Uterine contractions before menstruation

Pain that appears in the lower abdomen or pelvic area is a common symptom that women face during the menstrual cycle. This pain may begin before menstruation and continue during it and sometimes after it ends.

The pain is usually most severe on the first day and gradually decreases over the next three days. The basic nature of this pain varies between women. It may be in the form of cramps or sharp pain that comes and goes, and the pain may extend to the lower back or legs.

Other symptoms that may accompany the menstrual cycle include headaches and a feeling of nausea that may lead to vomiting, in addition to changes in bowel movement such as constipation or diarrhea. There may also be an increase in the frequency of urination.

In some cases, women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome that include feelings of irritability, tension, depression, fatigue, and flatulence. These symptoms may appear during certain periods of the menstrual cycle or throughout its period.

Sometimes menstrual blood contains clots, which may appear in varying colors from bright to dark red, and contain tissue and fluid from the lining of the uterus.

Causes of uterine contractions before menstruation

During menstruation, the uterus contracts to expel blood and cells from its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which are known to stimulate pain and inflammation. The higher the percentage of these substances, the stronger and more painful the contractions.

There are various factors that may worsen the pain of these uterine contractions, including:

1. Endometriosis, where endometrial-like tissue appears outside the uterus, often on surrounding tissues such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or pelvic lining.

2. Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors found in the uterine wall, which can cause pain.

3. Adenomyosis, a condition in which the growth of endothelial tissue begins within the walls of the uterine muscles.

4. Pelvic inflammatory disease, which often occurs as a result of a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs.

5. Narrowing of the cervix. Some women find it difficult for blood flow during menstruation due to the narrow opening of the cervix, which increases pressure inside the uterus and leads to pain.

How do doctors treat menstrual cramps?

When a woman experiences the pain of primary menstrual cramps, doctors recommend a set of measures to relieve the severity of this pain:
– Make sure to get enough rest and sleep.
– Regular exercise.
– Apply hot compresses to the lower abdomen area.
– Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, which are taken one or two days before menstruation and during the first two days of the cycle.

If pain persists, doctors may offer:
– Birth control pills to prevent ovulation.
– Additional hormonal treatments.
– Medications to treat nerve pain such as gabapentin.
– Alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

If the pain is so severe that it is unbearable even after treatment, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure to cut the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the uterus to the brain.

In cases of secondary cramps, doctors focus on treating the underlying health condition causing the pain.

Complications of uterine contractions before menstruation

Menstrual cramps cause pain that can negatively affect a woman's ability to perform daily tasks such as studying, working, and participating in social events. These pains are usually temporary and do not cause complex health problems.

However, sometimes these cramps may be associated with medical conditions that may lead to serious complications. For example, endometriosis can affect fertility and limit a woman's ability to have children. As for pelvic inflammation, it can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, which increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Is period pain a week before its due date a sign of pregnancy?

Women exhibit various symptoms during menstruation, especially pain in areas such as the abdomen, pelvis, back and upper thighs. These symptoms are common among women from the beginning of puberty until menopause. Because they are accustomed to these pains, women can easily recognize when their period is approaching.

It's worth noting that pain that occurs a week before your period can sometimes be a sign of pregnancy, and not just a natural precursor to your period.

This type of pain is part of what is known as implantation contractions, where the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. During this period, it is recommended to avoid painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid any possible negative effect on the fetus.

During this phase, a woman may also notice various changes including breasts increasing in size and sensitivity due to hormonal changes, and preparing the mammary glands to secrete milk.

The woman may also experience an increase in appetite, especially for carbohydrates, and mood swings ranging from nervousness to calmness, as well as a change in the color of the nipple and an increase in its area, in addition to a feeling of nausea, especially in the morning.