Health Guide©

DYSMENORRHEA

(Menstrual cramps, Menstrual pain, Painful period)

Common Causes:

• Excessive production of prostaglandin, the chemicals that cause the uterus to contact.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Endometriosis.
• Fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus) which the uterus may try to expel.
• IUD (intrauterine contraceptives device) or other foreign body in the uterus, which the uterus may try to expel.
• Pelvic infection or inflammation.
• Disorders of the reproductive organs (e.g., cysts tumors).

What you can do:

• Apply heat (e.g., warm baths putting a hot water bottle or heating pads on the abdomen).
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol.
• Do regular exercise, particularly aerobics (cycling, jogging, brisk walking).
• Take simple painkillers and antispasmodics recommended by the doctor.
• Consult a doctor if the pain is unbearable and does not improve despite the recommended remedies, or is accompanied by fever or heavy bleeding.

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