Your doctor may prescribe medications or other remedies depending on the cause of the dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is usually treated by medication such as an analgesic medication. Many women find relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.*
Some doctors may prescribe hormone medications. Oral contraceptives also may also help reduce the severity of the symptoms. Nausea and vomiting may be relieved with an antinausea (antiemetic) medication, but these symptoms usually disappear without treatment as cramps subside. Implantable contraception and progesterone IUDs, which release low levels of the hormone progesterone, have also been found to be very helpful in decreasing pain.
Women who do not respond after three months of treatment with NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives may have secondary dysmenorrhea. Treatment for secondary dysmenorrhea will vary with the underlying cause. Diagnostic laparoscopy, other hormonal treatments, or trial of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are potential next steps. Surgery can be done to remove fibroids or to widen the cervical canal if it is too narrow.
In addition to the above, other non-medicinal treatments for the pain of dysmenorrhea include:
- holding a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back
- taking a warm bath
- doing mild exercises like stretching, walking, or biking – exercise may improve blood flow and reduce pelvic pain
- getting plenty of rest and avoiding stressful situations as your period approaches
- yoga
You may also wish to consider alternative therapies such as hypnosis, herbal medications, or acupuncture. Be cautious with herbal medications. They may be "natural," but they are not necessarily safe or free of side effects. They can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbal medications.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Dysmenorrhea