Women's Health Blog

Women within a certain age range throughout the world have one special thing in common: menstruation. This is the epitome of being a female and is part of the amazing process of reproduction. Menstruation, of course, carries with it the wonderful aspect of allowing for women to become pregnant and give birth to children. However, it also carries with it the uncomfortable and unwanted characteristics of causing pain, irritability and a messy situation.

Many a male has angered his female counterpart with references to the well-known PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can bring on abdominal pain before and/or during one’s period. Women often experience abdominal cramps, pain in their lower back, sensitive or tender breasts, and headaches. These symptoms are caused by the changes in levels of hormones that take place during one’s period, as well as the physical process during this time as the body sheds the lining of the uterus. When shedding occurs, the uterus contracts and thereby causing discomfort in many women. Although such pain is more common in those who have only been experiencing a menstrual period for a few years, and often occurs in the first few days of one’s period, each woman is different. Some women may find their cramps subside as they grow older, yet some may experience severe cramps up until they reach menopause.

If you continue to experience severe pain during your periods, contact your gynecologist to make sure there is not some other health issue which is causing that type of pain. Certain conditions including endometriosis or fibroids can cause several abdominal pains which many might mistake for menstrual cramps. However, if it is determined that you are one of those lucky women whose periods come with horrendous cramps, there are some remedies to help make those days less uncomfortable.

You can help reduce the severity of your menstrual cramps by taking warm baths, applying a hot compress on your abdomen, or taking over the counter medicine (although it is wise to run by your doctor what you plan to take before running off to the pharmacy).

To most women’s chagrin, regular periods come once a month, which can certainly put a damper on many activities. It is even worse when you experience heavy bleeding. But like with most things, industry has developed ways to help women continue to enjoy their regular activities despite our monthly visitor. There are a wide variety of tampons and sanitary napkins, or pad, which can be used to help you get on with your daily activities during your period. The key is to be prepared and always carry some around with you.

As with pain, irritability or changes in mood can occur, both prior to the commencement of your period, as well as during your period. Due to the changes in hormones which occur during one’s period, you can feel irritable, sad, or lethargic. Although it seems difficult to fathom while you are experiencing pain and these mood swings, getting some exercise can help with both symptoms. A good attitude also helps. If you are aware that this time of the month typically affects your mood, you should plan to give yourself some extra pampering during this time to help alleviate the situation a little. It’s also a good idea not to make serious or major decisions while your hormones are on the fritz. Give it a week, when things are back to normal. Most, if not all, women dread their monthly visitor. But remember, this is also a symbol of what women are capable of doing: bringing a new life into the world.