The phenomenon of painful periods is now pushing more and more women to consult, as the pain can be intense and disabling.
Every month, thousands of women live through the same ordeal in silence. Menstruation, a natural physiological phenomenon, is accompanied for some by pain sometimes so intense that it disrupts their daily activities. In Garoua, as in other cities across the country, testimonies are multiplying and medical consultations related to painful periods are becoming increasingly frequent. In markets, offices, schools or even hair salons, the subject regularly comes up in conversations among women. Many recount the same difficulties: lower abdominal pain, a feeling of extreme fatigue, back pain, nausea or an inability to continue their activities normally for several hours, or even several days. « When I have my period, I have horrible pain. Sometimes I stay lying down for a long time, » confides Natacha Diené, a resident of Garoua. Her testimony reflects the daily life of many women for whom the menstrual period is synonymous with suffering rather than simple discomfort.
Still in the same city, Asta shares a similar experience. For her, the first three days of menstruation are particularly difficult. « I experience three days of enormous stress. I know the pain is coming and I prepare myself mentally. » Gaëlle Mounta also describes this apprehension that precedes each menstrual cycle. « Three days before my period arrives, I am frustrated. I am afraid of the pain that awaits me. Sometimes it is atrocious and unbearable. » For this young woman, the suffering is such that it modifies her mood and her organisation several days before the start of menstruation.
Faced with this situation, many women seek solutions to relieve their pain. Painkillers remain the most common recourse. Some take analgesics as soon as the first signs of menstruation
appear in order to limit the intensity of the cramps. Others prefer treatments from traditional pharmacopoeia, convinced of their benefits or influenced by the advice of those around them. In Maroua, Missa Esther explains that she can practically no longer do without medication during this period. « I take tablets in the hope of neutralising the pain. Otherwise, it is difficult for me to work normally. » Like her, many women sometimes combine modern medicines and traditional remedies in the hope of obtaining lasting relief.
According to health professionals, these menstrual pains, called dysmenorrhoea, now represent a frequent reason for consultation in gynaecology and in general medicine departments.
Interview
« This is why we must never trivialise a pain that worsens. »
What are painful periods?
What we call « dysmenorrhoea » in medical language is pain in the lower abdomen that occurs just before or during menstruation. They are often cramps, sometimes pain that radiates to the back or thighs, and can be accompanied by nausea, headaches or fatigue. It is a very frequent reason for consultation, especially among young girls and young women.
Are they normal? If not, what are the causes?
Mild discomfort is common. The uterus contracts to evacuate blood, under the effect of substances that cause this, called prostaglandins. This is what is called « primary » dysmenorrhoea, often in adolescents with no apparent disease. Now, intense pain that prevents going to school or work, that resists painkillers or that appears after years of problem-free periods, is not normal. It can hide a disease, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids,
genital infection, among others. This is « secondary » dysmenorrhoea, and it always deserves a consultation.
What do painful periods expose women to?
First, to a reduction in quality of life, that is to say repeated absences from school or work, isolation, anxiety as each cycle approaches. Then, if a disease like endometriosis or an infection progresses without treatment, the woman is exposed to long-term pain, and sometimes to difficulties in conceiving later. This is why we must never trivialise a pain that worsens.
Is there a way to neutralise any harmful effect on health?
It all starts with a consultation, which is the ideal place to search for the cause. Then, there are effective treatments: anti-inflammatories taken from the onset of pain, sometimes hormonal contraception that reduces painful periods, and specific treatment of the disease if one is found. Simple measures also help: a hot water bottle on the stomach, regular physical activity, good sleep. A woman should not suffer in silence every month; in the vast majority of cases, we can relieve her.
What recommendation for women who suffer from them?
Three messages. First, do not trivialise a pain that keeps you bedridden: every month, it is not a fatality nor « the lot of all women. » Second, consult, especially if the pain is intense, worsens, appears outside of menstruation or is accompanied by fever, abnormal discharge or unusual bleeding. Third, avoid prolonged self-medication and uncontrolled remedies.
