instantly relieve pain. Let's look at the list of the most popular painkillers for menstruation from a number of analgesics. These include:

• Spazmalgin;
• Novalgin;
• Baralgin;
• Analgin;
• Minalgin;
• Peretin.

Due to the complex effect on all body systems, doctors do not recommend taking analgesic drugs more than once a day.

Analgesics can also help in the fight against aching and nagging premenstrual pain, as well as eliminate inflammatory processes in the muscles.

Nonsteroidal tablets for pain during PMS

These painkillers not only relieve pain, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Most often, experts prescribe non-steroidal tablets in combination with antispasmodics. These pills for menstrual pain are not only effective, but also affordable and low in price. Let's consider the most common non-steroidal drugs:

Aspirin

The tablets have a cumulative property and smoothly relieve pain. Therapists prescribe 2 tablets 4 times a day. On average, the price category of a medicine varies from 80 rubles.

Paracetamol

Ibuprofen

The frequency of taking tablets should not exceed 6 times a day. The cost of the drug is 15 rubles. for 20 tablets.

Ketolong

Based on the reviews and comments of women who have resorted to using these remedies, the medications, although inexpensive, do an excellent job with both pain and cramps during menstruation.

In addition to pills, women use pain-relieving injections, menstrual pain patches, and rectal suppositories to relieve pain and cramps. Let's look at some of them.

Dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

They have a pronounced analgesic effect. Due to their special mechanism of action, drugs in this group can be recommended 2-4 days before the expected menstruation. In this case, there will be no unpleasant sensations, or they will be minor. So, from this group the following can be appointed:

Aspirin tablets - maximum single dose is 2 tablets, but not more than 6 tablets 3-4 times a day.
Paracetamol tablets - the maximum single dose is 2 tablets, but not more than 8 tablets 3-4 times a day.
Ibuprofen tablets - maximum single dose is 2 tablets, but not more than 6 tablets 3-4 times a day.
Naproxen tablets - maximum single dose is 2 tablets, but not more than 4 tablets 2 times a day.
Diclofenac tablets - maximum single dose is 1 tablet, but not more than 3 tablets 3 times a day. Can be used in the form of rectal suppositories: 1 suppository, 1-2 times a day.
Indomethacin tablets - maximum single dose is 1 tablet, but not more than 3 tablets 3 times a day. Can be used in the form of rectal suppositories: 1 suppository, 1-2 times a day.
Piroxicam tablets - maximum single dose is 1 tablet, but not more than 3 tablets 3 times a day. Can be used in the form of rectal suppositories: 1 suppository, 1-2 times a day.
Ketoprofen tablets - maximum single dose is 2 tablets, but not more than 6 tablets 3-4 times a day.

All drugs in this group must be taken after meals with plenty of water (not milk, juice or alcoholic beverages). The effect develops 0.5-2 hours after administration, the maximum analgesic effect is after 4 hours. Duration of treatment: up to 4 days or until pain disappears.

Pain-relieving suppositories during menstruation

The effect of pain-relieving suppositories during menstruation is aimed at instantly relieving pain. Unlike tablets, the active substances of this dosage form immediately enter the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Experts note that the use of pain-relieving suppositories rectally or vaginally reduces the risk of allergic reactions and completely eliminates the negative effects of analgesics on the liver and kidneys.

Many women prefer candles due to the absence of the unpleasant, bitter taste inherent in tablets. One of the advantages of this form is the ability to carry out the procedure independently.

Painkilling injections are similar in terms of the speed at which the active components enter the bloodstream and the safety of use, but, unlike suppositories, they require outside help and are therefore not so common.

The most popular among pain-relieving suppositories for rectal or vaginal use are:

• Paracetamol;
• Papaverine;
• Naproxen;
• Indomethacin;
• Ketoprofen;
• Tylenol.

It is worth noting that pain-relieving suppositories used during menstruation have a number of contraindications. Before use, you must consult your doctor!

Pain relief patches during menstruation

Patches for menstrual pain belong to the category of homeopathic remedies with an external spectrum of effects. The operating principle is based on a warming effect that reduces the severity of pain and spasm. Thanks to the plant extracts included in the composition, these products have a relaxing effect on the muscle muscles, enveloping the problem area with a “warm trail”. In fact, the product is an improved analogue of a heating pad that can be used anytime and anywhere. In most cases, women use pain patches in conjunction with taking analgesics.

