Being a woman is a wonderful thing, all the difficulties in life included—yes, even those, because they make us stronger, more resilient.
But one of the pains, literally, that many women have to go through is the pain and discomfort that comes during their monthly period. And perhaps, the much more painful thing about it is that many who don’t understand it dismiss someone who experiences it as being “dramatic.”
No.
The pain from dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps, a professor of reproductive health at the University College of London said, could be as bad as having a severe “heart attack.” In fact, many who experience it, or up to 20 percent according to an article published on American Family Physician, said it interfered with their work or other daily activities.
"When it gets too bad, it can be disabling."
“The pain intensity tends to increase when estrogen levels are low and progesterone levels are high. When it gets too bad, it can be disabling. Every woman experiences it differently. Some suffer from extreme pain, while others go through it easily,” explains Faith Suluen, MD.
About 60 to 70 percent of young women experience dysmenorrhea, according to a study by Najafi, et al.
During the menstrual period, the uterus squeezes so that blood in the uterine wall detaches and eventually flows out of the vagina. If it contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels. This briefly cuts off the oxygen supply in the uterus which causes pain.
Menstrual cramps or primary dysmenorrhea, the secondary one being caused by disorder in the woman’s reproductive system, is recurrent and are not due to other diseases, according to Cleveland Clinic. Pain usually occurs on the first to second day of the period, and is felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. Pain can range from mild to severe, and can last from 12 to 72 hours. In worse cases, it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Reproductive health experts recommend taking pain medications to relieve pain. But for natural management and treatment, there are a couple of options available.
Using a hot pack helps relax uterine muscles and boosts blood circulation. Place the heating pad or hot water bottle or hand towels on lower back or abdomen to relieve the pain.
Taking a hot bath can also help as the heat boosts blood circulation in the pelvic area and eases cramps. It’s best followed by a good night’s sleep, as rest is also beneficial during this period.
Avoiding caffeine may also help in managing menstrual cramps as this substance can make dysmenorrhea among a few people worse as it can mildly constrict blood flow which can lead to pain. In some, caffeine may worsen premenstrual symptoms of anxiety, irritability, or insomnia.
Drink lots of water and load up on water-rich fruit and vegetables such as watermelon, orange, cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Using anion sanitary pads, according to a brand that manufactures it, may help in alleviating pain. Anion, a negatively charged ion, once it reaches the bloodstream, produces biochemical reactions that cause a multitude of healing benefits. Anions stabilize blood pressure and reduce blood and sugar levels.
In addition, Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkins said anion can help reduce stress levels, strengthen immune system, reinforce better sleep, and increase mental energy. When incorporated in sanitary pads, it can eliminate unwanted odors, balance hormones, and lessen pain.
The University of the Philippines Inorganic Nanomaterials Institute of Chemistry reports that each anion strip in Jeunesse Anion Sanitary Napkins, once it touches moisture, releases 6,180 anions—more than enough to be able to reach a person’s bloodstream and eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria and fungi that cause unwanted odor.
Once the anion was released in the strip, it will bind positively charged ions such as potassium, calcium, and sodium, which restricts their movement through the ion channel. The interaction between two opposite charged ions is very strong that it will not allow the movement of these positively charged ions. And if ions can’t move, it stops sending pain signals to the body that cause dysmenorrhea.
Jeunesse Anion is available in five different variants: ultra-day pad, day pad non-wing, ultra-night pad, all-night, and panty liner. It is distributed by Wellgold International Inc., and is available in drugstores, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide.