Contractions of the uterus cause menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). It Is believed that hormones called prostaglandins cause painful cramping of the uterus during menstruation. The production of prostaglandins in the uterus is stimulated by the hormone progesterone, which is made by the ovary after ovulation has occurred. These prostaglandins can affect other organs as well. Frequently, back pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, or diarrhea accompany menstrual cramps. These symptoms may begin a day or so before the menstrual flow begins; they usually peak by the second day of flow.

Risk Factors Early onset of puberty .

A family history of painful periods
Use of an intrauterine device When men strual cramps become abnormal In young girls painful periods rarely Indicates any kind of disorder. However, there are exceptions to this guide

Conditions such as endometriosis can sometimes cause severe pain from an early age.

Other causes of severe period pain include fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease and sometimes narrowing of the cervix.

Tossing pain away
Menstrual cramps act as an irritant In our lives. Most of the times over-the-counter pain relievers such as-ibuprofen help to reduce the severity of cramps, as they inhibit release of prostaglandins.

Acetaminophen too helps with the pain but does not have the effect on the prostagladins.

Regular physical activity often reduces cramping in some women.

Natural progesterone may help reduce the symptoms that are causing menstrual cramps.

Supplementing your diet with zinc and calcium has been found to reduce cramps, bloating, and related PMS symptoms. Heat in the form of a warm bath or a heating pad applied to the lower abdomen, can be very helpful. Staying active, exercising regularly and eating nutritious diet help ease the pain away.

Alien is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. He is a contributing editor to home remedies for dysmenorrhoea. Check out this site for more information on women health