What is Period Pain?

PMS (Pre-menstral Syndrome) is the medical term for period pain. Period pain occurs from stronger and more uncomfortable uterus contractions and can result in pain in the lower abdomen, back and legs. It is very common for women to suffer from period pain. PMS can affect women of any age.

During a menstral cycle, pain causing chemicals are released by your body to assist in the contraction of your uterus. This is a way for your body to expel the lining of your uterus. Your body repeats this process every 28 days on average. Your body will only keep this lining, known as endometrium, if an egg is fertilized.

Symptoms of PMS14
Over 150 different symptoms of PMS have been recorded. The most common of these include:

Moodswings Irritability Anxiety Fatigue Bloating

Cramping Breast tenderness Headaches Menstral discomfort Weight gain

 

How Can I Treat PMS?
Period pain can take over your life, if you let it! Most period pain can be treated with an analgesic, like Advil. The active ingredient in Advil blocks the pain causing chemicals associated with period pain at the site of the pain.

Soaking in a hot bath or using a hot water bottle on your tummy can relax the muscles of the uterus. Exercise is also said to be of benefit between periods. Some women even find that stretching during a period can relive pain.

Keeping track of your period pain will help you plan in advance. This will enable you to focus on when the pain occurs and when it is at its worst. Click here to download the Advil Period Pain Tracker.

Visit your Doctor if your period pain is severe, or you see a drastic change since your last period. It’s important to remember that if you have any concerns your Doctor should be your first point of call.