WSR

 
The menstrual cycle is the process by which a woman's body prepares for pregnancy. "In the beginning of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen rise, causing the lining of the uterus to grow and get thicker. An egg starts to mature in one of the ovaries.  Around the middle of the cycle, the egg leaves the ovary, a process called ovulation.The egg begins to travel down the fallopian tubes to the uterus.  If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell and attaches to the uterus, the woman becomes pregnant.  If not, the uterus does not need the extra thick lining and it begins to shed.This shedding of the uterine lining through the vagina is menstruation. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days from the start of one to the start of the next, but it can range from 21 days to 35 days" (NIH 2006). 

Menstrual cramps 

Before and during the menstrual cycle, most women experience cramping (or "dysmenorrhea"). "Primary dysmenorrhea occurs most often in young women who have just begun their menstrual cycles and often becomes less severe after a woman has given birth or when she reaches her mid-twenties. Secondary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when menstrual cramps are caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroid tumors, pelvic adhesions, and ovarian cysts or by the use of an interuterine device (IUD) for birth control.

"Menstrual cramps are thought to be related to a hormone-like naturally occurring substance called prostaglandins which causes the uterus to contract.

"If a woman does not ovulate it is unlikely that she will encounter cramps during her period, for this reason physicians often prescribe oral contraceptives to ease painful periods. However, you should be aware that birth control pills cause abnormal bleeding in some women" (About.com 2003).

How can I ease the pain caused by cramping?

Here are some suggestions:

-Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve)

-Regular physical activity

-A warm bath, aromatherapy, or a heating pad placed on your lower back or abdomen

-Relax and take some time for yourself to reduce the effects of everyday stress on your body