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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cramping In The Abdomen During Menstrual Cycle

My daughter is 21 and has had severe cramping with her periods for years. She uses Advil and a heating pad the first 2-3 days of her period. We are looking at further interventions. What would be recommended first? Is there something other than birth control pills?
Thu, 28 Apr 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. When menstruation occurs, the uterus goes through a lot of contractions and relaxations. Uterus being a muscle tissue after all, when contracts, get its blood vessels compressed causing temporary loss of oxygen supply. Due to this lack of oxygen supply for brief period, pain is felt. The more the contractions, the more the pain. That is why pain reduces after 2-3 days as contractions subside gradually.

Although birth control pills gives relief in this type of pain, if you do not want to go for it, your daughter can take continue with painkillers like Advil and keep hot compresses on back and lower abdomen. In addition, avoiding caffeine and salt in diet can help in reducing such pain. It has been noted that women who exercise regularly feel less pain during menstruation. So she can start exercising regularly. Rest is needed in these days. Staying away from drinking and smoking will be a lot of help in such cases.

I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish your daughter has easy menstruations!

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Cramping In The Abdomen During Menstrual Cycle

Hello, I can understand your concern. When menstruation occurs, the uterus goes through a lot of contractions and relaxations. Uterus being a muscle tissue after all, when contracts, get its blood vessels compressed causing temporary loss of oxygen supply. Due to this lack of oxygen supply for brief period, pain is felt. The more the contractions, the more the pain. That is why pain reduces after 2-3 days as contractions subside gradually. Although birth control pills gives relief in this type of pain, if you do not want to go for it, your daughter can take continue with painkillers like Advil and keep hot compresses on back and lower abdomen. In addition, avoiding caffeine and salt in diet can help in reducing such pain. It has been noted that women who exercise regularly feel less pain during menstruation. So she can start exercising regularly. Rest is needed in these days. Staying away from drinking and smoking will be a lot of help in such cases. I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish your daughter has easy menstruations! Best, Dr. Viraj Shah