For many women the arrival of menstruation is a painful experience that they cannot avoid. While it is true that some of the inconveniences of menstruation cannot be avoided, it is also possible to alleviate some of the symptoms. For this, it is essential to know how menstruation occurs and, above all, its phases, in order to prevent pain as much as possible.
How the menstrual cycle works?
- Pain, cramps, swelling, mood swings… These are some of the effects produced by the hormonal revolution that occurs in our body during the menstrual cycle.
- During the menstrual cycle, which lasts 28 days, the entire process that triggers the discomfort occurs. That’s why it’s important to know what phase of the menstrual cycle we are in. In the first 12 days from the start of bleeding, the egg begins to mature in the ovary, for which it needs an extra amount of estrogen. Around day 15, the matured ovum begins its journey awaiting fertilization; we are in the ovulation period. The egg then reaches the uterus while our body needs progesterone in the event of a possible pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the egg dissolves in the uterus and that is when bleeding occurs.
How to avoid period or menstrual pain?
The discomfort of menstruation is suffered by all women to a greater or lesser extent, but there are some tricks that can help you.
- Mood swings caused by the alteration of hormones can be alleviated with a diet rich in calcium. Increased consumption of dairy products in the week before menstruation appears to partially alleviate mood swings.
- Swelling in the belly area can be reduced by reducing salt intake and drinking much more water and fluids in the days before menstruation.
- Abdominal pain can be alleviated by applying heat to the area and drinking hot infusions. It seems that a diet rich in carbohydrates reduces pain considerably. And if it persists, it will be necessary to resort to an analgesic or anti-inflammatory.
Steps to prepare for menstruation
- Menstruation may come almost without realizing it, but if you are one of those women who suffers an ordeal every month, you will know that the symptoms begin to show up a few days before with sudden mood swings, high sensitivity in the breasts, belly swelling and, As the days go by, acute pain in the abdomen and back. There are even those who get a headache, cramps and dizziness.
- Experts say that leading a healthy life, going for a walk regularly, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing salt, tobacco, alcohol and coffee can prevent symptoms such as bad mood, tiredness and even pain.
- It is always difficult to determine for yourself if the discomfort caused by menstruation is normal or, on the contrary, is a symptom of a more important gynecological problem.
- If pain and other discomforts prevent you from going about your daily life, your doctor may be able to advise you on a birth control pill that treats the most important symptoms. Do not forget your periodic check-ups to detect possible complications and thus be more secure.
