Menstrual cramps
I super super super super * a million times, hate tt time of the month!!! It's hindering my work and mental state. Everytime it starts to hurt, and sometimes so badly I can't move and vomits, I feel quite depressed and "traumatized" and there's simply no way I can continue working. I can't even walk or sleep, much less use my brains and work. Cox of this, I've decided to dedicate this entire post to a mini "thesis" on menstrual cramps.1.1 What are menstrual cramps?Menstrual cramps are abdominal and pelvic area (belly) pains that are experienced by a woman around the time of her menstrual period. Menstrual cramps can range from mild to quite severe. Mild menstrual cramps may be barely noticeable and of short duration - sometimes felt just as a sense of light heaviness in the belly. Severe menstrual cramps can be so painful that they interfere with a woman's regular activities for several days. The medical term for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary. In primary dysmenorrhea, there is no underlying gynecologic problem causing the pain. This type of cramping usually begins at menarche (the beginning of menstruation), the time when a girl starts having menstrual periods. In secondary dysmenorrhea, some underlying abnormal condition (usually involving a woman's reproductive system) contributes to the menstrual pain. Secondary dysmenorrhea may be evident at menarche but, more often, the condition develops later. 1.2 Crux of topic: What causes menstrual cramps?Each month, the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) builds up in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm, the current lining of the uterus is no longer needed. The woman's estrogen and progesterone hormone levels decline and the lining of the uterus becomes swollen and dies. It is then shed and will be replaced by a new lining in the next monthly cycle. When the old uterine lining begins to break down, molecular compounds called prostaglandins are released. These compounds, specifically prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), cause the muscles of the uterus to contract. When the uterine muscles contract, they constrict the blood supply (vasoconstriction) to the endometrium. This contraction blocks the delivery of oxygen to the tissue of the endometrium which, in turn, breaks down and dies. After the death of this tissue, the uterine contractions literally squeeze the old endometrial tissue through the cervix and out of the body by way of the vagina. As mentioned above, an unusually narrow cervical canal tends to increase menstrual cramps. Another anatomical factor thought to contribute to menstrual cramps is a backwards tilting of the uterus (a retroverted uterus). Lack of exercise is now recognized to contribute to painful menstrual cramps.
It has long been thought that psychological factors also play a role. For example, it is widely accepted that emotional stress can increase the discomfort of menstrual cramps1.3 Now then, why are some cramps so painful?Menstrual cramps are caused by uterine contractions. The cramping sensation is intensified when clots or pieces of bloody tissue from the lining of the uterus pass through the cervix, especially if a woman's cervical canal is narrow. The difference between menstrual cramps that are more painful and those that are less painful is apparently related to a woman's prostaglandin levels. Women with menstrual cramps have prostaglandin blood levels that are 5-13 times higher than women who do not experience cramps. Menstrual cramps are very similar to those a pregnant woman experiences when she is given prostaglandin as a medication to induce labor. 1.4 Symptons of menstrual crampsMenstrual cramps are pains that begin in the lower abdomen and pelvis. The discomfort can extend to the lower back or legs. The cramps can be a quite painful or simply a dull ache. They can be periodic or continual. Menstrual cramps usually start shortly before the menstrual period, peak within 24 hours after the onset of the pains, and subside again after a day or two. Menstrual cramps may be accompanied by a headache and/or nausea, which can lead, although infrequently, to the point of vomiting. Menstrual cramps can also be accompanied by either constipation or diarrhea because the prostaglandin (PGF2alpha), which causes smooth muscles to contract, are found in both the uterus and intestinal tract. Some women experience an urge to urinate more frequently. 1.5 TreatmentEvery woman needs to find a treatment that works for her. Perhaps the most common treatment, especially in the past, has been to lie down at the first sign of pain. It used to be that many women's restrooms contained a cot or a couch so that a woman who felt "indisposed" could lie down. A bed in the school nurse's office served the same purpose and girls were routinely excused from physical education or other classes because of menstrual cramps. Current recommendations include not only adequate rest and sleep, but also regular exercise (especially walking). Some women find that abdominal massage, yoga, or orgasmic sexual activity help. A heating pad applied to the abdominal area may relieve the pain and congestion. 1.6 ConclusionWomen are truly great beings created by God, to have to suffer menstrual pains, labour pains, just to give birth. Thus, guys, pls...appreciate your loved one more k....
Kisses XOXO Wednesday, October 24, 2007
