Why do cramps hurt

Often, as you get older, you have less pain. The pain may also get better after you have given birth. Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. It is caused by conditions that affect your uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This kind of pain often gets worse over time. It may begin before your period starts and continue after your period ends.

You might also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Besides relieving pain, NSAIDs reduce the amount of prostaglandins that your uterus makes and lessen their effects. This helps to lessen the cramps. You can keep taking them for a few days. You should also not take them if you are allergic to aspirin.

Always check with your health care provider if you are not sure whether or not you should take NSAIDs. For many women, some pain during your period is normal. Talk to your mom or dad or your doctor about which medicine is best for you. They can help you figure out how much to take and how often. Being physically active can ease cramps, probably because exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that make you feel good. Get warm.

Some studies show that women with severe menstrual cramps have stronger uterine contractions than others do when giving birth. According to Mayo Clinic, certain conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease are associated with menstrual cramps. Endometriosis can cause fertility problems.

Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, which increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy , in which the fertilized egg implants outside your uterus.

Other risk factors include use of an intrauterine device IUD , uterine fibroid tumor, and sexually transmitted diseases. A study published in October in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies concluded that women who practiced yoga 30 minutes per day, two days a week, for 12 weeks at home had a significant improvement in menstrual pain and physical fitness over the control group.

Another study, published in January in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , found that Hatha yoga practice was associated with a reduction in levels of chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. If your periods are causing you significant pain, consult your doctor, because menstrual pain can be a sign of a serious problem. Here are seven conditions known to cause painful menstrual cramps.

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrium-like tissue is found outside the uterus on other structures throughout the pelvis, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, pelvic floor, and in more severe cases, the bowel , diaphragm, liver, lungs, and even the brain. According to Ken R. Untreated endometriosis can lead to adhesions, chronic inflammation, chocolate cysts cysts filled with blood , and internal bleeding — all of which can prompt excruciating pelvic pain.

Adenomyosis is a benign condition, but it can cause severe cramps. Dealing with cramps every month can be as frustrating as it is painful. Luckily, there are a many remedies that might help you relieve period cramps. Bloating can cause discomfort and make menstrual cramps worse. Drinking water can reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes. Also, drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your body and relax your muscles. This can lessen cramps caused by uterine contractions.

Herbal teas have anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping.

Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, herbal teas can have other benefits like stress relief and helping with insomnia. Some foods can offer natural relief for cramps and they taste great. Anti-inflammatory foods can help promote blood flow and relax your uterus. Try eating berries, tomatoes, pineapples and spices like turmeric, ginger or garlic. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fatty fish, like salmon, can also help reduce inflammation.

While a brownie or french fries might sound delicious, foods high in sugar, trans fat and salt can cause bloating and inflammation, which makes muscle pain and cramps worse.

Grab a banana or another piece of fruit to fight sugar cravings, or go for unsalted nuts if you want something more savory. Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow.

This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick minute walk to boost your energy. Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation.