Menstrual cramps are a constant headache for many women. Therefore, there are many true and false beliefs about colic remedies. We talk about what is true and what is false about menstrual cramps.
Menstrual cramps are a disease
It is not a disease but a common symptom of menstruation. Therefore, there is no cure, but treatment. The cramps are due to the fact that during the period the woman’s body increases the production of prostaglandins. These substances cause the uterus to contract to expel the menstrual contents -the layer of the uterus (endometrium) that was prepared to receive the ovum in a fertilized case- to the outside.
Hot water bottles help relieve the pain of colic
It is in a great truth. Heat treatment with heat packs helps relieve menstrual pain. It is a truth verified by the women who have tried it.
Bathing and washing your head can make menstrual cramps worse
Another wrong statement about menstruation. There is no relationship between colic and any other day-to-day activity. The problem is that the faith of some women that this happens ends up being true. Better forget this legend.
The use of contraceptives decreases the frequency of menstrual cramps
This is a worldwide truth. Some women may feel better or have no cramps during menstruation when taking the pill. Contraceptives reduce the flow of menstrual blood and with less blood there are fewer contractions and less pain.
Analgesics eliminate cramps in menstruation
Pain relievers may temporarily relieve pain, but the cramping will not stop. They can also be helpful in fighting other symptoms like headaches. But for colic, the most recommended are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and aspirin. Please forget about self-medication and before taking medication, consult your doctor first. The medicine that works for your friend may be very bad for you.
Traditional remedies against menstrual cramps
Traditional remedies are myth and truth at the same time. Taking chamomile and valerian seem to have a certain theoretical basis because they are muscle relaxants, which would alleviate the contraction of the uterus, however in dysmenorrhea it will not reduce pain.
Women who have already gone through a pregnancy feel less menstrual cramps
A great truth about colic in the rule. The uterus undergoes changes in size during pregnancy. With the enlargement of the uterus, the blood flow and uterine contractions also undergo great changes and consequently it can reduce the pain of colic.
Cramps and premenstrual tension are the same
Common and incorrect statement. Colic is that pain that comes and goes, it is not continuous. Some women still confuse the symptoms of pre-menstrual tension – such as pain in the breasts, heavy legs, headache, among others – with colic. These symptoms can appear 15 to 10 days before menstruation, not only during bleeding, like colic.
Certain foods can increase period cramps
One more nonsense. There is no food that can influence the increase or decrease in the frequency of menstrual cramps.
