Dysmenorrhea: Understanding and relieving painful periods

Some of us are unlucky in this regard: periods can be a complicated, difficult time, accompanied by a great deal of pain. In fact, it's the leading cause of school absenteeism among teenagers and work absenteeism, according to Ameli.fr.

Dysmenorrhea , commonly known as period pain , is a condition characterized by painful abdominal contractions that occur before or during menstruation .

Dysmenorrhea can range in intensity from mild to severe pain , and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Fortunately, there are several natural methods to relieve painful periods and improve your well-being during this time. Our role at Gapianne is to help you find the best natural, non-toxic treatments that will soothe these sufferings. Let's take a look at them together:

Dysmenorrhea: what is it?

Types of dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is generally classified into two types:

1. Primary dysmenorrhea: This type of menstrual pain is common among adolescent girls and young women (usually up to the age of 20) . It appears in the months following the first period. According to Ameli.fr, 50 to 70% of adolescent girls experience painful periods, whether permanently or occasionally.

2. Secondary dysmenorrhea: This type of painful menstruation occurs later in a person's reproductive life (around age 25) and is often associated with pelvic abnormalities , such as endometriosis , uterine fibroids, uterine adenomyosis, or pelvic infections.

What are the causes of dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is mainly caused by uterine contractions that occur during menstruation causing painful cramps.

However, other factors can also contribute, such as:

• Having high prostaglandin levels: Prostaglandins are chemicals naturally produced by the uterus. Their increase during menstruation can cause more intense contractions, resulting in pain.

• Hormonal imbalances : Including increased prostaglandins and decreased levels of natural anti-inflammatories, can contribute to dysmenorrhea.

• Narrowing of the cervical passage: Some women have cervical stenosis, which is a narrow cervical opening, which makes it more difficult for menstrual flow to pass, causing more intense pain.

• Genetic factors: Studies suggest that there may be a genetic predisposition to dysmenorrhea, which may explain why some women are more likely to suffer from it than others.

Our natural solutions to relieve your period pain >

Symptoms of painful periods

These pains can be accompanied by different symptoms, such as:

• Painful abdominal contractions
• Lower back pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Migraines or headaches
• Breast tenderness

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if your menstrual pain is severe, interferes with your daily activities, or is accompanied by unusual symptoms ( depression, anxiety, anger , etc.). It is also important to have gynecological monitoring if these symptoms are too intense to bear.

Dysmenorrhea treatment to relieve painful periods

While it's not possible to completely eliminate these symptoms, several remedies can help alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life. Let's take a closer look:

Use heat to soothe your period pain

Applying heat to the abdominal area can help relax uterine muscles and relieve cramps . We all know the trick of using a hot water bottle to get temporary relief, but at Gapianne, we favor Jho's balm for its effectiveness . This certified organic solution made with 100% natural ingredients is applied locally to sensitive areas to relieve pain. Its hot-cold effect will soothe your lower abdominal or back pain.

Recently, Nidéco , one of our flagship brands, released an oil concentrated in essential oils and CBD that soothes pain . With its warming effect, this oil helps you relax your muscles and relieve spasms.

Discreet, you can use them at work or on the go.

Try yoga

Relaxation is also important for reducing stress and promoting a relaxed state. Trying relaxation techniques like yoga can help you better manage your menstrual cycles.

Meet Marie-Laure from MLK YOG who teaches women's yoga classes :

Practice light physical activity

While the idea of ​​exercising may seem counterintuitive when you're dealing with pelvic pain, light physical activity can actually help reduce cramps. Exercise releases endorphins , which are natural feel-good chemicals. Opt for gentle activities like walking, yoga, or swimming .

If you have a heavy or medium flow, we recommend menstrual leggings or menstrual cycling shorts from our range of period panties . That way, you won't have to worry about anything during your workout ;)

Choose your herbal teas and food supplements

Certain herbs and supplements may have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve period pain. For example, Mijane's Painful Period Tea, which includes hemp, peppermint, and chamomile, helps relieve premenstrual symptoms (or PMS) .

28 brand supplements with relaxing and antispasmodic effects will also soothe your symptoms by restoring the hormonal balance of your menstrual cycle .

Please note: It is important to consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplement, as some may interact with other medications or have adverse effects.

Have you tried electrostimulation?

If you want to go further, we recommend you discover the Bluetens device : it is a medical device that naturally and immediately relieves pain related to your menstrual cycles thanks to electrostimulation. The box is connected to 4 electrodes that you control from a mobile application to adapt the program to your pain. This replaces all unnatural treatments ( contraceptive pill , ibuprofen, hormonal supplements, etc.) and calms the pain of endometriosis.

Period Pain: Conclusion

While it's not possible to completely eliminate them, there are remedies to ease period discomfort and improve our daily lives. Methods such as applying heat, light physical activity, relaxation methods like yoga, and using herbs, essential oils, and supplements can help relieve them. We hope you find the solution you need, and if you still have questions, contact us via chat (bottom right 💬)

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the difference between primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea?

Primary dysmenorrhea is common in adolescent girls and young women and is not associated with a medical condition. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs later in a woman's reproductive life and is often related to a pelvic abnormality.

Is it normal to have severe menstrual pain?

Mild to moderate pain is considered normal, but if the pain is severe and interferes with your daily activities, it is recommended that you consult your gynecologist or other healthcare professional.

What foods should you avoid during your period to reduce period pain?

It's best to avoid foods high in saturated fat and salt, such as fried foods, full-fat dairy products, and salty snacks. These foods can promote water retention and worsen cramps.

How can I manage stress during my period to reduce period pain?

Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, massage, or listening to soothing music to relax and reduce stress.