Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN examines period pains
MOST CASES of period pain are a normal consequence of your menstrual cycle and can be treated effectively from home and with the help of your pharmacist.
The pain arises when the muscular wall of the womb contracts. During periods those contractions are more vigorous than usual, compressing the blood vessels which line the womb.
This temporarily chokes off the blood and oxygen supply to your womb. A lack of oxygen releases chemicals that trigger the pain you experience.
The pain is further pronounced by the release of prostaglandins,chemicals which encourage yet more contractions and so pain is exacerbated even more.
SYMPTOMS
Usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the lower abdomen. Pain can present as intense spasms while on other occasions may be dull but unfortunately constant.
Period pain is often felt in the lower back and thighs. The severity of this pain can alter from one period to another. Other symptoms described include headaches, nausea, tiredness, feeling faint, dizziness and diarrhoea.
The pain usually starts when bleeding begins, although some women experience pain a few days before their period starts. Generally speaking the pain is most severe when bleeding is heaviest.
On a plus note the pain usually becomes more tolerable with age and some women have reported how the pain is diminished following childbirth.
TREATMENT
Most cases respond effectively to over the counter pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in 70 per cent of women and there is little doubt they are the painkiller of choice.
NSAIDs are not suitable for all women however, so discuss with your pharmacist as to their suitability. NSAIDs for example should not be used in pregnancy or when breast feeding.
When NSAIDs are unsuitable do not dismiss the effectiveness of plain old-fashionedparacetamol but always follow its recommended dose.
When period pain is especially severe I would advise referral to your doctor. Likewise when accompanied by temperature, sudden or severe pain to the abdomen, a large amount of blood clots or thick foul smelling discharge, then contact your doctor for further investigation.
USEFUL SELF HELP TIPS
The following tips have been reported as helpful to ease or reduce discomfort
EXERCISE- keeping active can help to minimise period pain. Walking or cycling may help sufferers.
HEAT- applying heat to the tummy can help to ease pain. Heat pads or hot water bottles can also ease the discomfort from period pain, but be careful not to use boiling but hot water.
WARM BATH- or showers can ease discomfort with the additional benefit offering you to relax.
MASSAGE – Studies have shown light circular massage around the lower abdomen can help to relieve pain and so ease discomfort.
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES – Yoga or Pilates possibly helps by distracting from the feelings of pain and discomfort.
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRONIC NERVE STIMULATION(TENS) – A TENS machine works by releasing small electrical impulses that stimulate the nerves in your pelvic area,helping to block the perception of pain.
TENS machines are widely available through pharmacies and of course can be used from home.
Next month we take a look at conjunctivitis.
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