Menstrual pain that is normal and abnormal, here's how to tell the difference

Menstrual pain is the biggest scourge for women every month. How not, the pain that occurs in the area around the stomach and waist often makes it difficult for women to carry out activities like normal days. During this time you may often worry that the menstrual pain that you feel is a sign of a dangerous health problem. So, how do you distinguish normal and abnormal menstrual pain? Here's the explanation.

How to distinguish normal and abnormal menstrual pain?

The severity of menstrual pain in each woman is different. There are those who feel menstrual pain that is classified as mild, but there are also those who feel severe pain that makes it difficult to do activities - even just walking.

Let's look at the differences between normal and abnormal menstrual pain, then decide which one suits your condition.

1. Normal menstrual pain usually lasts a maximum of three to four days

Approaching the menstrual period, the endometrium or uterine lining will experience thickening. It is used to prepare itself for the attachment of a successfully fertilized egg.

When the egg is not fertilized, the endometrial tissue will shed along with the blood. At the same time, chemicals called prostaglandins are released and trigger inflammation. Well, this condition then triggers muscle contraction, aka stomach cramps.

Jessia Shepherd, M.D., assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at The University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, told Self that normal stomach cramps usually occur for 2 to 3 days in one menstrual cycle. This means, abdominal pain and cramps that last longer than 3 days can be categorized as abnormal menstrual pain.

2. Normal menstrual pain is generally easy to overcome

Usually, stomach cramps due to normal menstruation can be treated with a heating pad, hot water bottle, or taking simple anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. In addition, your doctor may recommend birth control pills for a variety of reasons.

Several studies have shown that supplements containing calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D can help reduce PMS symptoms. However, make sure to always consult a doctor to get the right treatment according to the symptoms you feel.

For those of you who like to exercise, you should continue this healthy habit. The reason is, the release of endorphins during exercise can increase the supply of oxygen to the uterus and strengthen the pelvis. When oxygen sufficiency is met, stomach cramps and other PMS symptoms can be treated well.

3. Abnormal menstrual pain tends to interfere with activity

According to Candace Howe, MD, a doctor from HM Medical in Newport Beach, California, menstrual pain is said to be abnormal if the pain tends to be severe to interfere with activity. In fact, about 20 percent of women experience this.

Women who experience severe stomach cramps usually spend more time in bed and curl up with abdominal pain. Not only physically ill, most women also experience discomfort psychologically. That is why, women tend to get bad mood easily during menstruation.

4. Abnormal menstrual pain cannot be treated with drugs without a prescription

Basically, menstrual pain can be treated with pain relievers that are sold in the market, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If menstrual pain does not end even though you have taken these medicines, then this can be said to be abnormal and you need to consult a doctor immediately.

If you think that taking a lot of pain relievers can cure severe stomach cramps, then you are seriously wrong. Be careful, the consumption of drugs that are not as recommended can have dangerous effects.

If the pain does not go away, consult a doctor immediately. Because, it is feared to be a sign of disease in the area of the female reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and so on.

5. Abnormal menstrual pain occurs irregularly every month

For those of you who experience stomach cramps since the start of menstruation, this is known as primary dysmenorrhea. The good news is, this tends to be normal in response to the body's sensitivity to menstrual hormones.

However, if severe stomach cramps do not occur since the start of menstruation and not only every month, then this is referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea. Well, this type of dysmenorrhea should be watched out for.

Secondary dysmenorrhea can cause heavy bleeding and can indicate the presence of certain diseases. Examples include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammation, or ovarian cysts. To be sure, consult a doctor immediately.