Ogbugoh Terundu Joy

Every woman dreads those painful involuntary contractions that come with her monthly flow. While some experience it before their period begins, others have to endure these painful sensations for as long as their period lasts. We know it hurts, but asides the pain, here are other facts about menstrual cramps you need to know:

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1. The medical term for menstrual cramps is Dysmenorrhea.

2. A disorder in a woman’s reproductive system such as infections or fibroids is referred to as, secondary dysmenorrhea. This pain begins earlier on in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than menstrual cramps.

3. Menstrual cramps are caused by a chemical in the woman’s body called prostaglandin.  This chemical is what stimulates the uterine(womb)  muscles to contract in other to shed it’s lining in preparation for menstruation.

4. A woman with high prostaglandin levels in her uterus lining will experience more painful menstrual cramps.

5. Some women’s menstrual cramps is so severe that they become indisposed for days due to the pain.

6. Not all women experience menstrual cramps.

7. Pressing a hot water bottle to your abdomen would relieve menstrual cramps as heat is known to relax the muscles.

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8. Menstrual cramps can worsen with age.

9. Stress and smoking worsens menstrual cramps.

10. Exercising relieves menstrual cramps as the act of exercising in itself raises your body’s natural pain killers called beta-endorphins.

11. The amount of pain you experience during your cramps is an indication of  the level of pain you should expect during delivery.