Why do girls between 13 years to 20 years struggle with stomach pain during menstruation?

The given below are some facts about this problem.
1. Menstrual cramps will be in the lower abdomen before and during mensuration.
2. In some cases, the pain will be less and in some cases, it will be high.
3. The emotional stress may aggravate the situation.
4. Vomiting, dizziness, and headaches are also symptoms of this problem.
5. There are medicines and home remedies for this.

Prostaglandins will be like a lining of the uterus They cause muscle contraction which will result in pains. Because of the blood flow may get reduced and restricted.

You can try the following methods to reduce the pains:
1. Dip a cloth in boiling water and soak the abdomen with this cloth soaked in hot water for some time.
2. By giving a slight electrical shock at the lower abdomen. TENS units are available in the market which will be useful for giving electrical stimuli.
3. There are some medicines in Ayurveda. You will get them in many Ayurvedic companies. They will be very useful.
4. The ginger powder will also be a useful item for reducing these pains.
5. There are some medicines in allopathy also. But they should be used with the suggestion of a doctor. Some pain killers are also suggested by them
6. Some people use Birth control pills and they will bring down the pain.

The pain of menstrual cycle generally starts during ovulation just after the egg is released from the ovary and starts moving to the uterus through fallopian tube. Technically in medical terminology this painful condition is known as dysmenorrhea. Sometimes the cause of dysmenorrhea could be some ailment like uterine fibroid or endometriosis and to distinguish it from the pain of menstrual cycle it is termed as secondary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual pain generally occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back regions and generally lasts a few days.

Many pain killers give relief in this condition and reduce the cramps in the uterus area. Most of these drugs containing these pain killers belong to the category of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many birth control measures like hormonal IUD, vaginal rings, patches and other such accessories are used for reduction of cramping.

It is believed that there are some natural precautions and actions which are helpful in reducing the menstrual cramps. For example quitting smoking, limiting the use of coffee/tea/fat/sweets etc, regular exercising, Yoga practice, keeping stress levels minimal are some of the advices given by the health experts.

The technical term for the period of pain is known as dysmenorrhea signifying difficult monthly flow . About 80 percent of women experience period pain time to time. Most women suffer discomfort during mentruation especially on the first day. This pain is often accompanied by bloating, tender breasts, lack of concentration, mood swing etc.
This commonly occurs in teenage girls and young women towards the beginning of the menstrual life.
The cramping of the pain is caused by the contraction of the uterus to shed lining. This may also be due to the fact that there is a decreased supply of the blood to the uterus region. The pain is mostly located in the lower part of the abdomen but can go to the back and down the front thighs.
There are a number of ways to ease the discomfort. Some of the points are listed below -
1) Relax in hot bath containing some amount of aromatherapy oil.
2) Have a back stomach massaging. This could be extremely effective to most of the women.
3) Wear loose fitting clothing during the period.
4) Cuddle a hot water bottle.
5) Engage with gentle exercise such as yoga, aerobics and vigorous walking in the normal days. This may strengthen the muscles and can improve the blood supply in the pelvic region.
Bring about some life style changes to manage this problem. Following points may help -
1) Reduce Alchol consumption.
2) Daily Vitamin E supplement can ease the problem.
3) Cut down sugary items such as Biscuits, Chocolates, Fruit - juice laden with sugar.
4) Ensure that you are taking adequate Protien such as Chicken, Fish, Eggs, Broccoli etc.
5) You must take plenty of salads and fibrous foods.

It is very wrong to take painkillers and over-the-counter tablets just off the bat, that is, without proper consultation with a Gynaecologist. You see, the severity of pain may not be so high as to even require to take any medications. My mother used to simply prescribe a hot water bag. Now, by 'hot' does not mean extremely hot, boiling water! Keep in mind that it is the lower section of the abdomen where menstrual cramps occur. Also, do not place the hot water bag directly on the lower abdomen. It should always be wrapped in a towel which should not be too thick, though, as you need to feel the warmth.