The most popular among the fair sex is Frauplast thermal plaster. The price of a homeopathic remedy will be about 120 rubles. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Pain-relieving injections during menstruation

The advantage of using analgesics in the form of injections is the rapid impact of the active components on pain and the absence of a negative effect on internal organs. As practice shows, this “ ambulance» requires outside assistance, which means it cannot be used at any time and in any place.

In most cases, an injection is given as a last resort if the pain cannot be relieved either with tablets, suppositories, or decoctions or patches. Experts say that in case of strong, repeated cramps during menstruation, it is necessary to administer injections:

• Analgina;
• Baralgina;
• Lidocaine;
• Novocaine;
• Diclofenac;
• Mydocalma;
• Ketonala;
• Ibuprofen.

Self-prescription of this dosage form or arbitrary dose adjustment is not allowed! Painkilling injections, regardless of the “power” of the active ingredients, must be given under the strict supervision of the attending physician!

List of the most popular pills for menstrual pain

Studying ways to combat menstrual pain, one can come to the conclusion that the most popular means of combating the disease are capsules with antispasmodic and analgesic effects. Buy medications can be found at any pharmacy. A prescription is not required for these products.

List of popular pills for menstrual pain:

• Papaverine;
• Nurofen;
• Ketonal;
• Tempalgin;
• Ketanov;
• Solpadeine;
• Spasmalgon;
• Buscopan;
• Combispasm;
• Novalgin;
• Menalgin;
• Nise;
• No-Shpa.

Remember that combining painkillers in the form of tablets, injections, suppositories or patches with alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited!

Menstruation is a natural process for all women of reproductive age. Their arrival signals that the female reproductive system is fully mature and ready to bear offspring. In most cases, it causes only mild discomfort, but there are exceptions when painful periods completely disrupt the lifestyle and affect the performance of the fair sex.

Every woman of childbearing age should know exactly what to do during very painful periods, and in what cases it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment of painful menstruation.

Causes

Mild ones provoke uterine contractions, which contribute to the release of menstrual blood and the mucous layer of the uterus. If the excretion process is disrupted due to any factors, a woman becomes excruciatingly painful during her period. Too painful periods have a scientific name "" or "". In nulliparous women, the most common cause of painful periods is the incorrect location of the uterus, which compresses the nerve endings, causing pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the lower back and sacrum. This condition can also be caused by congenital anomalies of the female genital organs.

Painful menstruation occurs in women who suffer from the following diseases:

• infectious pathologies (trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes, gonorrhea). Most often, they are transmitted during sexual contact, contributing to the occurrence of purulent and inflammatory diseases of the appendages and uterus, which disrupts the cycle and aggravates painful symptoms. Both partners need to be treated for the disease. There are a number of infectious pathologies that can be contracted at home, these include candidiasis;
• inflammatory processes. They can be provoked by non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, which contributes to the growth of opportunistic microflora - streptococci, staphylococcal infections, E. coli. Also, pathological reproduction of these microorganisms can be caused by hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, changes in the composition of microflora in other organs, etc. Cervicitis, endometritis or salpingitis can cause severe pain during regulation. These diseases must be treated, since inflammation can lead to bending, impairment of the condition blood vessels, the occurrence of cysts, polyps and even provoke cancer;
• benign and malignant neoplasms. In the case of cancer, painful periods sometimes become the only symptom of this pathology. As the tumor grows, it compresses blood vessels and nerves in the uterus and nearby organs. Due to the neoplasm, the shape of the uterus may change, menstrual blood stagnates, causing unbearable pain. As the tumor grows, it intensifies and painful sensations;
• endometriosis. With this disease, the cells of the inner layer of the uterus grow into other organs, and the regularity of the cycle is disrupted, and menstruation becomes longer and more painful, hormonal disorders caused by endometrioid cysts begin;
• dysplasia, cervical erosion and other diseases associated with damage to the epithelial layer in the cervix;
• hormonal dysfunction. It can be triggered by taking hormonal medications, sudden cancellation of prescribed hormonal contraceptives, disruption of the ovaries, thyroid or pituitary gland. Due to hormonal changes, metabolic disturbances occur, which provoke the development diabetes mellitus or sudden changes in weight, either upward or excessively decreased;
• consequences of childbirth and surgery. During childbirth or abortion, the ligaments that fix the uterus can be damaged, so its normal location is disrupted, which causes severe pain during regulation. Bends may occur in which blood stagnates and inflammatory processes occur.

