PMS and Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramps. Medically there are two forms of dysmenorrhea; spasmodic dysmenorrhea and congestive dysmenorrhea. Spasmodic dysmenorrheal is characterized by severe spasms of pain in the abdomen. This kind of dysmenorrhea is not classified as PMS because there are not of these symptoms before menses (the period). On the other hand congestive dysmenorrhea has all the characteristics of PMS in addition to period pain.

Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea

The onset of spasmodic dysmenorrhea is usually a few years after the first menstrual period. This is because this kind of dysmenorrhea is associated with ovulation and during the first few years of menses the ovulation may not be occuring. This kind of dysmenorrhea is most frequent in women in the age gap of 15-25. While the woman usually gets no PMS symptoms she feels severe spasms in the lower abdomen on the first day of menstruation. The pain can be so severe that some women compare it to labour pains and it may be associated with nausea, vomiting, fainting or collapse. The pain usually declines until it disappears.

The treatment for spasmodic dysmenorrhea is usually the Pill. This is because the pill stops ovulation. Another method of relief from spasmodic dysmenorrhea is the dilation and curettage which is used to stretch the opening of the womb. Pregnancy causes an abundance of estrogen from the placenta and the womb gets stretched by the fetus. Consequently this kind of dysmenorrhea usually disappears after pregnancy.

Congestive dysmenorrhea

Congestive dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe the presence of heavy continuos pain in the lower abdomen during the last seven days of PMS before menses. The pain increases in severity and them disappears with other PMS symptoms. Women with this kind of dysmenorrhea tend to suffer all their life because the pain is not associated with ovulation. Stress and pregnancy make this condition worse. PMS Remedies may be effective in treating this kind of dysmenorrhea since it is considered to be a symptom of PMS.

Here are some tips that can help relieve some of the symptoms of dysmenorrhea:

Try an over the counter Ibuprofen. It can be found as the active ingredient in several OTC medications, such as Advil, Nuprin, and Motrin IB. The OTC dose per pill is 200 milligrams. The recommended dose is one tablet every four to six hours (or two, if one does not work), not to exceed six in a 24-hour period. Prescription formulations come in dosages of 400 to 800 milligrams.

Try taking an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptive pills can be quite useful in treating menstrual cramps because they decrease the amount of menstrual tissue formed and lower the pain level (amplitude) of the uterine contractions probably due to their progestin effect.

Try an over the counter mefenamic acid. Mefenamic acid effectively relieves severe menstrual pain while also reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, easing menstrual migraine, and easing the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Try to eat small frequent meals because a lot of food causes blood sugar to swing up and down causing symptoms of PMS. Instead of eating three large meals, eat five or six small meals a day, about two and a half hours apart.

Exercise can help alleviate painful menstrual cramps by raising the level of beta-endorphins, chemicals in the brain associated with pain relief. Exercise raises the levels of beta endorphins, which have a positive effect on mood and behavior.

Reduce salt intake to prevent water retention that causes bloating. Likewise, avoid liquor and other alcoholic beverages to reduce headaches.

Learn to relax. Rest, sleep and relaxation exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. At least take time for a relaxing massage or bath with oil made with chamomile, lavender, marjoram, ginger and/or clary sage. They are aromatic and can aid in relaxation.

Visit your health care provider if excessive pain and cramping persists.

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