Some girls suffer from painful periods starting from their first menstruation. Most of the time, it involves cramps in the lower abdomen, and such harmless complaints are not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, sometimes they can be harder to bear. But why is this phenomenon so painful? What to do when the pain becomes too much? This article answers your questions.
The symptoms of a painful period
Almost half of all women of menstruating age struggle with dysmenorrhea, i.e., pain during their period. The average age at first period may vary, but the symptoms can as well. They can occur a few days before or at the beginning of menstruation, last throughout the entire menstruation, or disappear on their own.
One distinguishes between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea affects young girls. These are menstrual pains that occur from the first bleeding or within 18 months after the first period. Secondary dysmenorrhea affects older women. It involves pain that occurs or recurs after several years. Therefore, when there is pain during the first menstrual bleeding, it is referred to as primary dysmenorrhea. These are the most common symptoms:
- Pelvic pain and cramps of varying intensity. Sometimes this can also be pain in the hips, lower back, and thighs;
- Headaches or "migraine";
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Stomach pain, even diarrhea;
- Fever
Why is menstruation sometimes painful during the first times?
In general, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, including the first painful menstruation, are referred to as premenstrual syndrome. This phenomenon affects most women and is caused by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. It begins before menstruation and often leads to abdominal pain, irritability, headaches, etc.
"Pain that occurs from the first menstruation can also be caused by prostaglandins. These are molecules produced during the ovulation cycle. This explains why the symptoms appear from the menstrual period that follows the first ovulation."
There are also risk factors that can announce or accompany a painful first menstruation: an early first menstruation occurring before the age of 11 or 12, heavy or prolonged menstrual flow, family history regarding menstrual pain...
A painful period creates a discomfort whose intensity can sometimes hinder us from carrying out our daily activities. It is therefore also a cause for the absence of many girls in class. If the pain proves to be debilitating and cannot be alleviated with ordinary paracetamol-containing painkillers, other solutions must be found to relieve it.
How can menstrual pain be alleviated?
There are simple over-the-counter medications to treat painful first menstruation. If the girl has no contraindications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antispasmodic medications are usually sufficient to relieve the pain. But be careful: Aspirin should be avoided as it thins the blood and can increase menstrual flow. Ibuprofen, which is also available without a prescription, is the best option here. Additionally, relaxation is important to reduce pain. You should be able to breathe well and try to stay lying down. Do not curl up while lying down, as the fetal position can, contrary to popular belief, increase the pain.
A hot water bottle can also relieve pain during menstruation. It helps to relax the pelvic area, so you feel the cramps and uterine contractions less. If you have the opportunity, take a hot bath. It soothes, relaxes the body, and is good for the soul. You can also use scented candles and soft music to round off your wellness hour. Pampering yourself is one of the best methods to take the fright out of a first period with pain.
If you are a fan of natural remedies, we can recommend the following proven plants:
- Sage, prepared as tea;
- Yarrow and witch hazel, prepared as tea;
- "Chastity tree, also as an infusion."
Essential tarragon oil is also an effective remedy. Simply mix two drops with a carrier oil (olive, coconut, sweet almond ...) and massage the painful areas.
"Also think of sports as an effective weapon against pain. Physical movement improves circulation and thus increases the pain tolerance threshold. The pain may be present, but thanks to the production of endorphins, the feel-good hormones released during physical exertion, it is perceived as less intense. Of course, you don't need to train intensively for hours. A 45-minute walk can already be very beneficial. Definitely remember to wear the right period protection. With a period slip, you will feel comfortable and secure even during sports."
"The pain is also a mental problem..."
The fear of a painful first menstruation also contributes to amplifying the pain. If you don't want to be trapped in your own pain, you should first learn to get your fear under control. Of course, the onset of the first menstruation is a significant (and often stressful) time for young girls. Having pain during this time is often an additional burden. Here are a few tips on how to avoid being overwhelmed by the pain:
- Apply relaxation and meditation techniques to reduce the perception of pain;
- Plan your time so that you don't have stressful phases during your period. This advice is especially relevant for those who have been struggling with painful periods for a longer time. To know when your next period is, you can use a menstrual app for cycle tracking such as Flo, Glow, Clue, or My Cycles Period;
- Plane - if possible - pleasant activities during this time: being with friends, watching your favorite series or movies, going for a walk, and listening to an interesting podcast... ;
- This dark chocolate: it stimulates the production of endorphins and is the best remedy against the depressive state caused by the pain of the first period.
All these pieces of advice follow the same principle: We accept that the rule can be painful, but we do not allow the pain to ruin our day. We must act proactively, maintain a positive attitude, and do everything we can to see menstruation only as a temporarily more difficult time and not as an unavoidable time of suffering.