Algomenorrhea can be inherited, so if a grandmother or mother had too painful periods, then with a high degree of probability this pathology will be passed on to her daughter.

Associated symptoms

With painful periods, it is important to pay attention not only to the nature of the pain, but also to the accompanying symptoms. Algomenorrhea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nausea up to vomiting, diarrhea;
• severe headache;
• increased sweating, hot flashes, dizziness and fainting;
• sharp, jumping pulse or increased heart rate;
• weakness, muscle and joint pain.

The duration of the monthly discharge itself may be disrupted and increased, they or, conversely,. Between menstruation sometimes occurs in the form of spotting. Pain due to dysmenorrhea may not appear on the first day of menstruation, but 1-2 days before its onset. They have a pulling, cutting, aching or cramp-like nature and pass only after the end of menstruation. In cases of severe secondary dysmenorrhea, pain may be felt throughout the entire menstrual cycle.

Degrees of pain

Painful menstruation has 3 degrees of severity:

1. The mild stage is accompanied by short and tolerable pain.
2. The average degree of algomenorrhea is characterized by pain in the lower abdomen and back, chills and psycho-emotional disorders (irritability, depression, photophobia, intolerance to strong aromas and loud sounds).
3. In the severe stage of dysmenorrhea, in addition to severe pain, the work of the heart muscle is disrupted, the temperature rises, vomiting, diarrhea, general weakness appear, and the woman may lose consciousness.

Primary form

Primary dysmenorrhea is not caused by diseases or damage to the organs of the reproductive system, but occurs during puberty for three years after the arrival of the first menstruation. Painful periods in a teenager cause sudden hormonal changes, occurring at this time in the body.

During puberty, the concentration of various hormones may change, depending on which of them increases, one of 2 types of primary dysmenorrhea occurs in adolescents:

1. Adrenergic. It is diagnosed when there is an increase in adrenaline in the blood. The characteristic symptomatology for this pathology of the reproductive system is elevated temperature, rapid pulse, headaches, pale skin, hiccups, feeling of a full stomach, constipation.
2. Parasympathetic. Diagnosed when there is an increased level of serotonin in the spinal cord. At the same time, the pulse slows down, body temperature may be lowered, the face and limbs swell, and body weight increases.

Kinds

Depending on the cause that causes pain in a girl, there are several types of primary dysmenorrhea:

• spasmogenic. The cause of its occurrence is spasms of the uterine muscles;
• psychogenic. Pain in the lower abdomen causes fear of symptoms experienced once and leaving difficult memories for the teenager;
• essential. The cause of the disease in this case is a decrease pain threshold caused by disturbances in the functioning of individual centers in the brain. In this case, even minimal irritation of the nerve roots causes severe pain.

Why does it occur

The following factors can provoke the development of primary algomenorrhea:

• a congenital disorder of connective tissue growth that is caused by magnesium deficiency. This disease has a dangerous complication in the form of a violation of the composition of cartilage tissue, which leads to improper formation of joints, lengthening of the limbs, flat feet and scoliosis. Myopia, problems with the digestive system and varicose veins may occur;
• genital tuberculosis;
• nervous and mental disorder;
• congenital uterine anomalies (bicornus, malposition or underdevelopment).

If the curvature of the uterus arose during puberty due to improper development or excessive stress, then there is a high probability that painful periods will no longer bother the girl after childbirth. If the pathology is congenital, then childbirth will not correct the situation; only a qualified specialist should treat the disease.

Secondary form

The secondary form of dysmenorrhea is caused by acquired pathologies: scars, adhesions in the uterus after surgery and abortion, hormonal imbalance, infections and inflammatory processes. Too painful regula can bother women of any age, but most often the regula becomes very painful at the age of 25-30.

Most often, secondary algomenorrhea is caused by varicose veins in the pelvic organs and abdominal cavity, as well as inflammatory processes affecting nerve endings in the pelvic area.

Secondary dysmenorrhea often occurs in women on strict diets, which cause anorexia or bulimia. In patients suffering from painful periods due to severe weight loss, the structure of the uterine tissue is disrupted, scars and adhesions occur. Also the cause of acquired algomenorrhea are infectious and inflammatory diseases, oncology, endometriosis, hormonal disorders and diseases associated with damage to the epithelial cells of the cervix.

