Half the women in the entire world will suffer from these period pains (a.k.a. Menstrual Cramps or Dysmenorrhea), but do you know what causes them? Better yet, do you know about the super simple ways to help young girls manage their period pains? Keep reading to find out!
WHAT CAUSES PERIOD PAINS?
These pains are normally caused by a hormone called Prostaglandins, which actually helps the period along. It causes the womb to contract so that it's easier for the extra lining that has built up to exit the body. This forms the period. Pretty simple, right?
PERIOD PAINS AND PMS - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
One thing to remember is that period pains are different from the kind of pain that comes from PMS:
- PMS affects females a few days before their period starts and gets better when the period arrives.
- Period pains usually start as soon as they get their period. These pains could be genetic, so if you as a mother you have suffered from these, chances are that your young girl does too.
HOW TO MAKE PERIOD PAINS LESS PAINFUL
So now you know what causes period pain, but that's not what you were looking for, was it?
We've got you covered. Here is how to relieve period pains:
- Make sure to get plenty of calcium on a regular basis (three low-fat servings a day) will help your cramps be less of a pain.*
- A hot water bottle always does the trick. In fact, any kind of heat is going to help, so run them a relaxing hot bath to reduce the pain.
- Exercise has also been proven to help relieve period pains. Sounds strange but exercising releases endorphins and these help to relieve stress and tension in the muscles.
- A cup of chamomile and honey tea is nature's way of relaxing and soothing the body, so make one for them to help manage the pain.
- Over-the-counter painkillers* are available to specifically target period pain.
- Rest and relaxation are always a good idea. Period pains are the body's way of slowing them down, so encourage them to spend a little time just kicking back. This could help them both physically and emotionally.
- Period pains get better with age, so they should hang in there!
WHEN TO WORRY
If their period cramps are so painful that they cannot go to school or do everyday activities, you should help them see a doctor or gynae. They might even prescribe a Contraceptive Pill to make their period pains a little less severe.
The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional
