About this topic
Menstrual cramps are a dull, throbbing pain in your lower belly area. Cramps may happen right before or during your period. You may also have pain in the lower back or upper legs. Some women also have other signs like upset belly, throwing up, or loose stools. Others have a headache, bloating, or dizziness. Menstrual cramps can be mild or may be severe. Cramps may even be so bad they keep you from wanting to do your everyday activities. ‚
Pain during your monthly period is normal. Cramps can also be a sign that you may have other more serious health problems. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Get enough rest. Take naps if needed.
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly or lower back. Use a heating pad for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as you may get burned.
- Take warm baths or showers.
- Massage your lower back or belly. Use your fingertips and move in a circle.
- Try to relax and control stress. Take deep breaths, meditate, or do yoga.
- Wear loose clothes and underwear.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor may order tests, like ultrasound, CT, or MRI. The tests will find out if you have health problems that may be causing your cramps.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Balance your hormones. Your doctor may order birth control pills.
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Menstrual cramps may be painful enough to stop you from doing your usual activities. The pain may cause you to stay home from work or school. You may also choose to limit your normal activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Avoid foods and drinks with caffeine like coffee, cola, and chocolate.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Drink warm liquids like decaffeinated tea or soup.
What problems could happen?
Menstrual cramps do not cause any serious problems, but, they can be a sign that something else is wrong ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do something active every day. Try walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Get enough sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a day.
- Dont smoke. If you do smoke, quit.
- Try to lessen the stress in your life. Things like exercise, talking to a counselor, meditation and relaxation exercises may help.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Sudden or very bad pain that keeps getting worse
- Pain that does not go away after your period ends
- Your period is heavier or more painful than usual
- Your period is very early or very late
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or it does not go away after my period ends.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq046.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121023T1741380874 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/dysmenorrhea.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods-painful/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