06/05/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Period pains are experienced by most women during their “time of the month.” The pain it brings varies from woman to woman. In fact, one in five women experiences period pain that can be as painful as a heart attack. As a result, a lot of them resort to taking painkillers. However, relying on painkillers can be bad for the health in the long run. The greatest risk comes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Over time, taking painkillers can lead to serious gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach inflammation, reflux, constipation, and diarrhea. It can also result in low blood pressure. The risk is especially greater to those who are also taking aspirin or ibuprofen, or those who smoke or drink alcohol. In addition, conditions like stomach ulcers can be overlooked for months or even years. In some cases, they rupture or bleed through the intestines, resulting in intense pain, until they get noticed.
“Sometimes this can result in hospital visits or even ICU visits because very quickly these patients can bleed without much notice,” Sahil Khanna, a gastroenterologist, told the Daily Mail Online, as cited by The Sun.
Furthermore, these painkillers should not be taken on an empty stomach and should not be taken over the recommended maximum, which is 250 milligrams (mg) per day. Persistent pain during your menstrual period, even when taking medications, can be a result of an underlying condition like endometriosis.
The good thing is that menstrual cramps can be treated without putting your health at risk with these natural pain remedies. (Related: The Discomfort and Pain of Menstrual Cramps can be Avoided Naturally.) Here are some natural remedies for menstrual cramps:
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, essential oils, Medicine, menstrual cramps, menstruation, natural remedies, Natural Treatments, NSAIDs, pain relief, painkillers, period pains, remedies, women, Women's Fitness, women's health