Why stomach aches during periods

Prostaglandins help the uterus contract and relax, so that the endometrium can detach and flow out of your body. They are a necessary part of the process, but in excess, they cause pain if the uterus contracts strongly, blood flow is reduced, and the supply of oxygen to the uterus muscle tissue decreases, causing pain 5.

Inflammation may play a role. The production of prostaglandins is related to inflammation, and inflamed tissue tends to produce more prostaglandins 6. People who experience more menstrual pain have also been shown to have higher levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, even after adjustment for factors related to chronic inflammation, like BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption 7.

Inflammation has also been linked to the worsening of other premenstrual symptoms, including mood changes. People are more likely to have painful periods if they have heavy or long period bleeding, if they started menstruating early in life, or if their periods are irregular 8, 9.

Other factors that have been associated with painful periods include smoking, being thin, being younger than 30, having a pelvic infection, and being sterilized 8. Research done by Clue with Oxford University also found that Clue users with undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections STIs were more likely to experience certain premenstrual symptoms, including cramps, than those without STIs If your periods are heavy, irregular, or extremely painful, trying to find and treat the cause of your irregularities may be important for your health.

Other approaches to relieving cramps, like hormonal birth control, act by preventing the building and shedding of the endometrium. Anti-inflammatory painkillers are an effective way to get relief from period pain NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , like ibuprofen, inhibit the production of prostaglandins and inflammation.

Other types of over-the counter painkillers may reduce pain, but tend to be less effective for treating menstrual cramps NSAIDs are also used in reducing heavy bleeding Some people may choose to use hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill or the hormonal IUD, to relieve and prevent menstrual cramps. This reduces or eliminates the associated build-up of prostaglandins, muscle contractions and cramps Transcutaneous nerve stimulation TENS is an approved treatment for menstrual cramps.

TENS can also be combined with other methods, like heat and medication. As more is learned on the relationship between inflammation and period cramps, we may see recommendations for cramp-prevention diets. So far though, the data on this is limited but promising, and there are no formal clinical recommendations. One clinical trial of 33 women with menstrual pain found that women had less menstrual pain when they followed a low fat-vegetarian diet than when they were taking a placebo dietary supplement pill A survey of students found that those who reported consuming servings of dairy had less menstrual pain than those consumed no dairy at all.

This is possibly due to the intake of calcium, and maybe also vitamin D, but more research is needed—a trial on vitamin D found that very high doses were required to make a difference, which some but not all practitioners would consider unsafe Deficiency in magnesium, which is associated with anxiety and stress, has also been linked to more intense menstrual cramps Check with a nutritionally-trained practitioner before taking a supplement—like any medicine, they can have side effects and interfere with levels of other nutrients in the body.

Although having a long period occasionally is not often a cause for concern, having them frequently or feeling that a period won't stop may indicate…. What can help ease pain from period cramps? Menstrual pain can be very uncomfortable but home remedies and OTC and prescription medication can help.

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is a common condition that causes pain and cramping around menstruation. Learn the causes and treatments. What to know about menstrual cramps.

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Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. How long does a period last? What causes a period to start and stop? Causes and treatments for a period that won't stop. What can help relieve period cramps? Period pain dysmenorrhea and its causes. Symptoms of period pain include:.

But what causes cramps during your period? When you have strong uterine contractions, the blood supply to the uterus is momentarily shut down, depriving the uterus muscle of oxygen and setting up the cycle of menstrual cramps and pain.

Some studies show that women with severe menstrual cramps have stronger uterine contractions than others do when giving birth. According to Mayo Clinic, certain conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease are associated with menstrual cramps.

Endometriosis can cause fertility problems. Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, which increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy , in which the fertilized egg implants outside your uterus. Other risk factors include use of an intrauterine device IUD , uterine fibroid tumor, and sexually transmitted diseases.

A study published in October in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies concluded that women who practiced yoga 30 minutes per day, two days a week, for 12 weeks at home had a significant improvement in menstrual pain and physical fitness over the control group. Another study, published in January in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , found that Hatha yoga practice was associated with a reduction in levels of chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis.

If your periods are causing you significant pain, consult your doctor, because menstrual pain can be a sign of a serious problem. Here are seven conditions known to cause painful menstrual cramps. While a brownie or french fries might sound delicious, foods high in sugar, trans fat and salt can cause bloating and inflammation, which makes muscle pain and cramps worse. Grab a banana or another piece of fruit to fight sugar cravings, or go for unsalted nuts if you want something more savory.

Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow. This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick minute walk to boost your energy. Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation.

Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful.

For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new. A little heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow and relieve tension.

Try sitting with a heating pad, taking a hot shower or relaxing in a hot bath. But even gentle exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy, reduce pain and relax your muscles. Fifteen minutes of yoga, light stretching or walking might be all you need to feel better. Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress.

Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths. One study found that massage therapy significantly reduced menstrual pain in women with endometriosis. Massages may reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus.

In order to most effectively manage period cramps, massage therapy should focus on the abdominal area. But a full body massage that reduces your overall stress may also help to relieve menstrual cramps.