Increased Cramping During Menopause?
Kathryn Whittaker
During your late forties or early fifties, you will begin a new
stage of life, common to all women—menopause. Some rejoice at
the thought to no longer having to buy tampons. Others cry,
realizing their childbearing days are over. However, all
experience new (and usually unpleasant) changes in their
monthly hormonal cycle, one of which is cramping. Increased
cramping, unfortunately, is not unusual for women later in
life, but there are a number of treatment options. You don’t
have to live with the pain of menopausal cramps.
If you experienced cramping during your menstrual cycle, you
will most likely experience it after you stop menstruating as
well. This begins to occur during the first stage of menopause,
called perimenopause. You may continue to experience
menstruation irregularly during this time, but it is common to
get cramps even without bleeding. You have officially entered
the menopause stage of life after you have not experienced a
period for one year. At this time, cramping may still occur
monthly—just because your ovaries no longer produce eggs does
not mean you do not still experience some kind of monthly
hormonal cycle—but it is rare, so talk to your doctor to be
sure that you are otherwise healthy. Cramps after you have not
experienced bleeding for over a year may indicate other more
serious health problems. Also talk to your doctor if you have
never experienced cramping before, but begin to suffer from
cramps regularly.
You have a number of treatment options to relieve the pain you
may experience from cramping, and your doctor can help you
choose the best course of action for your body. While some
women may find relief in simple over-the-counter medicines (the
same ones used in earlier years for relief with menstruation
cramping), others seek prescription strength drugs. In recent
years, the idea of hormone replacement therapy has become a
less popular option due to its association with cancer, but
some doctors still recommend this course of action.
Natural remedies, such as herbs, are receiving thumbs ups from
women across the country, and are now one of the most common
treatments for menopausal women, as they help with not only
cramping, but with other symptoms as well. This is a type of
alternative medicine that is still being studied, but many
women swear by the use of herbal remedies. Other alternative
medicine treatment options include acupuncture, acupressure,
and meditation.
There are also things you can do to relieve cramps at home,
without medicine or medical procedures. These are often the
same remedies used by menstruating women to relieve cramps
during their periods. Try a warm bath to help with the tension
and pain. Also remember that regular sexual activity is healthy
and a great way to stop cramping. Massage can also be used at
home as a temporary fix to cramps.
Overall, it is simply important to keep an open dialogue with
your doctor about the numerous changes that are taking place in
your body. Cramps are a common problem for the majority of women
going through menopause, so you are not alone in your struggle
to stop the painful cramping in the perimenopause stage of
life.
About The Author: Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in
Menopause. For further information on Menopause please visit
http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/menopause.html
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