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Menstrual periods can be light and easy for some women, but for many others they become heavy or are accompanied by cramps of greater or lesser intensity, which in medical terms is known as dysmenorrhea.

What are colic in menstruation?

"Menstrual cramps are pains in the lower part of the trunk, in the pelvic area, a few days before, during or after a menstrual period," explain from the biopharmaceutical research company MSD. They usually present in the form of cramps or intermittent acute pain, but can also be dull and constant.

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What causes menstrual cramping?

"Menstrual cramps are the answer to an excess of prostaglandins, the hormones that help the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) detach and have the period," say the experts of the brand of feminine intimate hygiene products Sensual Intim. The action of these substances is part of the natural and necessary process to comply with the menstrual cycle, but when they appear in excess they cause pain.

What hurts when menstrual cramps occur?

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We have already pointed out that colic in menstruation is felt in the lower trunk, on the pelvis or abdomen. However, sometimes it also extends to the lower back, in the lumbar region, or even to the legs. However, as we also indicated, the origin of the pain is in the endometrium, the mucous layer that internally lines the uterus.

How to remove a cramping pain in 5 minutes?

Suffering menstrual cramps is normal, but if the pain is very strong it could be due to endometriosis, adenomyosis or some type of hormonal problem, so you would have to go to your gynecologist. For mild cases, Sensual Intim explains in one of the videos of its YouTube channel some tricks with which you will be able to relieve pain quickly. These are: practicing sports to release endorphins, eating fruits and vegetables to lower prostaglandin levels, applying heat to the abdominal area, taking infusions and consuming omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins E and B1, B6 or magnesium. The experts of this brand also add that orgasms calm menstrual cramps, since they also release endorphins.

How long do menstrual cramps last?

The pain of menstrual cramps is usually more intense about 24 hours after the start of the period and usually disappears after two or three days, although in some cases it lasts for several more days. This is quite common, "affecting between 30% and 50% of women. It is more common and intense among those who have not given birth and, in general, decreases as age increases, regardless of whether they have given birth or not," explains gynecologist Miren Huarte of IMQ Clinics. That is why it occurs more frequently among adolescents.

Why are menstrual cramps so strong?

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The prostaglandins released during the period are substances similar to those produced in childbirth for uterine contraction and are secreted by the endometrium when it is preparing to detach and leave the body (the period). These hormones cause the uterus to contract and relax, but in excess they cause its contractions to be more violent, thus decreasing blood flow and reducing the supply of oxygen to muscle tissue. That is what causes such severe pain in the abdominal area.

What can I take for menstrual cramps?

As we pointed out, eating fruits and vegetables, drinking infusions and eating foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins E, B1 and B6 or magnesium relieve mild menstrual cramps. Over-the-counter pain relievers in regular doses starting the day before your period starts can also help control these pains. The dose should be maintained for two or three days or until the symptoms disappear.

More severe cases require medical attention and treatments usually consist of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or hormonal contraceptives. If menstrual cramps result from a disorder, such as endometriosis or adenomyosis, surgery will be needed.

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