Some women have learned to adapt with the

pains of menstruation since their very first menstrual experience, women’s health report say. Painful menstrual periods or dysmenorrhea may be known as a lower abdominal pain that is sharp or aching in nature and the pain may also extend to the back, according to the definition of the MedlinePlus.

The pain may come and go which will disturb

the activities of the woman experiencing it. A mild discomfort may be typical, health experts say, however if the pain becomes extreme then it needs to have proper treatment.

Two types of menstrual pains are primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Those who are in their teens and 20s are the ones who experience this kind of condition which may make them miss school or work.

Primary dysmenorrhea is the believed to be caused by the hyperactivity of the hormone prostaglandin. Without any known cause, and given such problems in the uterus or any other pelvic organs, a woman may have experienced painful menstruation since her first cycle.

Underlying problems in the uterus or other pelvic organs may result to secondary dysmenorrhea. Those who had painless cycles in the past but suddenly experienced pain during their period may have this kind of problem.

This monthly problem is still manageable. To ease the pain, women may try the following steps:

- Apply warm compress over the area with cramps. Use the heating pad in short periods only because it may cause burns if left too long.

- Massage the lower abdomen using a soft circular motion.

- Lie in fetal position or elevate the legs when lying.

- Keep a healthy diet by eating whole grain, fruits and vegetables. Avoid salty and sugary food, alcohol and caffeine.- Have a structured or regular exercise. Abdominal muscles and the lower back may be strengthened by the help of pelvic rocking exercise.- Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to manage the pain. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements may also minimize the pain.- Yoga or projecting a positive imagery may help relax the body.

If the pain is still unmanageable, the attending physician may suggest that the woman will use contraceptives because it may normalize the menstrual cycle. Complications such as breakthrough bleeding were found to be common among those who were using vaginal rings. The rising number of health complications led to the filing of several NuvaRing birth control vaginal ring litigation.

URL References:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003150.htmmayoclinic.com/health/menstrual-cramps/DS00506/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs