Some preventive measures include not reusing tampons, avoiding tampons with a higher absorbency than necessary and changing tampons frequently. However, it is usually okay to wear a tampon throughout the night. While some women go through their periods without any pain, other women experience painful and even debilitating cramps. Women with heavier and longer menstrual flows may often report having more intense cramps. Dysmenorrhea, painful periods, is often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and even dizziness, fatigue, increased sensitivity to light and lack of appetite.
Prostaglandins are substances which cause contractions in the uterine and intestinal muscles.
When a woman has too many prostaglandins, the contractions of the uterus, which would otherwise be painless, cause the menstrual cramps. It is not clear why some women have more prostaglandins than others. Talk to your gynecologist or health practitioner for information on painkillers, physical activity, or alternative health treatments. Ibuprofen should always be taken with food or milk. It probably will not be as effec- tive without food.