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Medical Video: Endometriosis
Many women experience abdominal cramps before or during menstruation. Abdominal cramps are caused by prostaglandins, chemicals that are produced in a woman's body and make the muscles of the uterus contract. Muscle contractions help remove blood through the woman's vagina during menstruation.
Menstruation usually comes once a month. Sometimes, it is irregular in young women, so they may not experience menstruation for a month. However, when menstruating women are more regular, cramps may occur.
Cramps can make it uncomfortable until it feels very painful, and usually lasts for several days. Cramps may make some women worry at first time if they do not know that this is often normal during menstruation.
Some women tend to experience cramps, including:
- Women who are younger at the time of menstruation
- Women who experience longer menstruation or more flowing blood
- Women whose family relatives have menstrual cramps
- Women who smoke
It may seem strange that cramps can be genetic, but they are actually true. If women in your family often experience cramps, you might experience it too. You may want to ask female relatives - such as sisters, cousins, mothers, aunts, or grandmothers - if they experience cramps during menstruation. You will still experience cramps but at least you will know that you are not alone! And the good news is that cramps often improve with age.
Eliminate menstrual cramps and pain
Some abdominal cramps look real but do not interfere with the routine. But sometimes it can make a woman feel pain and not be able to do many activities. For annoying cramps, you can use painkillers. Check with your doctor to find out pain relievers and other treatments that can reduce cramps.
Don't let cramps bother you! It's better to start using pain relievers before the cramps occur. You might want to drink it before going to the office, for example. By using painkillers earlier, you can still live your day normally without feeling pain.
What else can you do? Sports! Being physically active can relieve cramps, maybe because exercise secretes endorphins, chemicals in the body that make you feel good. Eating properly and getting enough sleep can also make you feel good.
Some women put warm water bottles or compress their stomach to help them feel better when they experience cramps. Bathing with warm water is another option.
