First you need to determine if the pain is "normal." 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.
2006-06-25 11:42:36
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answer #1
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answered by Endo 6
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I use a combination of low-grade excedrin (the strong stuff is too harsh on my stomach) and ThemaCare heat wraps (they last 8 hours).
Also, I have acupuncture done once a month, and this helps an unbelievable amount.
Most acupuncturists can also do acupressure work, or cupping or other techniques if you're squeamish about needles. I actually loathe needles, but the acupuncture ones don't bother me at all.
Acupuncture has not only helped control the pain of my cycle but to shorten it to a more normal length.
Just be sure that if you look into this, that you find someone who is licensed for acupucnture (it's not actually a requirement, at least in the states, for the person to be licensed). The lady I go to is, and is also a medical doctor, as well as being trained in Reiki (also quite helpful).
Exercise AND stretches, particularly those that work your abdominal area, will also reduce pains because it will strengthen the muscles in the area that cramps up.
2006-06-22 12:14:59
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answer #2
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answered by MysticSong 3
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I hear ya girl! I feel like I've tried them all. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. The trick is to take something BEFORE the cramping gets really bad. I take Advil, Motrin (it's all ibuprophen), but I usually have to take 3 sometimes 4 pills at once for it to work on my pain. I've recently been trying Aleve (naproxin). This last cycle was so bad, I took Advil. A few hours later I was still hurtin so much I could hardly function. So then I took some Aleve. An hour later still no relief, so I took another Aleve. FINALLY, I got some relief. If I have them I also use the ThermaCare Menstrual Relief things that you put on your abdomen. That helps a lot as well. I have to drink hot fluids as well. Cold stuff makes them worse for me. Heating pad on the abdomen AND back. My cramps carry down into my legs and around to my back as well. YUCK! I think I might be a candidate for a hysterectomy???? Double YUCK! Just be careful. This works for me. I realize it is a bit much, but I'm also a big girl! I probably need more for it to work. Just try to catch it before they get really bad. Once you get pain relief, as soon as you start to feeling them come on again, try to nip it in the bud so to speak. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night to take something so that I'm not really bad in the morning when I get up.
2006-06-22 12:27:12
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answer #3
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answered by hairdoerbren 4
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I had pains bad enough that I passed out and threw up frequently the 1st day of menses. Each month I ended up in the ER the 1st day and was given morphine. The pain increased with each month for several years until I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis. I finally had a hysterectomy. They gave me multiple prescriptions, prior to diagnosis, that were supposed to help the pain. One of them was naproxen. This is a 'natural' medication that is supposed to regulate your periods and minimize any pain associated with them. If you feel that your pain if worse than that of other women, you should consult your gynecologist for diagnosis/treatment. In addition, many problems could be causing your pain and most have a fairly simple solution. More importantly, there is relief out there ;). Good Luck!
2006-06-22 12:24:15
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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My wife used to suffer bad pains and used to sit in front of the fire to relieve the pain. She went on to the coil it stops periods but it has helped her get rid of the terrible pain. hope this helps you in what you are looking for. It is worth a try you will feel a lot better. all the best.
2006-06-22 12:18:10
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answer #5
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answered by LEONARDO P 3
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Uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, but can cause immense discomfort and lead to complications like anemia from heavy blood loss. In rare cases, they may cause complications that affect pregnancy.
In cases where there are no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, proper diagnosis and treatment may be required if your symptoms are severe or causing complications. Along with conventional treatment, you can try some natural home remedies. Read here https://tr.im/g5RwF
2016-05-17 10:58:20
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answer #6
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answered by john 2
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lie down and bring your knees up to your chest,that works for a while or a hotwater bottle on your belly sometimes works. otherwise its 2 paracetimal and a fake smile, like i have to do. period pains are s**t and i hate them! hope you feel better by the end of the week,lol! :)
2006-06-22 12:17:46
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answer #7
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answered by geri 3
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yes my friend nay says micro-gramme 30 helps the contraception pill helps to lighten your bleeding & reduces the pains dramatically & the amount of days you should normally have a period for aswell. try warm baths and paraceptamol good luck.
2006-06-25 09:13:41
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answer #8
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answered by terry 2
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2017-02-26 00:40:58
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answer #9
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answered by Johna 3
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2017-02-19 13:01:16
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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You can take feminax, they are very good for pain relief also a hot water bottle held on your tummy whilst relaxing really helps.
2006-06-28 06:37:01
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answer #11
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answered by Little Minx 4
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