Statistics

70% of women of reproductive age face the problem of painful periods, but only 10% of them complain of unbearable cramp-like pain during their menstrual periods. Statistics say that pain syndrome is complemented by other symptoms:

• 17% of women experience fainting due to pain;
• 23% of the fair sex suffer from dizziness and another 13% from headaches;
• in 84% of cases vomiting occurs;
• 79% of women complain of diarrhea.

Diagnostics

To assign effective treatment, the cause of pain during menstruation should be correctly determined. Diagnostics may include the following research methods:

• examination on a gynecological chair;
• general blood and urine tests;
• microflora smears;
• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• laparoscopic examination;
• Dopplerography of blood vessels for suspected varicose veins.

In some cases, you may need to consult a psychologist, endocrinologist and other specialists.

Treatment methods

If painful periods are caused by primary algomenorrhea, therapy most often involves eliminating stress factors, increasing physical activity and getting rid of bad habits. In the second half of the cycle, doctors recommend refraining from active sexual intercourse and heavy lifting. Often, after pregnancy and childbirth, pain due to primary algomenorrhea completely disappears, so it is recommended not to terminate the first pregnancy for women with a similar diagnosis.

Depending on the reasons that caused the development of algomenorrhea, treatment with or without medications may be prescribed, and the doctor may also recommend. Let's look at each type of treatment in more detail.

Medicines

Treatment of painful periods is aimed not only at eliminating symptoms, but also at eradicating the cause of the disease, so it must be comprehensive. Prescription of medications and selection of dosage is carried out exclusively by the attending physician. The following types of medications may be prescribed:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Tamipul, Naproxen, etc.);
• antispasmodics – No-shpa, Spazmalgon;
• combined contraceptives or drugs containing gestagens (Diane-35, Yarina, Duphaston);
• You should definitely take vitamins, in particular vitamin E;
• if painful regulae are provoked by the proliferation of moderately pathogenic microflora, then antifungal suppositories and suppositories can be prescribed;
• sedatives, tranquilizers (Relanium);
• homeopathic medicines (Remens, Menalgin).

If algomenorrhea is caused by adhesions or neoplasms in the genital organs, then surgical intervention may be indicated.

Non-drug methods

In the case of primary algomenorrhea in girls in adolescence Psychotherapeutic sessions provide effective assistance. To get rid of painful regulations, it is enough to master a special technique of relaxation and distraction.

Physiotherapeutic procedures also give good results:

• acupuncture, thanks to its effect on certain points, not only reduces pain, but also eliminates inflammatory processes;
• amplipulse therapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• treatment with dynamic currents;
• electrosleep, ultraviolet irradiation;
• UHF procedures;
• balneotherapy;
• electrophoresis.

Acupressure and general massage, and physical exercise, swimming or yoga. There is a whole range of specially designed gymnastic exercises that can be done at home.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies and homeopathy also help to reduce pain during menstruation, but they should be used only after consulting a doctor, so as not to aggravate the situation and not waste the time necessary to treat the pathology.

The most famous homeopathic remedy prescribed for algomenorrhea is Remens. Its main active ingredients are herbal extracts (cohosh, pilocarpus and Sanguinaria canadensis), cuttlefish gland secretion and surukuku snake venom.

Traditional herbalists recommend using an infusion of horsetail or horsetail for painful periods. Other herbs, for example, infused in cold water strawberry leaves or a decoction of mint leaves, chamomile flowers and valerian root. Among the healing roots used in the fight against menstrual pain are lovage or fragrant celery.

Prevention

To prevent the development of dysmenorrhea, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

• develop the correct daily routine, in which there is time for work, sleep and rest;
• choose a balanced diet, during menstruation eat easily digestible foods that are rich in vitamins;
• you need to control your body weight, prevent obesity, but also not deplete yourself with strict diets;
• you need to take vitamins regularly;
• Do not indulge in tea or caffeine-containing drinks;
• avoid stressful situations;
• walk outdoors more often;
• give Special attention physical activity, be sure to do exercises and select sports hobbies in accordance with your age and general health;
• Eliminate bad habits that negatively affect a woman’s health.

If preventive measures do not help, and a woman begins to experience painful regula, she should definitely consult a doctor to find out the cause of the disease and to prescribe the correct treatment. It is strictly forbidden to use antispasmodics for a long time without finding out the cause of painful menstruation.

