Can Hormonal Birth Control Help with Period Cramps? Let's Talk!

Are you also someone who suffers a lot from the stomach cramps that come with your monthly period, aka ‍ Cramps? Sometimes this pain can be so severe that you can't go to school, do your homework, or do your daily activities properly, right? Many young girls and women silently endure this pain, thinking that it's "just a normal thing for us girls." But, did you know that there are actually solutions to this? So, today we'll talk about one method that can help with this monthly pain, hormonal birth control.

Why do these menstrual cramps occur?

To understand this properly, we first need to understand what Menstruation is. Every month, your Uterus prepares to receive a baby. It grows a thin lining ( Endometrium ) inside the uterus. However, if pregnancy does not occur, your body no longer needs this lining. Then the uterus gradually begins to expel this lining and the blood that comes with it. That is what we call menstruation or "the period".

So, to expel this uterine lining, the muscles of the uterus need to contract, like squeezing a fist. Our body produces special chemicals that help cause these contractions. They are called ‍ Prostaglandins When the level of these ‍ increases, the uterine contractions also become stronger and faster. That's when we feel these monthly pains and cramps. Some people can feel this pain not only in the lower abdomen, but also in the back and legs.

Think of it this way, just like squeezing a balloon to let the air out, the uterus contracts to expel this membrane. ‍ act like that squeezing hand.

This pain usually starts a day or two before the start of menstruation and is most severe during the first two Dysmenorrhea three days of menstruation. This is medically called .

How do hormonal birth control methods reduce this pain?

Hormonal birth control methods, as the name suggests, contain synthetic hormones that mimic the Hormones naturally found in the body. While their primary purpose is to prevent pregnancy, they also help reduce menstrual cramps. Do you know how?

Essentially, these hormonal birth control methods reduce the production of ‍ Prostaglandins When ‍ are reduced, uterine contractions become weaker and less frequent. Then, the pain is greatly reduced.

Not only that, when using these birth control methods, the delicate lining that grows inside the uterus ( Endometrium ) also becomes much thinner. Then, the amount of blood that comes out during menstruation decreases, which means that menstruation becomes lighter ( lighter periods ). Sometimes the number of days of menstruation can also be reduced. When using some birth control methods, menstruation can even stop completely. A period that lasts for a short period without pain and with less bleeding is a great relief for many people, right?

What are these hormonal birth control methods?

These methods come in several forms. You should talk to your doctor to choose the method that is best for you.

• Birth Birth Control Pills Pills: This is the method that most people are familiar with. It is a type of pill that needs to be taken daily. When used consistently, it can greatly reduce menstrual pain.
• Contraceptive Patch Patch: This is like a plaster. It needs to be applied to the skin once a week. It releases hormones into the body.
• Contraceptive Vaginal Ring Ring: This is a small, flexible ring that needs to be inserted into the vagina once a month.
• Contraceptive Injection : This is a hormonal injection that must be given every three months.
• Contraceptive Implant : This is a small stick-like device that is placed under the skin of the arm by a doctor. It can be used continuously for about 3 years.
• Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD): This is a small T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. It can be used for several years (about 3-7, depending on the type). This also greatly reduces menstrual pain and bleeding, and for some people, it can even stop menstruation completely.

All of these methods provide pain relief while preventing pregnancy.

Are there no other ways to reduce pain without hormonal birth control?

Yes, it really is. Even if you're using hormonal birth control, or don't like it, you can also try these things:

• Exercise: Don't be surprised, regular exercise can help reduce menstrual cramps. When you exercise Endorphins your body releases natural painkillers called . It also improves blood circulation.
• Applying heat: Placing a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen, or taking a hot bath, can provide relief for many people. The heat helps relax the muscles a bit.
• Painkillers: You can ask your doctor or get NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti Ibuprofen ‍ ‍ from a pharmacy Naproxen These reduce the production ‍ , which helps control pain. However, do not give Aspirin to children under 19 years of age, as it can cause a dangerous but very rare condition called ‍ Reye Syndrome .
• Dietary changes: Some people find that cutting back on foods high in caffeine, salt, and sugar helps reduce pain. It's also important to drink plenty of water.
• Rest and comfort: Get some rest when you are in pain. Wear comfortable clothing.

Let's imagine a small incident?

Imagine you have a friend, let's say her name is Sadeepani. Sadeepani gets severe stomach cramps every month during her period. She goes to school crying. One day, when she went to see a doctor with her mother, the doctor examined her and advised her to start a birth control pill that contains hormones that are suitable for her. After two or three months, Sadeepani's pain has decreased a lot, and she can now go to school without any problems. At the same time, she also started taking a short walk every evening.

When should I see a doctor about this pain?

If the pain is moderate, you can control it with the simple methods we discussed earlier. However, in cases like these, you should definitely see a doctor and seek advice:

• If the pain is very severe, that means you are in so much pain that you cannot go to school or do your normal activities.
• If the pain is getting worse, or if the pain feels different than it did before.
• If the pain does not subside after taking regular painkillers.
• If you have Heavy Bleeding during your period.
• If your monthly periods are irregular.
• If there is pain during sex.
• If you start having severe menstrual pain after the age of 25.

In these cases, a doctor will examine you to see if there is an underlying cause for the pain. Sometimes, severe pain can be caused by conditions such Endometriosis ‍ , Fibroids , Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - PID ), or ovarian Ovarian Cysts . If this is the case, it is important to get the right treatment for it.

What happens when you go to see a doctor?

There is nothing to be afraid of. A doctor will ask you questions about your menstrual cycle, the nature of the pain, and any other medical conditions you may have. If necessary, they may also examine your lower abdomen (with your consent). Sometimes an Ultrasound Scan ‍ may also be ordered. Only after all this has been done will the doctor discuss with you the best treatment option for you.

Final Take-Home Message

So, your monthly period pain is not something you have to suffer alone.

• Menstrual cramps are common for many young girls and women, but they are not something to be tolerated.
• Hormonal birth control is one effective way to control this pain. They can also make menstruation lighter.
• Other methods such as exercise, heat, and painkillers can also help.
• If the pain is severe and interferes with daily activities, definitely seek medical advice. Don't be ashamed or afraid.
• Talk openly with your doctor to choose the treatment method that best suits you.

Your body is yours. Be aware of it, listen to it. If you are in pain, never hesitate to ask for help.

If you have a friend who is suffering from this kind of pain, share this information with them. The most important thing is to help each other.

Period Cramps, Hormonal Birth Control, Dysmenorrhea