You may hate shark week all you want, but your periods are a real indicator of your health status. From your menstrual flow to the intensity and the type of period pain you may experience, the so-called period afflictions can actually give you an insight into your reproductive and hormonal health. So let’s understand the different types of period pain and what they possibly mean:
How Common Is Period Pain?
According to a study published in the Journal of Pain Research, 84.1% of menstruating women suffer from menstrual pain. Now, the degree of pain may differ depending on an individual’s health condition. For instance, those with an underlying issue like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis may suffer from intense period pain. For those without these conditions, the pain is usually bearable and doesn’t disrupt their daily life activities.
Types Of Period Pain
In order to understand what our period pain indicates about our health, we must first know the different types of period pain. Take a look:
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea refers to the dull pain usually in the lower abdomen during menstruation. It is not associated with any diseases or health conditions and can be managed with certain mild, doc-prescribed painkillers and home remedies like applying a hot compress. Primary dysmenorrhea is normal and nothing to worry about. It happens due to inflammation caused by hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins which are released to trigger uterine contractions.
Signs Of Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is characterised by symptoms like cramping or pain in the lower abdomen, low back pain, pain spreading down the legs, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, headaches, mood swings, and breast soreness. It usually starts a week or ten days before the due period date and becomes better as the period progresses. One may even experience some pain six-12 months before their first period (menarche)
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to an intense and unbearable period pain that makes it difficult for you to carry on your daily activities and lead to absenteeism. It is caused by an underlying health condition like endometriosis (when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus), PCOS (formation of small cysts in the ovary), adenomyosis (thickening of the uterus), and cervical stenosis (when the opening of the cervix is too narrow for the menstrual blood to pass easily). Additionally, secondary dysmenorrhea is also common in those with an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.
Signs Of Secondary Dysmenorrhea
This type of period pain worsens with time and may not even go away despite your period getting over. It is usually accompanied by symptoms like heavy menstrual flow, irregular periods, prolonged bleeding, excessive facial or body hair, acne, hair loss, and hair thinning.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Manage Period Pain
Sirona Feminine Pain Relief Patch
You can ditch your painkillers and count on Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch to reduce period pain. Sticking this sleek patch can provide instant relief from pain without causing any side effects. That’s because it is made with natural pain-relieving ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus oil. It is easy to carry and stays effective for 8-10 hours.
Sirona Pain-Relief Heat Patch
Made with 100% natural ingredients, the Pain Relief Heat Patch by Sirona is the perfect, side-effect-free alternative to dealing with period pain. Sticking this patch on your abdomen can work like a soothing balm. These portable wonders can provide heat relief for up to eight hours straight and can be disposed of easily after each use. No hot-water-bottle hassles involved!
Sirona Feminine Cramp Relief Roll On
The Sirona Cramp Relief Roll On can be used on your lower back, abdomen, and legs. Packed with all-natural ingredients like lavender oil, clove oil, cinnamon, and eucalyptus, it helps relieve period pain–even on the go. Its calming aroma helps relax your muscles and the smooth roll-on application makes it convenient to use. No side effects, no pain! Cool, right?
Folks, these products will surely help relieve period pain. However, if you suffer from intense menstrual cramps, you must consult with your doc right away.
Featured Image: Pexels
Also Read
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Wondering why your periods are heavy? Here’s the answer.
Period Cramps Before Periods: Find out why you suffer from period cramps before shark week and how to deal with them.
PMS Causes & Symptoms: Here’s everything you need to know about premenstrual syndrome.
Home Remedies for Irregular Periods: Try these effective home remedies to restore your hormonal balance and get periods regularly.