Periods tend to be synonymous with menstrual pain, cramps, and other symptoms and are a hassle for almost every individual who menstruates. Approximately 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point. Period management involves several effective strategies and home remedies to alleviate discomfort and ensure hygiene and safety during this time. In addition, being aware of certain common period mistakes can help ensure a more hassle-free menstrual cycle: Changing pads and tampons infrequently Tampons and pads are a hotbed for the accumulation of bacteria, regardless of the amount of flow. Such bacteria can cause vaginal and urinary infections and emit an unpleasant odor. Individuals with normal blood flow should change their pads or tampons once every 3-4 hours, while those experiencing heavy menstruation should do so more frequently. Being dehydrated The body loses more fluids during menstruation than on other days. Thus, it requires more water to perform various functions, including regulation of body temperature and bowel movements, lubrication of joints, and supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Lack of water intake can slow down these functions, increasing weakness and fatigue. It is advisable to have a bottle of water handy throughout the day and set reminders if required to take water breaks frequently during one’s period.

Thousands of women in the country experience a common yet debilitating discomfort known as menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea. While this monthly ordeal is often regarded as a rite of passage for women, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of period pain. By delving into the reasons behind menstrual cramps, let’s shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health and explore strategies to manage and alleviate the pain. Uterine contractions The uterus, a muscular organ, contracts during menstruation to help shed the uterine lining. These contractions may cause cramping sensations in the lower abdomen, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. The intensity and duration of these contractions could vary from one woman to another, influencing the severity of menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins These hormone-like substances, play a pivotal  role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including  inflammation and blood flow. During menstruation, the release of prostaglandins triggers more muscular uterine contractions, which might lead to more painful cramps. Additionally, high levels of prostaglandins could cause other symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Over time, the tissue might become inflamed, causing intense pain during their period.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue.