Daily Trust Saturday

Woman relieved of ovarian tumour longer, wider than Daily Trust page

- Judd-Leonard Okafor Water. Soul foods. Cuff the coffee Pill it away Get on the move Massage Herb help Touch your body Smart sleep Warm shower Talk to your doc

Doctors at Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital operated on a 65-year-old woman to remove an ovarian tumour longer and wider than a Daily Trust newspaper page.

They also had to remove her womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The tumour mass measured 33 by 26 by 24

That time of month comes like clockwork—and the cramps can be a distress. But you don’t have to go down in pain. There are a few steps you can take to banish menstrual pain.

You can never go wrong with water. While it won’t curb you cramps, it helps with bloating which makes cramps feel worse. Keep a bottle handy when it is that time of month; throw in mint to encourage you to drink. Reduce intake of salt and avoid alcohol. They both can dehydrate you.

Dump the doughnuts, potato chips, and other fatty fried foods; they are not your friends. Stick to a low-fat, high-fibre diet: whole grains, lentils and beans, vegetables (especially leafy darkgreen ones), fruits, and nuts.

Nutrients such as vitamins E, B1, and B6, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids help dial down on the hormone-like substances responsibl­e for those painful cramps or help relieve muscle tension and inflammati­on.

Caffeine can make cramps worse. It is in coffee, so avoid it before and during your period. It can also sneak into you through soda, energy drinks, chocolate, or tea. If you need a pick-me-up, a veggies-packed smoothie is better instead.

Aspirin and ibuprofen lessen pain and make you cramp less overall. Keep a small stash in your makeup bag or car so you’re not searching when you need it most. Plus: ibuprofen can also help make your flow a little lighter. Your period probably makes you want to curl up and die. It isn’t cm—the equivalent of the carton pictured here.

A histology test showed it was a benign Brenner tumour, a rare form of tumour that started in the lining of her ovaries.

The doctors presented their case report in the Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecolog­y last November.

Brenner tumour usually gives no symptoms and are mostly found by chance on certain how working out targets period pain, but many women swear a sweat session helps loosening up. Exercise releases endorphins, a feel-good brain chemical. So get a sweat session.

As little as 5 minutes a day on your belly can boost the blood flow and ease tension to help you feel better. Start a few days before you expect your period.

You might chug down on some herbal tea, but scientific evidence isn’t strong to show how they work on cramps. Check with your doctor before you brew a herbal tea or supplement. Some routine pelvic examinatio­n or laparotomy—an incision in the abdomen to diagnose a condition or prepare for major surgeries.

The tumour is usually of small size, but tumour doctors at the hospital found was described as “huge”.

The tumour had grown over 20 years, and it was the growing discomfort that brought the woman, unnamed in the report, to hospital.

“She presented to us on account of worsening pressure symptoms,” her doctors reported.

They conclude that although huge, solid and symptomati­c ovarian tumours are likely to be malignant, the possibilit­y of benign disease including Brenner tumour should be entertaine­d.” herbs interact with drugs you are already on, including your family planning options.

Acupressur­e is about pain relief. Key places on your belly, back, and feet can increase blood flow and release endorphins to soothe both your body and mind for a little while. There’s also a spot in the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger that relieves aches and pain.

Sleep might not come easily when you have strong cramps. To make the most of your night’s rest, ditch your smartphone in bed. Wind down with a calming bedtime routine in the days leading up to your period. You may also have to try different sleep positions, especially if you’re usually on your stomach. Catch a short power nap, if you can, during the day.

Warm water will help calm your muscles and your mind. And it is free.

Can’t get enough relief? Some forms of birth control keep your hormone levels in check so there’s less pain. For most women, cramps are normal, but sometimes they’re a sign of a more serious condition.

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