Some body changes during the monthly cycle are normal,
including breast tenderness or some discomfort just before
menstruation.
Some changes, while abnormal, do not necessarily indicate a
serious problem, while others may be a sign of an underlying issue
that needs to be addressed.
Women often experience pelvic pain or cramps right before
and/or during their menstrual periods. This is a very common and normal symptom associated
with menstruation, which generally subsides as menstrual bleeding
tapers off.
The medical term for pelvic pain that occurs during
menstruation is dysmenorrhea.
Doctors mainly use the term dysmenorrhea to refer to severe
menstrual cramps that interfere with daily activities and are
caused by an underlying condition or disease.
Menstrual cramps are caused by prolonged, intense uterine
contractions that occur during menstruation.
For women experiencing dysmenorrhea due to an underlying
condition, medical
treatment for the cause may help to alleviate the cramps.
For most menstrual cramps, over-the-counter nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and
discomfort.
If NSAIDs are not successful in treating menstrual pain, a
doctor may prescribe low-dose birth control pills.
Women can also soothe their cramps by soaking in a hot bath or
using a heating pad on the abdomen. The heat helps to increase
blood flow, which in turn reduces muscle spasms.
In addition, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly,
getting adequate rest and reducing and/or eliminating alcohol and
cigarette smoking may help alleviate menstrual cramps.
PMS, or premenstrual
syndrome, is a group of physical, emotional and behavioral
symptoms that commonly occur in the two weeks prior to
menstruation.
PMS is common among women of childbearing age, and symptoms
usually recur in a predictable pattern.
If symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily
activities, a condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD) may be present.
There are over 150 symptoms attributed to PMS, but most fall
into one of two categories, physical or emotional/behavioral.
Some of the most common physical symptoms are abdominal cramps,
breast swelling, breast tenderness, fatigue and bloating.
Some of the most common emotional/behavioral symptoms are
irritability, hostility, aggressive behavior, anxiety and depression.
Doctors may first recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a
well-balanced diet, taking vitamins, exercising and reducing
stress.
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are used in
women with more severe symptoms.
Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in women.
The abnormal absence of menstruation may be due to any number
of changes in the organs, glands and hormones involved in the
menstrual cycle.
Possible medical causes of amenorrhea may include ovarian
failure, problems in the central nervous system or the pituitary
gland, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, stress and
illness.
Once it is determined that amenorrhea is not due to pregnancy,
lactation or menopause, treatment varies depending on the
underlying condition.
Unless caused by a medical condition, menstrual irregularities
such as amenorrhea may be prevented by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and moderate exercise with
plenty of rest.
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