Period pain, medically known as dysmenorrhea, is a common problem that affects many menstruating people. This pain can vary from mild to severe cramps and is often localized in the lower abdomen. Here are some major causes and mechanisms that lead to period pain :
Endometriosis 🌺
Causes of period pain :
Prostaglandins 🧬
- What are prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are produced in the lining of the uterus.
- Role in menstruation: They promote the contraction of the uterine muscles to expel the shed mucous membrane during menstruation.
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Pain makers: High levels of prostaglandins can cause stronger and more painful contractions, leading to cramps.
- Tampons and the pelvic floor: Inserting tampons can cause a foreign body sensation in some menstruating people and lead to unconscious tension in the pelvic floor.
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Consequences: This tension can cause additional pain or worsen existing cramps.
- Muscle tension: When in pain, the body tends to tense the muscles in the abdominal and pelvic area, which can further worsen the pain.
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Stress and tension: Stress and emotional tension can also cause muscles to cramp.
Endometriosis 🌺
- What is endometriosis? A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
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Symptoms: This can cause severe pain and cramps, especially during menstruation.
Adenomyosis 🌸
- What is adenomyosis? A condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle layer of the uterus.
- Symptoms: It can also cause painful and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Myomas 🩺
- What are myomas? Benign tumors in the uterine wall.
- Symptoms: They can cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Inflammatory diseases 🔬
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: Infections in the pelvic area can also lead to severe menstrual pain.