About 70% of all females experience moderate pain during menstruation. The pain that accompanies menstruation can vary in intensity. And in most cases, mild discomfort is normal from a physiological point of view. However, if a woman has painful periods so much that she experiences headaches and dizziness, nausea and even vomiting, then algomenorrhea occurs. Such symptoms may indicate problems in a woman’s body.

Painful periods

Algomenorrhea is a pain syndrome that appears in women before or during menstruation. Signs are very painful periods, accompanied by cramping pain in the abdomen, as well as pain in the sacrum and lower back. During this period, a woman may also experience weakness and general malaise.

The course of algomenorrhea is generally similar in women. It begins with aching pain before menstruation. On the day of menstruation, the character is more pronounced, it is sharp, strong, cramping. During the first two days, menstruation is so painful, what to do in this situation - almost every woman asks a similar question. However, on the third or fourth day, the discomfort decreases and the pain completely disappears.

Associated symptoms

Painful periods, the cause of which is algomenorrhea, cause a number of other symptoms, including:

• depressed mood;
• decreased performance and high fatigue;
• excessive irritability;
• increased level of anxiety;
• decreased or increased appetite;
• insomnia;
• headaches, etc.

Causes of algomenorrhea

Painful menstruation, or algomenorrhea, can be primary or secondary:

• Primary manifestations are called functional, as they are not associated with pathology of the development or functioning of the organs of the reproductive system. Often, during the examination, a woman does not find any abnormalities at all.
• Secondary algomenorrhea is a sign of pathology or diseases of a gynecological nature. Pain and discomfort can be caused by endometriosis, adnexitis and other inflammatory processes.

In adolescents and nulliparous women

Why do painful periods occur in teenagers and nulliparous girls? The reasons may be as follows:

• Pathological development of connective tissue, which is also called dysplasia. The disease causes painful menstruation, and in parallel, girls may experience myopia, varicose veins, scoliosis, and problems with the gastrointestinal system.
• Neurological disorders, diseases of the nervous system. Emotional instability, stress and psychosis all contribute to very painful periods.
• Problems in the development of the uterus. If a girl has very heavy periods, the reasons may be due to developmental defects of the main female organ. This includes a two-cavity and bicornuate uterus, its underdevelopment, as well as various bends of the uterus. Such pathologies prevent the normal outflow of bloody discharge from the uterus, which causes additional contractions and, accordingly, pain.

In women after childbirth

Secondary algomenorrhea is diagnosed more often in women. The reason is often gynecological diseases.

Painful periods can be caused by:

• endometritis;
• endometriosis;
• fibroids;
• endometrial dysplasia;
• varicose veins of the uterus;
• use of an IUD (intrauterine device);
• injuries of the reproductive system.

Possible painful sensations during menstruation after abortions and curettage, as well as after a cesarean section.

Do I need treatment?

Whether there is a effective tablets during painful periods, what should a woman drink at home - these questions arise for many who are faced with the problem. First of all, you need to see a doctor. It is important not only to relieve pain, but also to identify the disease or problem that caused it.

The therapy that the doctor will prescribe after the examination can be medicinal or non-medicinal.

The following drugs are often prescribed:

• : Nurofen, No-shpa and others;
• hormonal contraceptives: Yarina, Diane-35, Regulon, etc.;
• vitamin E.

There are also non-drug methods that help normalize menstruation and eliminate pain:

• healthy lifestyle: proper nutrition, full sleep;
• exclusion of alcoholic beverages and smoking;
• avoiding stress;
• physiotherapy: massage, acupuncture, electrophoresis.

If pain during menstruation is severe and causes discomfort, you need to go to a gynecologist to find out the cause. A timely visit to a doctor will allow you to identify possible diseases and undergo treatment.

Video about painful menstruation

Many representatives of the fair half of humanity experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea, algodismenorrhea). In most cases, severe pain during menstruation indicates the presence of some pathology of the female genital area. Next, we will consider why painful periods occur, what pathologies and disorders may indicate, and whether treatment for painful periods is required.

With the onset of puberty, monthly rejection of some part of the uterine endometrium occurs, which, together with the egg and a small amount blood is released through the genital tract. This cyclical process is menstruation. During this period, women experience a significant hormonal shift, which causes the presence of some unpleasant symptoms before or immediately during menstruation.

If pregnancy does not occur, the uterus rejects tissue it does not need. This situation is accompanied by cervical dilation and spasms, so moderate pain during menstruation is an indicator of the norm.

