Menstrual cramps are spasm or contraction-like pain during menstruation. This may feel in the lower abdomen during shedding of the uterus lining. Recent studies have shown that menstrual cramps are same like pain felt during heart congestion or attack. So, it is wise to seek medical attention before the problem becomes life-threatening.
Treatment for Menstrual Cramps
Since cramps are major reason for pain, the first line of treatment for menstrual cramps is- painkiller. There are many painkillers available in India which is basically composed to treat menstrual pain or cramps. Meftal Spas is one such commonly available medicine for menstrual pain in India. But, menstrual cramps associated with heavy bleeding are not common. So, one should see a doctor if the cramp is associated with heavy bleeding. Also, remember to remain hydrated by taking enough fluids, take glucose and hot soups if you feel weakness. This may soothe the problem for some time.
Menstrual Cramp Treatment Options in India
Menstruation comes with specific set of symptoms for different women. All women don’t feel the same symptoms, type of blood flow, and pain during their periods. So, one set of treatment cannot work for all women. Also, some may feel reduced symptoms after a few hours of start of periods while others may not. Most time doctors see trial and error on the basis of symptoms and nature of a woman. This let doctors decide what works best for your body. Identifying the right set of treatment may take some time depending on your symptoms but, it will relieve you.
How to Start Menstrual Cramp Treatment?
For some women, menstrual cramp start on the onset of periods while others may feel cramps in the fading days of periods. So, depending on your condition, you can go to a general physician or may consult Gynecologist for specialized treatment. They will find the right option to suit your menstrual cycle. Once they identify the right treatment, you can take them on your own on the advice of doctor. Some medications need prolonged administration followed by prognosis.
Questions that Gynecologist May Ask You
Questions about your cycle like:
- When do your periods start?
- How severe the pain is?
- How long the periods last?
- Do you get vomiting, headaches, dizziness, diarrhea etc.?
Once the doctor is clear that you are having only menstrual cramps not other problems then, you will be advised some Vitamins, hormonal pills, or painkillers depending on the cause of menstrual cramps. You may also be advised to change your lifestyle and food habits if there are reasons for the same.
Warning Signs of Menstrual Cramps
For most women, menstrual cramps may be common and they can fade with periods. Others may feel severe pain that doesn’t go on its own. There you need painkiller or medication. If your pain is unbearable and you are feeling nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or severe headaches; you must immediately consult a doctor.
Symptoms that are Normal in Menstruation
Most women feel a certain level of pain. This may sometimes feel unbearable but subsides on its own when periods are over. So, this is not a cause of worry. Some young girls and women may feel severity and they can consult doctor and others can look for home remedies for menstrual cramps for relief.
If you are not familiar with regular menstrual cramps during your cycles, you can see a doctor. Pain may also be because of different conditions.
Side-effects of Menstrual Cramp Treatments
Painkillers may have some immediate effects that might seem unnatural. You may experience drowsiness, dizzying, or slight confusion. The urge to sleep may be very high. So, you should be ready to have some rest as your body will adjust to medication. Depending on the body and doses, you may or may not feel any symptoms.
Menstrual Cramps: Post-treatment Precautions
Unless your doctor prescribes and you feel comfortable, don’t go for prolonged medications. There are risks with it. You can follow a normal medication or painkiller during periods in each cycle. There are no post-treatment precautions that you need as it is a general condition. So, ask your doctor before doing anything on advice of others.
You Will Get Well Soon!
Once you take the painkiller, it will relieve you in half an hour or a few minutes. If the medicine doesn’t works or takes longer, you can consult your doctor for specialized treatment.
Cost of Treating Menstrual Cramps in India
A painkiller in India for menstrual cramps may cost from a few rupees to 100. Unless prescribed don’t take hard or higher dose medicines for immediate relief. Even if the pain is severe, lower doses of medicine can provide relief in a few minutes.
Can Menstrual Cramp Be Permanently Cured?
Menstrual cramps occur with periods. Generally, they are natural and go naturally without any treatment. But, you can make healthy lifestyle and diet to deal with every cycle.
Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Most women treat themselves at home. Home remedies for menstrual cramps are easy to prepare at home within comfort zone. So, let’s tell you some home remedies to treat menstrual pain:
- Hot water bottle of rubber or glass may be placed on stomach (remember: don’t place a very hot bottle as it may burn you)
- Chewing ginger can also ease menstrual cramps
- You can take Vitamin E capsules during periods
- Take special herbal tea prepared with honey, turmeric, and ginger
- Enjoy a warm bath to relax yourself
- Eat healthy and nutritious diet with whole grains and leafy vegetables
- Some herbal remedies like burring/bathing/applying essential oils like Clary Sage Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosemary Oil can soothe mind and can stimulate easy blood flow