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Menstrual Cramps
If you are a woman, it is easy to presume that you have experienced menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps
are commonly recognized as light or throbbing pains in the lower abdomen. Most menstrual cramps occur just
before and during a menstrual period. For some women, cramps can be a minor discomfort and for others, it
can be severe enough to affect everyday activities. Other symptoms that you may associate with menstrual
cramps are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache or lightheadedness.
Cause
- Menstrual cramping is caused by contractions of the uterus, trying to expel its lining. The lining of the uterus also releases a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins will increase the contractions and may develop feelings of nausea or lightheadedness.
Risk factors
- Under 20 years of age.
- Early onset of puberty: Age 11 or younger
- Heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia)
- Depression or anxiety
- Attempts to lose weight: age 14-20
- Never having delivered a baby
- Smoking
Treatment
There are various ways to help reduce menstrual cramping and other symptoms. Below are a few common remedies:
- Heating pad or warm bath - Helps soothe pain.
- Mild exercise - Some women find exercising helps reduce cramping and discomfort.
- Over-the-counter remedies - Helps relieve discomfort, makes menstrual flow lighter and reduces cramping.
- Prescription products - Some physicians will prescribe prescription products, such as oral contraceptives to help relieve pain and other symptoms related to menstrual periods.
- Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest will help alleviate cramping and other related symptoms.
Some women find relief through stress relieving activities such as: massage, yoga, acupuncture or meditation
Contact your physician if:
- You have a fever.
- Vaginal discharge is increased in amount or foul-smelling.
- Your pain is significant, your period is over one week late, and you have been sexually active.
- Your pain is severe or sudden
- Self-care remedies do not relieve your pain after three months
- You pass blood clots or have other symptoms with pain
- Your pain occurs at times other than menstruation, begins more than 5 days prior to your period, or continues after your period is over.
What to expect at your physicians office:
Your physician may examine you, paying close attention to your pelvis and abdomen, and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms such as:
- Have they always been painful? If not, when did the pain begin?
- When in your menstrual cycle do you experience the pain?
- Is the pain sharp, dull, intermittent, constant, aching, or cramping?
- Are you sexually active?
- Do you use birth control? What type?
- When was your last menstrual period?
- Was the flow of your last menstrual period a normal amount for you?
- Do your periods tend to be heavy or prolonged (lasting longer than 5 days)?
- Have you passed blood clots?
- Do you use tampons with menstruation?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
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For further assistance, please call toll free at 1-800-985-6959.
Kindest Regards,
BirthControl.com Staff
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