Normal symptoms before or during mid-cycle menstruation (PMS pain) include:

• nagging pain before menstruation in the lower abdomen of low or medium intensity. Sometimes before menstruation only one side hurts, this indicates that it was in this ovary that ovulation occurred;
• discomfort in the lumbar region;
• increased appetite;
• tenderness of the mammary glands and pain before menstruation in the chest;
• minor mood changes;
• increased libido in the middle of the cycle and before the onset of menstruation.

The above symptoms are related and directly controlled by the production of the hormone progesterone. Sometimes painful periods occur after a delay. This is not a deviation from the norm if it is an isolated case.

Types of dysmenorrhea. Causes of pain

Very painful periods come in primary and secondary types. Primary is not associated with any serious diseases or pathologies. This type of dysmenorrhea occurs in girls with an unstable nervous system (since there is a slight hormonal disbalance), asthenic type of build (very thin), in girls in the first year of menstruation or with an anatomically incorrect position of the uterus.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is usually associated with inflammatory or other diseases of the female genital area and their consequences. So, severe menstrual pain can be provoked by:

1. Inflammation of the appendages (,), which contributes to the occurrence of adhesions. If there are adhesions, even after menstruation, the lower abdomen hurts and pulls in the lower back.
2. uterus and ovaries. Uterine endometrial cells rapidly divide and spread to nearby organs.
3. Various neoplasms (polyps).
4. Inflammatory processes of nearby organs (for example, bladder).
5. Hormonal disorders. For example, periods after Duphaston (a hormonal medicine) sometimes come with a slight delay and can cause aching pain in the lower abdomen.
6. Varicose veins of the small pelvis.
7. Hormonal disorders.
8. Surgical interventions (including abortions). For example, periods after hysteroscopy often come with a delay of one month. Menstruation does not proceed as usual - the intensity of the discharge may change and severe pain may occur.
9. Intrauterine device. If it is installed or removed incorrectly, it causes acute pain both during menstruation and in the middle of the cycle.

Remember! If you have always had scanty periods, but Lately become abundant, this may indicate some kind of pathology. Doctor's consultation required!

Painful symptoms during menstruation

On the first day of menstruation, you may experience some discomfort. So, a woman experiences the following symptoms:

• severe aching, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which is localized on one side (the right side or left hurts) and radiates to the tailbone, leg or uterus. In especially severe cases, there may be a sharp spasm or “shooting” in the abdominal cavity associated with contraction of the uterus and rejection of the unfertilized egg;
• lower back pain;
• dizziness, migraine;
• severe nausea, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea;
• feeling of pressure and swelling of the mammary glands, sore nipples;
• a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which is manifested by chills, sweating, and changes in heart rate;
• upset stool, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation;
• fainting lasting a few seconds is a terrible symptom that requires an urgent call to the doctor.

The above symptoms can make a woman completely unable to work, so bed rest is required, at least until severe pain during menstruation subsides.

The nervous system also suffers during this period. Severe malaise makes a woman overly irritable, anxiety, insomnia, and weakness may appear. Chronic stress often increases the duration and frequency of symptoms. This is why women often experience not only pain after menstruation, but also in the middle of the cycle.

Doctors often recommend that patients with the above symptoms keep a diary and a cycle calendar, where they should write down the start and end dates of menstruation, whether they are painful, as well as other ailments observed during this period.

Remember! If you suffer from terrible pain during menstruation, then you should not tolerate this condition. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist and find out the true cause of the pain.

In some sources you can find information that if you have pain during menstruation, you need to move more or do physical exercise. However, in reality this should not be done during menstruation, since unnecessary movements during severe pain will only aggravate the situation.

Menstruation during pregnancy

If the expectant mother is healthy, then there should be no menstruation during pregnancy. The greatest danger is bleeding in the first trimester, up to 12 weeks. It is during this period of bearing a child that the risk of miscarriage is high.

If a woman has painful periods during pregnancy early stages, and she doesn’t even know about her interesting situation, this aggravates the situation. Future mom may drink alcohol, smoke based on uterine bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen, suggesting that menstruation has begun. This is why situations happen when a woman finds out about pregnancy three months after conception.

If a pregnant woman experiences pain in the lower abdomen or brown or reddish discharge, she should immediately visit a gynecologist to prevent sad consequences. In order to save the child, eliminate the cause of pain and the painful symptoms themselves, a woman is most often prescribed treatment in a hospital.

