MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

More than half of all menstruating women suffers from menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea includes symptoms like backache, leg pain, headache, and dizziness. Secondary dysmenorrhea are the cramps caused by another medical problem such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

I was wondering what causes menstrual cramps. I read that they are caused by prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are synthesized in every cell of the body. The levels of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus which increase as menstruation approaches causes uterine contractions resulting in cramps and pain.