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Yes, absolutely. Prostaglandins cause inflammation. Prostaglandins are lipid-based compounds that act like local hormones, and they are the primary drivers of inflammation in the human body.
How Prostaglandins Create The Period Pain Cycle
Think of prostaglandins as your body’s internal “alarm system.” When your period starts, your uterus releases these chemicals, which trigger inflammation, and create the period pain cycle in three simple steps:
- Triggering Swelling: Prostaglandins cause blood vessels to widen and leak fluid into the surrounding tissue leading to localised swelling and congestion. This swelling is that “heavy,” bloated feeling in your lower stomach that many girls and women across India experience.
- Sensitising Nerves: These compounds make the nerve endings in your uterus extra sensitive, so even a small movement feels much more painful than usual.
- Creating Spasms: Prostaglandins tell your uterine muscles to tighten. When there are too many prostaglandins, the muscles squeeze so hard they create painful period spasms (called dysmenorrhea). The tight squeezing can temporarily cut off oxygen supply to the uterine tissue, sending sharp pain signals to the brain.
Why Anti-Inflammatory Medicine is the Solution
Because prostaglandins are at the root of the inflammation, a simple analgesic (painkiller) might only masks sensation. To truly manage the pain, you need a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). NSAIDs reduce period pain by:
- Stops Production: It blocks the enzyme (COX-2) responsible for making prostaglandins in the first place.
- Reduces Swelling: By lowering prostaglandin levels, it reduces the swelling in the uterus and relieves the heavy feeling.
- Calms the Uterus: It stops the aggressive “spasms, allowing the uterine muscles to relax and blood to flow normally, thus stopping painful periods.
Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here
Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:
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Hit Up Our Period Pain Calculator
For real, how bad is your pain? Our interactive tool uses a 1-10 pain scale and a few quick questions to help you get the full picture. In just a few clicks, you’ll know if your pain is a chill or a major red flag.
