Painful menstrual periods

Alternative Names:

Menstruation - painful; Dysmenorrhea; Periods - painful; Cramps - menstrual; Menstrual cramps
Home Care:

The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications:

Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen (below your navel). Be careful NOT to fall asleep with it on.
Take warm showers or baths.
Drink warm beverages.
Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower abdomen.
Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Eat light but frequent meals.
Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen.
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
Keep your legs elevated while lying down. Or lie on your side with knees bent.

If these self-care measures do not work, your doctor may prescribe medications like:

Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor right away if:

You have a fever.
Vaginal discharge is increased in amount or foul-smelling.
Your pain is significant, your period is over one week late, and you have been sexually active.

Also call your doctor if:

Your pain is severe or sudden.
Self-care measures don't relieve your pain after 3 months.
You pass blood clots or have other symptoms with the pain.
Your pain occurs at times other than menstruation, begins more than 5 days prior to your period, or continues after your period is over.
You have an IUD that was placed more than 3 months ago.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and perform a physical examination, paying close attention to your pelvis and abdomen.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, such as the following: