Indian teenager dies from overdose of menstrual pain medication: Safe ways to manage menstrual cramps (Image credit: iStock)
Menstrual cramps are very painful and can hamper a woman’s daily activities. Therefore, to relieve the pain, we sometimes take medicines, but is it safe? A tragic incident took place in Pulivalam area of Trichy, Tamil Nadu, where an 18-year-old girl lost her life due to an overdose of painkillers she took to reduce her severe pain. menstrual crampsThe teenager, who had been suffering from intense Menstrual painShe took too many pills to control her condition. Shortly after taking them, she began vomiting and was rushed to a local health center. Although she was treated and sent home, her condition worsened and she later lost consciousness. She was then admitted to a public hospital, where she died due to complications from the overdose.
The risks of painkillers
While painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve menstrual pain, overuse can lead to serious health consequences. Commonly prescribed medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen are effective in relieving menstrual cramps, but when taken in high doses over a long period of time, they can lead to serious complications.
According to research, overdosing on painkillers can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach bleeding, and even liver or kidney damage. In more severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
What causes severe menstrual pain?
Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are a common problem faced by many women. The pain is caused by contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining during menstruation. For most women, the discomfort is mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, for some, menstrual pain can be overwhelming and exhausting, interfering with daily activities, work, and quality of life.
Several factors can contribute to severe menstrual cramps:
– Hormonal imbalances: High levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger uterine contractions, can lead to more intense cramps.
– Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain during menstruation.
– Myomas: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can increase the intensity of menstrual pain.
– Adenomyosis: A condition in which the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscular wall, causing painful periods.
– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infections in the reproductive organs can exacerbate menstrual pain.
Safe ways to control menstrual cramps
To avoid the risks associated with painkillers, it is important to opt for safer alternatives to manage menstrual cramps. Below are some effective and safe methods:
– Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen can relax the muscles of the uterus, reducing cramps. Heat therapy is one of the most recommended natural remedies for menstrual pain relief.
– Exercise: Although it may be the last thing on your mind during painful periods, gentle exercise such as walking, yoga or stretching can help increase blood circulation and reduce pain. Physical activity also releases endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
– Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce bloating, which often makes menstrual pain worse. Herbal teas such as ginger or chamomile are also known to relieve menstrual discomfort.
– Dietary adjustments: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help relieve inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or supplements may also help reduce menstrual pain.
– Magnesium supplements: Studies have shown that magnesium can help relieve menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles of the uterus. Foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of magnesium.
– Acupuncture and acupressure: These traditional Chinese medicine techniques are gaining popularity as alternative methods for treating menstrual cramps. Acupuncture, in particular, is thought to help regulate blood flow and reduce pain.
– See a doctor: If menstrual pain is severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor. A health care professional can recommend appropriate treatments, including prescription medications, hormone therapies, or further investigations into underlying conditions.
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