They can even cause it to contract so much that the blood supply is cut off temporarily, depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen and thus causing pain. Women who suffer painful contractions may be producing excessive amounts of prostaglandins. Or, it may be that some women are just more sensitive to them, says Rarick. The cramps themselves help push out the menstrual discharge. Because the cervical opening is often widened after childbirth or years of menstruation, cramps may lessen in severity later in life.
Most women describe their menstrual cramps as a dull aching or a pressure low in the abdomen.
The pains may wax and wane, remain constant, or be so severe that they cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, backache, sweating, and an achiness that spreads to the hips, lower back, and thighs. Inhibiting Prostaglandins For many years, women had little help for these symptoms. Doctors recommended aspirin, heating pads, and hot baths. When those failed, they often prescribed painkillers such as Demerol or Tylenol with Codeine. These treatments were all aimed at the perception of pain rather than the cause of it.