Although it is known that menstrual pain can affect the daily lives of menstruating women, there is still a certain taboo when it comes to conversations surrounding this “forbidden” topic. WION attempts to shed light on this issue with the help of experts.
Menstrual Pain: The Unending Pain
What are the causes of menstrual pain? The answer is both complex and straightforward at the same time. Each month, a woman’s body sheds its uterine lining, a natural process characterized by contractions. Think of rhythmic contractions that help your body expel the waste materials it no longer needs.
However, menstrual pain, despite being a common experience, varies from person to person. Dr. Smita B. Kalappa, a gynecologist at Apollo Clinic, JP Nagar, Bangalore, states: “Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, can vary significantly among individuals. For some women, the pain may be mild and manageable, rated around 2 or 3 on that scale. Others may experience more severe pain, reaching 7, 8, or even 9, which significantly disrupts daily activities and requires medication or medical care.”
In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr. Kalappa explained: “Not all women experience the same level of pain or discomfort during menstruation. The intensity and type of menstrual pain can vary greatly among individuals.” She added: “Some may have mild cramps or discomfort that does not significantly affect their daily activities, while others may suffer from severe pain that greatly impacts their quality of life.”
How Can Women Manage Menstrual Pain?
Dr. Gana Srinivas, a consultant in obstetrics and gynecology at Rainbow Children’s Hospital and Women, Bannerghatta, Bangalore, suggests that women should first and foremost reduce stress and improve their mental and physical health. Deep breathing, meditation, or practicing yoga are good options for achieving this. Additionally, exercising and drinking soothing teas like chamomile, fennel, and ginger can also help, she noted.
However, she warns that caffeine can exacerbate cramps and recommends drinking decaffeinated coffee instead.
Furthermore, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate menstrual pain. These medications help reduce inflammation and thus relieve pain. However, these medications should be taken under medical supervision.
Applying heat can also help soothe menstrual cramps. “A hot bag is a lifesaver,” she says, adding, “emotional, social, physical, and psychological support is essential to overcoming menstrual pain.”
What Is Normal Bleeding Level?
A woman typically loses between 20 and 80 milliliters of blood, equivalent to one and a half cups, during a normal menstrual cycle.
However, this can vary from person to person. Those who experience heavy bleeding can lose more than 80 milliliters. This can be due to a variety of factors “ranging from benign uterine growths such as fibroids or polyps to more serious conditions like uterine or cervical cancer,” explains Dr. Rani.
Additionally, hormone-related health issues, such as thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can contribute to increased monthly blood flow. It can also be a warning sign for conditions such as “Von Willebrand disease (VWD) or platelet function disorders, or non-bleeding-related disorders such as liver and kidney diseases or thyroid disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, and cancer, which can also affect monthly bleeding,” she clarifies.
When
Should a person consult a doctor?
Open conversations about menstruation and its pains can empower women, eliminate shame and negative attitudes, and also help achieve equality in the allegedly professional field.
It is essential for women to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice, ensuring a more aware and empowering approach to managing menstrual pain.
Dr. Kalaba says, “If the pain is too severe to manage with over-the-counter medications, or if it significantly interferes with work, it may be necessary to seek medical advice promptly.” She adds, “Empathy and support can greatly contribute to helping women cope with this sometimes debilitating condition and also open the door to seeking proper guidance instead of shame and dealing with many myths and misconceptions.”
Mohita Kaur Garg
“Words are, in my humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it.” – Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)
As a true lover of the Harry Potter series, Mohita sincerely believes that words carry inexhaustible magic, which is why she chose journalism. She enjoys writing articles about science, technology, politics, and trending news and tweets on her account @MoohitaKaurGarg.
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