What is 'PERIOD PAIN'?

What is 'Period Pain'?

This is definitely something annoying that most women experience monthly if their menses are regular. There are some lucky ones out there who never experience it their whole lives. Unfortunately, MooMoo falls under the 'unlucky' category. Period Pains or Menstrual Cramps or more known as 'Dysmenorrhoea' in medical term, which is pronounced as 'Dis-men-or-ear'. The term comes from an ancient Greek expression meaning 'difficult monthly flow'.

There are 2 types of period pain:

(1) Primary Dysmenorrhoea: affecting teenagers/young women not long after they start their periods. The pain and other symptoms is consistently similar monthly. This type of pain usually disappear when you leave your teenage years or after giving birth.

(2) Secondary Dysmenorrhoea: affecting women in their mid-twenties or later and it can happen any time of the month and it could be a sign of another medical condition. The pain can varies and it is recommended to go check with your Gynae. This type of pain usually is due to common gynaecological conditions, such as Fibroids, Endometriosis and Ovarian Cysts.

The pain can range from mild to severe, depending of each individuals. It is usually felt at the lower abdominal. Sometimes, it can be so serious that it could affect a woman's regular activities for several days.

The pain felt is actually caused by the contractions of the uterus or womb, similar to those of another 'normal' pain women suffer during labor.

The endometrium (lining of the womb's wall) actually thickens during a woman's menstrual cycle, in order to prepare for potential pregnancy. After ovulation, if the ovum is not fertilized and there's no pregnancy, the built-up uterine tissue will need to be shedded. This hormone called 'Prostaglandins' are released and will caused the uterus to contract.

When the uterine muscles contract, they blocked the blood supply to the tissue of the endometrium, which will eventually cause it to breakdown and dies. The uterine contractions will continue will all the dead tissues are squeezed out of the body through the cervix and vagina. These actually caused the cramps and pains experienced during the Menstrual cycle.

What can be done to reduce or eliminate the PAIN?!?

(1) Exercise - It does help to reduce the pain and discomfort. Stretches and certain Yoga positions does help to relief the pain. --- MooMoo have less pain when she's more active...

(2) Sleeping - Natural ways to rest your body to ease the pain and it feels extremely good at certain sleeping positions. --- this works very well for MooMoo - Thumbs Up!!!

(3) Supplements - Vitamin E, Thiamine and Omega-3 may reduce cramps. Zinc and Calcium have been found to reduce cramps, bloating and related PMS symptoms. Calcium and Magnesium reduced muscle soreness, but must be taken 2-3 months every day before producing a noticeable effect. --- will try to intake more supplements... but the Primrose never really seem to work for MooMoo... or maybe she always forgot to eat them on time... hahah..

(4) Water - drink lots of warm water or hot drinks to keep your tummy warm and cozy. --- Haha... this coming from MooMoo who loves to drink cold water day and night... when you see MooMoo drinking hot water, she must be having her period. =p

(5) Pain Reliever - taken them only when you really cannot stand the pain. --- try not to take.

(6) Hormonal Birth Control Pills - prevent ovulation and reduce severity of menstrual cramps. --- Not very recommended for long term solutions.

(7) Hot Water Bottle or Pad - put on your lower abdominal to reduce the pain. --- never use but it works well for MooMoo's friend.

(8) Reduce Caffeine and Sodium in your diet a few days before and during your period --- this is difficult for MooMoo... hahaha...

(9) Acupuncture - pain relief method --- never tried this and don't think will ever try it...

(10) Have a cup or 2 of Wine - Wine thins blood --- hmm.. never tried this before... maybe will try one day... hahah...

* MooMoo was feeling horrible this morning due to slight cramps but felt so much better after her STEP class today... ^=^ MooMoo always wonder why is the Menstrual cycle created for women in order to have a BABY?!? Is it for us to appreciate the kids more by going through the pain to give birth to them? =p