Facts and Tips Regarding Painful Periods

Dysmenorrhea: The medical term for the painful cramps that may occur immediately before or during the menstrual period

There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is another name for common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain usually is felt in the lower abdomen or back. They can be mild to severe. Common menstrual cramps often start shortly before or at the onset of the period and continue one to three days. They usually become less painful as a woman ages and may stop entirely after the woman has her first baby.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by a disorder in the woman's reproductive organs. These cramps usually begin earlier in the menstrual cycle and last longer than common menstrual cramps.

The symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

·         Aching pain in the abdomen (Pain can be severe at times.)

·         Feeling of pressure in the abdomen

·         Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs

When cramps are severe, symptoms may include:

·         Upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting

·         Loose stools

To relieve mild menstrual cramps:

·         Take aspirin or another pain reliever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen). (Note: For best relief, you must take these medications as soon as bleeding or cramping starts.)

·         Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen. Taking a warm bath may also provide some relief.

o   If you don't have a heating pad, you can make one by filling a sock (a men's tube sock works best) with rice and heating it in a microwave over for a few minutes.

·         Rest when needed.

·         Avoid foods that contain caffeine and salt.

·         Massage your lower back and abdomen.

·         Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of your weekly routine.

·         Avoid tight fitting clothes.

·         Stretch to relax tight muscles.

If these steps do not relieve pain, your health care provider can order medications for you, including:

·         Ibuprofen (higher dose than is available over the counter) or other prescription pain relievers

·         Oral contraceptives (Women taking birth control pills often have less menstrual pain.)

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