It's the pain brought by monthly menstrual cycle. There are all kinds of remedies, Advil, Heating pads, exercise, cutting out certain foods and caffeine. Some help, some don't. You have to find out what works for you...if you can't get any relief from "everyday stuff"...check with your Gyno. They have stronger medicines that can help. try midol its been around a long time and it really works University Of Oregon
Dysmenorrhea
What is it?
Dysmenorrhea is the term for painful (dys-) menstrual periods (-menorrhea). An estimated 30-50% of young
women experience dysmenorrhea; about 15% have significant disruptions in their daily routine during their
menstrual periods.
Primary dysmenorrhea begins within a few years of the onset of menstrual periods. Along with menstrual
cramping, a woman may experience low back pain, leg pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches,
lightheadedness and fatigue. The severity of cramping and other symptoms can vary from one period to the next.
What causes it?
Primary dysmenorrhea which begins in the teen years is due to increased levels of substances called
鈥減rostaglandins鈥?which are produced by the body. It is unknown why some women produce increased levels of
prostaglandins or are more sensitive to them.
Secondary dysmenorrhea begins at a later age and may be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),
endometriosis, myomas (uterine fibroids), or other pelvic abnormalities. Other symptoms may include painful
intercourse and pelvic pain between menstrual periods. These symptoms, or any new onset of dysmenorrhea
beyond the teen years, should be evaluated by a health care provider.
How can I prevent/treat it?
General measures which can help minimize symptoms include:
鈥?Regular exercise
鈥?Minimize caffeine intake
鈥?Vitamin B-complex, calcium, and magnesium supplements daily
鈥?Hot baths, heating pads, hot water bottles
鈥?Raspberry leaf tea
鈥?Orgasm
鈥?Acupuncture
鈥?Biofeedback
Over-the-counter medications for dysmenorrhea are known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
They act as prostaglandin inhibitors. They are most effective if taken as soon as symptoms
begin, and usually need to be taken at higher doses than usual.
鈥?Ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin) 2-4 tablets every 6 hours, up to 16 tablets per day
鈥?Naproxen sodium (Aleve) 2-3 tablets, 3 times per day, up to 9 tablets per day
What if those measures don鈥檛 help?
If the above measures are ineffective in controlling your dysmenorrhea, see your health care provider. You may
need a pelvic exam to check for other problems. If nothing is found, there are prescription medications that are
very effective in controlling dysmenorrhea. These include:
鈥?Oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Whether or not you need protection against pregnancy, the pill can
lessen or eliminate cramping and other symptoms.
鈥?Mefenamic acid (Ponstel)
鈥?other prescription strength NSA
Gyn Forms: Dysmenorrhea.doc: Rev. 7/26/04: KBB/kmb
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An equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity take boiled gingelly seeds Treatment of Dysmenorrhea
For treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, most doctors prescribe antiprostaglandin drugs or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. These drugs inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins, lessen the contractions of the uterus and reduce the menstrual flow. These drugs should be started at the onset of bleeding to avoid inadvertent use during early pregnancy and taken for 2-3 days.
Oral contraceptives are another alternative. By stopping ovulation and decreasing prostaglandin levels, they may eliminate cramps.
Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the cause. Endometriosis is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. Depending on the stage of this disease and the woman's age and desire to have children, the treatment methods vary from conservative drug therapy (androgens, progestins, oral contraceptives and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) to surgical procedures.
If the problem is adenomyosis, a hysterectomy may be necessary. Pelvic inflammatory disease may be treated with antibiotics. Uterine fibroids, fibroid tumors and pelvic tumors are often treated surgically. Cervical narrowing can be corrected with surgery as well.
Occasionally, an IUD (intra-uterine device) may be the cause, and if so, the doctor may prescribe antiprostaglandin drugs, and suggest removing the device and using another form of birth control.
Self Care
For relief of painful menstrual cramps and their associated discomforts, start with a hot bath. The water helps relax the uterus and other tensions that may be contributing to the problem.
Place a heating pad on your abdomen. The flow of heat can provide soothing, temporary pain relief.
Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, running, bicycling, and aerobic dance may diminish cramping symptoms. For some women, exercise may inhibit prostaglandins or help release endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers. |
