Period Pain - Dysmenorrhea

Period pain also known as Dysmenorrhea is a condition which can affect all women, some can easily control the pain with over the counter medicines however this doesn’t work for all. Period pain itself is a completely normal part of the cycle even though all women may not have to deal with it. The pain itself can be felt as cramping pain which can spread to the back and thighs.  

Period pain is caused by the contraction of the muscles in the womb, this is a natural process which helps to remove the lining of the womb as part of the monthly period. When this muscle contracts the blood vessels in the womb are compressed and momentarily cuts off blood and oxygen and blood supply to the womb. This lack of oxygen triggers a response in which chemicals are released leading to pain. With the release of pain triggering chemicals also comes the release of prostaglandins, which causes further womb contractions and pain.

In most cases, over the counter pain relief can be used to help ease and manage period pain.

Some women experience more pain than others, we don’t know exactly why but it could be due to the amount of prostaglandin release leading to stronger contractions and therefore more pain.

Sometimes period pain can be due to an underlying issues, this is known as secondary dysmenorrhoea. These underlying issues can include:

• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Adenomyosis

If you suffer from any of the above conditions please speak to your GP for treatment options.

Here at SimplyMeds we offer Mefenamic acid and Naproxen for when over the counter strength medicines do not work. Essentially they are both part of the NSAID (non -steroidal anti-inflammatory) family, working to reduce inflammation.  So to find out if you’re eligible for this treatment carry out a consultation and have it delivered to your door.

B.V 2019