How to Treat Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is the name for the painful cramps often associated with a menstrual period. In younger women, primary dysmenorrhea is not usually associated with any underlying diseases or condition. In older women, on the other hand, the pain may be related to other conditions. Treatment will depend primarily on the diagnosis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Healthy diet
• Oral contraceptives
• Heating pad
• Pain relievers
• Doctor or gynecologist

Treat Dysmenorrhea Symptoms

1. Choose a painkiller that works for you. Many over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen help treat the pains from dysmenorrhea. You should avoid going beyond the recommended dosage on over-the-counter medicines. If you are still in pain, your doctor can prescribe higher doses.
2. Consider taking oral contraceptives, which may relieve much of the pain associated with dysmenorrhea. As prostaglandin levels decrease, so should your cramps.
3. Apply heat to your abdomen with a heating pad or a warm bath. The heat can help relieve cramps and relax your body.
4. Visit a chiropractor to treat pain, fatigue and nausea associated with dysmenorrhea. Speak with your regular doctor before you try chiropractic care.
5. Reduce your intake of caffeine, chocolate and sugar around your period. You will need to change your diet a few days before you normally start your period to help counter pain and other symptoms early.
6. Put out that cigarette! Smoking increases the occurrence and severity of dysmenorrhea.

Diagnose More Severe Problems Related to Dysmenorrhea

7. Make an appointment with your doctor if painful menstrual periods occur often. While these cramps usually don't have an underlying cause in younger women, the pain may lead to a diagnosis of any number of conditions.
8. Take note of all symptoms you have, from painful bowel movements to weight gain and diarrhea. Tell your doctor about any symptom you don't find normal.
9. Ask to have a laparoscopy if your doctor can't make a precise diagnosis. The laparoscopy, while invasive, will allow the doctor to diagnose the underlying cause of dysmenorrhea and permit him to treat your condition correctly.
10. Work with your doctor after diagnosis, so that you can find the treatment plan that works best to reduce your symptoms without interrupting your life.

Tips & Warnings

• While cramps may seem normal, if the pain is so disabling that you have a hard time making it to work, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
• Check your insurance coverage to see if it covers complementary therapies. You may be able to visit an herbalist or acupuncturist to help relieve the painful cramps.