Only if the pain is really bad to the extent that you cannot even move around, then, yes, tablets will be prescribed. Before these tablets are prescribed, the Gynaecologist will likely first tell you to do sonography, especially if there is really heavy bleeding. So when you consult the Gynaecologist, you need to say if you are experiencing heavy bleeding. The sonography will be advised to check uterine fibroids as the growth of these may be the cause of the heavy bleeding. A Gynaecologist should be consulted especially if you have repeated severe pain and heavy bleeding over a span of months.

Other than doing the sonography and prescribing an iron tablet, my Gynaecologist had also advised some simple things related to food (note that I am a vegetarian so accordingly the food was prescribed). First, eat leafy vegetables like spinach that are rich in iron because the iron level tends to get low during periods and even more so when it is a heavy menstrual flow. Secondly, eat a handful of mixed nuts, namely, cashew nuts, pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, as they are rich in vitamins. Thirdly, absolutely avoid deep-fried foods and things that are loaded with maida and sugar. Keep in mind that you should adhere to this at least 4-5 days before the period is due.

Another thing that you can do is to literally write down what you eat on the days prior to the first day of the period. If the cramps are severe, then you can know from the Gynaec if any of those foods are the culprit! I followed my Gynaec's dietary advice and that really helped to reduce the pain. However, remember that some people are allergic to certain kinds of food, such as nuts. That is why I reiterate that it is important to consult a Gynaec and tell about your own health history, especially if you are sensitive to certain kinds of food. Based on that and the symptoms that you experience, the correct medical diagnosis and treatment will be given.

Last, but not the least, menstrual pain is neither something to be afraid of nor something that should stop girls from going about their usual daily activities. Keeping calm and reducing stress is highly beneficial too!

A footnote: Since I always get an upset stomach with leafy vegetables, my Endocrinologist had advised me to have it with root vegetables. This advice came to me unfortunately only a few years back, but better late than never, and since that time, I have been eating leafy vegetables with potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc.

Stomach pain and cramps during menstruation are common and natural. Doctors never advise for allopathic medicines for such problems as these are regular, normal and hormonal in nature. It is better to follow home remedies and some precautions.

1. The very first point I would suggest is to avoid doing physical work including exercises and other workouts during the days of menstruation. It may increase your pain and you may feel lethargic and weak.

2. Eat fruits like papaya, pineapple, etc which are considered as having a warm effect on our body. Sugarcane juice is also effective.

3. If the girl is comfortable with tea, ginger tea is advised. Coffee can also be taken to get rid of cramps.

4. If the menstruation cycle is regular and normal in terms of bleeding, there is nothing of worry. But if the cycle is not regular and the girl is facing other related issues like heavy bleeding, clots, etc then it is advised to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Stomach pain or menstrual pain or painful periods are common around the world and nearly every woman experiences discomfort during their period. Nearly 90% of women experience cramping before or during their period and for some, it keeps them from attending school, work, or normal activity that they normally do. Period-related pain often called 'cramps' and medically known as 'dysmenorrhea'.

The menstrual pain is caused by the chemical compounds produced during the ovulation cycle in the prostaglandins which can cause cramps when the muscle(myometrium) in the uterus squashes down to get the blood out. The squeeze in the prostaglandins during the menstrual cycle along with the hormone change can cause bad cramps, difficulty going to the bathroom, vomiting, lower back pain, nausea, severe pelvic pain, diarrhea, etc.

Q: Suggest some immediate relief measures to overcome the situation?
A: Some of the first line of treatment for immediate pain relief during periods are:
- Medicine: Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of any brand available at your pharmacy but do consult with your family doctor before taking one for side effects.
- Drink More Water: Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day as it will help in fluid retention and help ease fluid retention. During periods, some women may experience diarrhea or vomiting which causes dehydration by fluids loss and drinking enough water can replace lost fluids and boosts fluid retention and bloat. You can add flavor to the water of your choices like ginger, mint, cucumber, or lemon but avoid alcohol and salt as it elevates dehydration.
- Abdomen Massage: Massaging your abdomen with cream or essential oils for 5 minutes a day incite blood flow and help relieve menstrual cramps.
- A hot bath: Taking a bath or shower in hot or warm water soothe pelvic pain, relaxes the abdomen muscles and helps to sleep better.
- Exercise: Doing light exercises like yoga helps to build the core of your body and feel some relief during the menstrual cycle. Some of the best asanas of yoga for strengthening your abdomen are bridge, bound angel, staff pose, lying on your back with the knees bent and taking a deep breath also helps to improve the core of your stomach.

For some, they can control and adjust to the menstrual pain as they grow but for some, it is very painful and that is something to worry. It is advisable to consult your family doctor before going for any further steps.

Menstrual cycle comes with a number of changes and a group of symptoms in women which includes abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, leg cramps and even fever sometimes. It is normally seen in almost all women having menstrual cycle on time. Certainly women moving towards the phase of menopause may not encounter such things.

It is because during the menstrual cycle a chemical known as prostaglandin is formed in the inner lining of the uterus wall. With the formation of this chemical, the muscles start contracting. This contraction of muscles causes abdominal pain and sometimes cramps.
There are few other reasons also like constipation, over eating, stress and anxiety which mark the level of stress, a little high. But the main reason still remains the muscle contraction.
For getting rid of these muscle contractions and cramps it is required that the muscles come to a normal and relaxed phase. For bringing the muscles to relaxed phase a good intake of water is required which may reduce the acidic environment caused by the chemicals inside.

A glass of slight lukewarm water taken may instantly give relief. Other warm things like tea and green tea may also give instant relief to the sufferer.
Nausea during menstruation is again a common symptom and may be stopped by ingesting lemon juice in lukewarm water.
This is the most important and developmental phase of a girl's cycle hence diet should be properly taken. Diet during this time should certainly consist of proteins, carbohydrates, fibers and roughage. Fibre and roughage may be preventing the person from diarrhea.

One should strictly avoid the use of tablets and if extremely necessary first consult a gynaecologist. He may prescribe tablets that would not harm you in any case. However there are tablets available in the market to be taken during such times but it's better to take any tablet with doctor's consultation.

Many women experience pain during menstural cycle. Medically dysmenorrhea term is used for this pain. 90% women feel discomfort during mensturation . They don't want to participate in any activity. Generally, this pain occurs in lower abdomen .During this pain, different symptoms appear in body which varies from body to body. Some women feel like headache, vomitting. Some women face severe bleeding problem. In this situation, we should consult gynecologist. Without her permission should not take any pain-killer. Here are listed some ways which would be helpful in reducing pain:-
1. Keep hot bag on lower abdomen during pain.
2. Take iron tablet regularly.
3.Eat leafy vegetables which is rich in vitamin E. 4. Eat different type of nut fruit like cashew , almond which keep prevent from blood deficiency in body. 5. Do light exercise which may help in reducing pain. 6. Taking luke warm water may give relief in pain.
More over, we must consult doctor for better treatment if problem is severe .

If you have mild pain during periods, it is very common but if the pain is not tolerated then it is a matter of concern. Some women have so much pain during periods that they have to take medicine. If there is a lot of pain in periods, do not ignore it. You may have dysmenorrhoea. This is a health condition that occurs to a woman in seven.

Sometimes, pain is also caused by periods not being regular. Apart from this, the pain increases even when there is heavy bleeding. In these days, prostaglandins are secreted due to which pain occurs.


During this time the muscles of the uterus shrink so that all the dirt present in it is cleared. Many women also complain of headaches, vomiting, and heaviness during this period.

Eating omega 3 fatty acids and foods rich in it during periods is beneficial. Apart from this, it is also beneficial to eat those things which are full of Vitamin E. During this time, eating things rich in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B1 will also be beneficial.

These home remedies will give you relief

Use a hot water bottle or heating pad: You fill the hot water bag, a heating pad, or glass bottle with hot water and foment it in the stomach and lower back for about 10-15 minutes. It has also been proved in many studies that hot water fomentation works like medicines taken to relieve pain during periods.

Drink herbal tea: Herbal tea is also considered a very good remedy to relieve the pain of periods. It acts as a pain reliever. If you want, you can take green tea or chamomile tea. There are many nutrients and antioxidants found in herbal tea, which work to relieve pain during menstruation.

Keep these things in mind: Eat healthy and balanced diet during periods, reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, reduce salt intake, exercise regularly, stay away from stress, don't smoke, regularly Do yoga, drink plenty of water and juice.