Menstrual Cramps: Effective Methods of Pain Relief

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  • About Belly Pain

Most females suffer from menstrual cramps (otherwise known as menstrual pain, or period pain) at some point in their lives. Menstrual cramps are not normal most especially if it’s severe – but you are certainly not on your own!

Menstruation

Menstrual pain can occur before, during or after your period and may be severe; it is typically experienced in the lower part of your abdomen although it can stretch to your upper thigh, legs and back.2, 3 You may also experience nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, bloating and diarrhea,3 which, together with the blood loss and pain, can make you feel really awful.

Primary dysmenorrhea, the most common cause of menstrual cramps, results from uterine contractions as the body sheds its lining. These contractions are triggered by prostaglandins—hormone-like compounds that contribute to pain and inflammation. Medicine for dysmenorrhea, such as ibuprofen, can effectively ease symptoms by reducing prostaglandin levels.

In contrast, Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (HnBB) is an antispasmodic medication that helps relieve menstrual pain by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus. Unlike ibuprofen, HnBB directly targets the muscle spasms responsible for cramping. Combining ibuprofen with HnBB can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing menstrual pain by addressing both inflammation and muscle contractions. Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Venus) for dysmenorrhea combined with ibuprofen can give a more comprehensive approach to managing menstrual pain by addressing both inflammation and muscle contractions.

Studies suggest that using HnBB alongside NSAIDs like ibuprofen may enhance pain relief, especially for individuals with severe menstrual cramps. This dual approach can be particularly beneficial for those who do not achieve adequate relief with NSAIDs alone. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before combining medications to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This article considers the causes of cramping at your ‘time of the month’ and what can help.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Period pains can disrupt activities you love and affect your concentration at school and work, with 10-15% of women reporting having to take time off because of their regular periods.1

While there are many reasons for developing period cramps,1, 2 they are more common if you start your periods at a young age, have more extended, heavier periods, or smoke.1, 5

What Causes Period Pain?

Changes in hormone levels during your period lead to the shedding of the womb lining, which then releases chemicals known as prostaglandins (PGs). These chemicals act like hormones, the ‘chemical messengers’ that help regulate your body.

When PGs are released during your period, they cause the womb to contract3 – sometimes excessively – which makes the blood vessels narrow.3 This narrowing temporarily closes off the blood supply,8 which results in a lack of oxygen and the build-up of toxins, which causes pain.2, 3 PGs have been linked to inflammation2 and increased feelings of discomfort.2, 3 PGs are also responsible for some of the other effects seen at the time of your period, such as nausea and diarrhea.2

Is Period Pain Always Caused by Cramps?

If you have cramps that simply won’t go away, whether or not you have your period, it’s worth seeking medical help right away. Your physician may want to do tests to establish any gynecological cause of your cramps – or see if another condition is causing your symptoms.

If your physician suspects that your severe period pains are related to your uterus, or ovaries, standard tests that may be carried out include:

  • Pelvic exam
  • Ultrasound

While period pain is natural, your symptoms may occasionally indicate that something else is happening.6 Your primary physician may refer you to an OB/Gynecologist if necessary.

Effective Ways to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

There are some home and natural remedies that have been known to relieve the symptoms of period cramps. You can try the following:

Heat application

If you are struggling with period pain, you may find that heat may relieve your symptoms.1, 2, 7 Try getting cozy with a hot water bottle, wheat sack, or heat pad and snuggling up while watching a favorite movie or TV show. Alternatively, you could enjoy a warm bath and listen to some tunes.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure1 may relieve menstrual pain. The techniques work via nerve stimulation, and the release of endorphins (natural ‘pain blocking’ chemicals) and serotonins (natural ‘feel good’ chemicals).2

Food or vitamin supplements

A variety of food supplements might also help relieve menstrual pain10:

  • Calcium Citrate
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin D and E
  • Zinc sulphate10
  • Fish oil (with or without vitamin B1)10
  • Vitamin B110
     

Ginger may also reduce menstrual cramps, pain and associated gut symptoms,3, 10 while vitamin E may help by limiting PG production,2, 3 but more studies are needed.10

Speaking to a physician or pharmacist before taking any supplement is best.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

We all know that exercise is good for you, and its benefits have expanded to help with period pain. You can also make some positive changes to your lifestyle to improve your period symptoms2:

  • Give up smoking2
  • Reduce the fat in your diet
  • Increase your intake of beans, seeds and fruit and vegetables2
  • Limit your alcohol intake2

Medical Treatments for Menstruation Pain

If you find that you still have pain after trying the above, you can try antispasmodics or painkillers. Medicine for dysmenorrhea should be chosen based on your specific symptoms and medical history.

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics reduce the muscle contractions that cause cramping and pain in your abdomen. Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Venus) is an antispasmodic combined with an analgesic to relieve period pain. Buscopan® Venus for dysmenorrhea is especially effective as adding paracetamol enhances its pain-relieving effects, providing a dual-action approach to managing dysmenorrhea.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen (you may need a prescription for this), can be taken with food to limit gut-related side effects.1

The drugs are often used to treat period cramps and act via the central nervous system and a reduction in PGs.1 If you are less than 16 years old, however, aspirin should not be on the menu.11

Paracetamol

Paracetamol can also give effective pain relief and has been shown to reduce PG production.4 Paracetamol can be helpful if you cannot take NSAIDs, or have milder period pain.4

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics reduce the muscle contractions that cause cramping and pain in your abdomen. Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Venus) is an antispasmodic combined with an analgesic to relieve period pain. Buscopan® Venus for dysmenorrhea is especially effective as adding paracetamol enhances its pain-relieving effects, providing a dual-action approach to managing dysmenorrhea.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen (you may need a prescription for this), can be taken with food to limit gut-related side effects.1

The drugs are often used to treat period cramps and act via the central nervous system and a reduction in PGs.1 If you are less than 16 years old, however, aspirin should not be on the menu.11

Paracetamol

Paracetamol can also give effective pain relief and has been shown to reduce PG production.4 Paracetamol can be helpful if you cannot take NSAIDs, or have milder period pain.4

How to Relieve Severe Period Pains

Sometimes, simple home or over-the-counter remedies just won’t work for severe period pains, and your doctor may prescribe more potent pain medication, such as medicine for dysmenorrhea, hormone therapy, or arrange further investigations.5

Severe period pain can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis. Identifying the root cause often requires diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds or blood work. Early intervention provides relief and helps prevent complications related to untreated conditions.

If you experience severe period symptoms, it is advisable to see your doctor at the earliest opportunity – you may want to keep a pain diary, which will be helpful for them to review.5

Conclusion

Menstrual cramps can range from mildly uncomfortable to severely debilitating, but there are several effective ways to manage the pain. Relief is possible from natural remedies and lifestyle changes to over-the-counter medications and prescribed treatments. Understanding your symptoms and exploring a combination of approaches, such as using antispasmodics like Hyoscine N-Butylbromide + Paracetamol ( Buscopan® Venus), can help you regain control and improve your quality of life during your period. If your pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and receive personalized care.

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