managing perimenopause pain: strategies for relief

Heads Up: Are you puzzled by the sudden cramps during perimenopause, whether or not you're experiencing a period? Here's the lowdown on coping with these unwelcome guests.

Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, presents this insight minus endorsement for non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.

Cramps During Perimenopause - A Confusing Twist

Perimenopause is like that uninvited guest bearing unexpected gifts - cramps, among others - no matter the presence of a period. Technically, it's the phase before menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and shifting menstrual cycles.

Women's health specialist, Dr. Alexa Fiffick, sheds light on the reasons behind the amplified cramps and effective strategies for relief.

Period Cramps Amplified Near Menopause

Affecting the menstrual cycles and frequently altering their length, perimenopause causes cycles to shorten, lengthen, or cease entirely. This stage may persist for years until a full 12-month period-free stretch marks your entry into menopause.

During usual menstrual cycles, falling estrogen levels calm down after ovulation. During perimenopause, estrogen levels might remain high post-ovulation due to the reproductive system's transitional state. This estrogen surge encourages the release of prostaglandins, chemicals that induce uterine contractions, a.k.a., cramps.

"Perimenopausal hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate your pre-existing, period-related discomforts," Dr. Fiffick notes. "New symptoms might even make an appearance during this time."

Even for those fortunate enough to avoid period cramps in the past, perimenopause might introduce these aches for the first time. And they might not accompany a period.

Cramps Without a Period - Can it happen?

Known as secondary dysmenorrhea, female-friendly lingo for such cramps sans period, yes! It's a perimenopause symptom possibility. People often refer to this as "ovary pain."

"Menstrual cycle irregularities can result in inconsistent ovulation until you reach menopause," says Dr. Fiffick. "This hormonal instability might lead to cramps in the absence of bleeding."

If you've always endured period-related cramps, they might intensify in perimenopause. These cramps are called primary dysmenorrhea, and again, hormonal changes are usually the culprit.

Perimenopause Cramps Relief

Hoping to bid adieu to perimenopause-induced cramps? Here's how you can chase them away.

Pain Relief Medication

Dr. Fiffick recommends nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) to tackle pain and inflammation. They work best when taken at the initial onset of symptoms.

Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods can help regulate the hormonal ups and downs that trigger perimenopausal symptoms. Birth controls with combined hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, or progestin IUDs, are specifically designed to alleviate cramping. For those with endometriosis or adenomyosis, an IUD containing levonorgestrel can ease symptoms.

Aerobic Exercise

Don't let the thought of exercise cross your mind when cramps strike; instead, see it as a cure for your crampy woes! Light exercises, like walking or swimming, increase blood circulation and boost endorphin production. Often dubbed "feel-good" chemicals, endorphins naturally soothe pain.

Additional Natural Remedies

"Acupuncture, relaxation techniques, and meditation may also help manage pain during perimenopause," adds Dr. Fiffick. Watch out for unapproved over-the-counter supplements and vitamins that promise relief - they're not FDA-regulated and may cause harm.

Discuss Perimenopause Cramps with a Doctor

Periods or not, cramps need not be a part of your life. Consult a healthcare expert to get to the bottom of the causes and choose the right treatment plan tailored to your requirements.

"Suspicious new or amplified cramping should be discussed with a trusted medical professional," emphasizes Dr. Fiffick. "An estrogen overload can trigger a host of other health complications, such as heavy periods, breast pain, endometrial hyperplasia, and more."

Furthermore, non-period cramps might result from reproductive-related disorders and infections. If you've undergone IUD placement with progestin, had an endometrial ablation, or experienced a hysterectomy, you might find yourself more susceptible to cramps unaided by bleeding.

The history of menopause and related symptoms, such as cramps, can be traced back through various health-and-wellness records and women's health research.
On the subject of health, managing cramps during perimenopause is important for maintaining a good quality of life and overall health-and-wellness.
In the realm of science, the understanding of menopause and related symptoms, like cramps, has become increasingly valuable for improving health outcomes for women undergoing this life stage.