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Painful menstrual periods



Female reproductive anatomy
Female reproductive anatomy
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
Relieving PMS
Relieving PMS
Uterus
Uterus


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:

  • Cox-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • Stronger anti-inflammatories like diclofenac (Cataflam)
  • Antidepressants
  • Birth control pills
  • Antibiotics
  • Stronger pain relievers (even narcotics like codeine, for brief periods)

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:

  • How old were you when your periods started?
  • Have they always been painful? If not, when did the pain begin?
  • When in your menstrual cycle do you experience the pain?
  • Is the pain sharp, dull, intermittent, constant, aching, or cramping?
  • Are you sexually active?
  • Do you use birth control? What type?
  • When was your last menstrual period?
  • Was the flow of your last menstrual period a normal amount for you?
  • Do your periods tend to be heavy or prolonged (lasting longer than 5 days)?
  • Have you passed blood clots?
  • Are your periods generally regular and predictable?
  • Do you use tampons with menstruation?
  • What have you done to try to relieve the discomfort? How effective was it?
  • Does anything make the pain worse?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?

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