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Stretch It Out: Exercise Eases Painful Periods MADISON, Wis., March 28, 1997 -- A regular exercise routine will pay off in more ways than looking fit in a bathing suit this summer -- you can ease monthly menstrual cramps. Keeping fit improves circulation and helps your body produce chemicals that can counteract painful periods. Some women experience monthly pain significant enough to interfere with their daily routine. The technical term for this menstrual pain is dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when the uterus contracts strongly and frequently before or during menstruation. These muscle contractions cut off the flow of blood to the uterine muscle, depriving it of oxygen and causing pain. Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs when there is a pelvic abnormality -- a tumor, infection, or bleeding from something other than a normal period. "Menstrual cramping is not part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is characterized by cyclical symptoms before a woman's period," says Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., Founder of PMS Access, a division of Women's Health America Group. Both cramps and PMS should be taken seriously but considered separately and treated differently. Monthly menstrual pain can be eased. PMS Access suggests these steps to help keep your periods pain-free: -- For short-term relief use over-the-counter medications such asibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. These keep the uterus from producing hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which trigger uterine cramping. -- Establish a regular exercise routine. "Exercise boosts circulation and increases the blood supply to the uterine muscle," says Charles Debrovner, M.D., clinical assistant professor of OB/GYN at New York University School of Medicine. "It also helps the body produce endorphins that decrease pain." -- Make your exercise routine proactive. Many women don't feel like exercising once painful cramping sets in. Regular exercise all month long can lessen the incidence and intensity of menstrual pain. -- Soothe yourself. A heating pad and/or a hot bath can help relieve menstrual cramps. -- Have an annual gynecological exam. It's important to distinguish between menstrual pain caused by uterine cramping and secondary dysmenorrhea, which may be a signal of a more serious condition. Yearly exams will rule out most problems, but don't hesitate to see your physician if menstrual pain is severe and persistent. For more information, contact the PMS Access hot line at 800-222-4767. Or write to: P.O. Box 259690, Madison, Wisconsin 53725. The web site address is: http://www.womenshealth.com. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version