Page 130 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

128 COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS

Painful menstrual periods

Many women have a cramping pain in their lower abdomen just
WARNING
before, or at the start of, their monthly period. Some women also
have headaches, backache, nausea, and diarrhea. Stress and Seek immediate medical help if:
tension can make symptoms worse. Painful periods most commonly ● You have lower abdominal pain
and vaginal bleeding and there is
affect younger women and often become less severe with age or
a risk that you might be pregnant
after childbirth. They don’t usually have a serious underlying cause.
See also Diarrhea, p.116; Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), p.127.

What you can do yourself
DRUG REMEDIES
You can usually relieve the symptoms of painful
periods using self-help measures. Ibuprofen (see p.185) is an anti-inflammatory
drug that helps to reduce cramping and bleeding.
● To relieve abdominal pain and other aches and
If you are prone to menstrual pain, begin taking it
pains, take ibuprofen (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). before you expect your period to start. If you can’t
You can also soak in a warm bath or apply heat take ibuprofen, use acetaminophen (see p.177).
to your abdomen using a heating pad or a hot-
water bottle.
● Taking exercise, such as a brisk walk, may bring
NATURAL REMEDIES
relief because it stimulates muscles to produce
natural painkilling chemicals called endorphins.
Magnesium supplements may help relieve
In the longer term, regular exercise may also help
symptoms. Alternatively, eat foods that are rich in
prevent menstrual cramps or reduce their severity.
the mineral, such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
● Try to avoid stress and tasks that you find
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel contain
physically and/or mentally tiring. omega-3 essential fatty acids (see p.182), which are
● To reduce anxiety and tension, try practicing thought to affect levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-
like substance that can cause menstrual cramps.
some deep breathing and muscle relaxation
exercises (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES, pp.20–21).
● Taking magnesium supplements and/or eating oily
fish containing essential fatty acids may help reduce
menstrual cramps (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right). Omega-3 source
Try to include oily
fish, such as salmon,
in your diet about
Seek medical advice 2–3 times a week.
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● You have bleeding between periods
● Pain continues after your period has finished PREVENTION
and/or you have an offensive vaginal discharge
● You wish to discuss taking oral contraceptives, Stopping smoking You may be able to
which may help reduce period pain prevent or reduce menstrual pain by giving up smoking.
● The measures given above are not helping This is because smoking has been shown to increase
the strength and duration of menstrual cramps.
to control the pain