Thus, menstruation during pregnancy in most cases indicates a pathological process that requires urgent diagnosis.

Diagnostics

Very severe pain during menstruation, which lasts more than two to three days and does not go away after taking analgesics, requires medical intervention. To choose the right treatment, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and find out the cause of the pathological symptoms.

The examination should be carried out at the beginning of the cycle, preferably on days 5-7. As a last resort - in the middle of the cycle, before ovulation. During this period, the hormonal balance is restored, the pain most often goes away and the research results will be more accurate.

Diagnostic measures are carried out by a gynecologist in several stages.

To begin with, a medical history of the patient is compiled. The doctor finds out whether the patient is sexually active, what methods of contraception she uses, whether there have been pregnancies, abortions, surgical interventions, or whether there are chronic diseases.

Then he begins the examination in a gynecological chair. An experienced gynecologist can determine by palpation the presence of possible inflammation of the ovaries, appendages or uterus. The site of inflammation is usually painful and enlarged.

The above methods are often not enough to make a correct diagnosis, therefore, in order to avoid medical errors, additional laboratory and instrumental tests are carried out. A smear is taken to determine possible infections, and blood is taken from a finger (vein). In some cases, a blood test for hormones is performed.

Then the woman needs to undergo an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs to determine the presence of cysts and other formations. Sometimes the doctor prescribes a test that allows you to determine the presence of adhesions and check the pelvic organs in more detail than an ultrasound.

Painful menstruation can also occur with vascular pathologies. In this case, Doppler ultrasound of the vessels is performed.

Based on the diagnostic results, in the absence of gynecological pathologies, it is necessary to undergo examination by a neurologist and psychotherapist, since disruptions in the nervous system can directly affect changes in the cycle and aggravate the course of its unpleasant symptoms.

If a gynecological disease is detected, the doctor diagnoses “algodismenorrhea” and prescribes treatment.

What to do for pain during menstruation

Treatment of dysmenorrhea includes not only pain relief and symptomatic therapy, but also the mandatory elimination of the disease that caused it. Thus, for inflammatory processes of an infectious and non-infectious nature, antibacterial and antiviral therapy is prescribed, as well as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating suppositories and tablets.

In case of neoplasms of the internal genital organs, which can cause pain in the lower abdomen after menstruation, a decision is made to remove them surgically.

Hormonal drug

Painful and heavy periods caused by hormonal disorders are treated with drugs that correct hormonal levels. The most commonly prescribed tablets are Yarina and Diana-35.

If dysmenorrhea is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system against the background of chronic stress, then treatment is prescribed by a neurologist or psychotherapist. Here, both ordinary sedative sedative tablets and more serious therapy can be used - tranquilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants. Vaginal suppositories are not used in this case.

To directly eliminate painful and heavy periods, painkillers are used, such as Nise, Nurofen, Analgin, Tempalgin, Ketorol, No-Shpa. It is not recommended to use suppositories during menstruation.

In parallel with the above measures, for severe pain during menstruation, taking vitamins E, A, C is indicated. The duration and regimen of administration is determined by the gynecologist in each specific case.

Can't be ignored traditional medicine. Herbs are widely used for heavy periods - chamomile, boron uterus. By taking this herbal decoction you can reduce the intensity of pain.

What not to do during menstruation:

• be sexually active;
• warm or cool the pain areas;
• perform intense physical exercise;
• visit baths, saunas, swimming pools, lie in the bath.

Prevention

After drug elimination of the cause of dysmenorrhea, you need to follow simple preventive measures to prevent the return of painful symptoms.

1. Correct daily routine, alternating work and rest. It is necessary to avoid mental and physical overload, sleep at least 8-9 hours. Failure to follow these rules leads to chronic fatigue syndrome and stress. And stress, as we know, is the cause of 90% of diseases, including dysmenorrhea.
2. For painful periods: moderate physical exercise help tone muscles, improve metabolism and metabolic processes in the body, and can even normalize hormonal levels.
3. Take timely measures to eliminate stress.
4. Proper nutrition and drinking enough fluids also have a beneficial effect on the body.
5. Giving up bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking) is simply necessary for heavy periods.

Dysmenorrhea is not a death sentence. With a competent approach to treatment, as well as compliance with preventive measures, this disease is completely eliminated.