severe cramps?

Question

i have such pain nothing works i cant sleep hot bath not even helped last night i felt like i was in labor for hours please help if you know a solution i am 43

Answer 1

Pain like that is never normal. You should have your doc investigate a diagnosis of Endometriosis.

Derived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.

Almost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder. The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain. More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school. Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].

"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins. These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience. Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.

Pain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours. In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped. In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.

Dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes). In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms often include painful pelvic or abdominal cramping, headache, suprapubic cramping (an area of the pelvis overlying the bladder), backache, pain radiating down into the thigh area, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and even syncope (a temporary of consciousness). Upon physical exam, those with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit normal vital signs and a tender uterus, but no cervical or ovarian abnormalities. Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea may exhibit varied vital signs depending on the underlying cause and may be found to have tenderness, nodules, and/or enlargement of the uterosacral ligaments, the rectovaginal septum or other adnexa (the region of the pelvis that encompasses the ovary, fallopian tube and surrounding broad ligament).

Treatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies. Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea. Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate. Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps. Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain. Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates. Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping. Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.

If Endometriosis or another disorder is the underlying or secondary cause for dysmenorrhea, you will benefit most from having the disease diagnosed and effectively removed. It is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling or incapacitating is never normal and should be investigated as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be rendered.

Reference:
[1] Jamieson DJ, Steege JF. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care practices. Obstet Gynecol. 1996;87(1):55-58.

Answer 2

I found that this helps:

Every night before you go to bed (if not every night, at least the nights before you get your period), take about 5 minutes to massage basically all of the muscles between where the legs meet the body and the bellybutton.

You case of severe cramps sounds pretty serious though, so you might wanna get that checked out.

Answer 3

I think maybe you need to go into the doctors and get a shot of some pain relievers or an epidural. My mom has really severe periods and with that comes severe cramps. She has to take some pills to lighten her periods and another pain reliever to ease her muscle tension. I am not sure what your cramps are from but I really think going to see your doctor is the best answer.

Answer 4

I am a sufferer of even worse cramps then you described. I have been hospitalized more then once for mine, and I got on birth control and have a prescribed pain killer. The birth control made a world of difference! Try it if youre not on it, if you are, try heating pads. They have self sticking pads they sell at grocery stores that i have found to relax the muscles and help a little. Its worth a shot. sorry though. i know how you feel

Answer 5

This below site has the solution. They used to think that there was nothing you could do if someone was fat. The info on this site will be common knowledge in 40 years so you could just wait 40 years for the solution.

Answer 6

I have terrible cramps also. (I'm only 30) Last week I had them so bad I threw up... on an airplane nonetheless. The only thing I've found that helps me is Pamprin. It's a miracle drug! Take 2 of those the day you feel your period coming on, and it feels like your whole body just relaxes. Good luck!

Answer 7

I used to have the worst cramps when I had my period and had to stay in bed with a hotpad on my pelvis. Then I got on birth control and now I hardly have any cramps. I'm only 25 though.

Answer 8

Had the same problem. Started using homeopathic remedies. I take Pulsatilla 200, 1 tablet / day.... 1 tablet 2x/day on bad days. You just let it melt under your tongue. Is good for almost ANY uterine pain or disorder. You can order it at homeopathyworks.com.

Answer 9

Try 800 mg of Motrin or ibprophen. Then talk to your Doctor about getting on the pill it can make periods easier.

Answer 10

Lie against a wall w/ your legs up on it all the way for a few minutes. Also Midol works well but can cause drowsiness.