During menstruation, you may experience lower abdominal pain. This may occur due to blood congestion or uterine muscle contractions during menstruation as the uterine muscles contract to expel blood.
Menstrual pain or period cramps generally occur because the uterine wall produces a substance called prostaglandin, which is released in large amounts, causing the uterine muscles to contract more intensely. Additionally, it causes blood vessels in other parts of the body to contract as well, which is why some women may experience headaches, nausea, or diarrhea during menstruation. These symptoms are considered normal.
Menstrual pain usually occurs intermittently. Some people start to feel a dull pain a week before menstruation begins, and the pain gradually decreases after menstruation starts.
We can reduce this pain with simple methods such as taking pain relievers like paracetamol to alleviate the pain, applying a warm water bag to the abdomen, getting enough rest, keeping a calm mind, and possibly engaging in light exercise or sports. Importantly, we can prevent menstrual pain by exercising regularly.
In teenagers who have just started menstruating, it may be irregular. Some may have it for one month and then not for three months, some may have very little, some may have it earlier than expected every month, while others may have it later than expected every month. This is considered normal in the first 2-3 years of menstruation because the production of hormones that cause menstruation is not yet consistent. These symptoms will disappear on their own within 2-3 years.
Additionally, stress and anxiety can also cause missed periods. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy and missed periods as well. A pregnancy test should be conducted if the period is missed for more than a week or after unprotected sex for 14 days or more.
Source of information: Bureau of Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health