What are
menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps cause pain in your the
lower abdomen during the first few days of your menstrual
period. Sometimes the pain radiates to lower back or both
thighs. Some girls also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or
dizziness along with cramps.
What is the
cause?
More than 50% of girls and women have cramps
during their menstrual periods. The cramps are caused by
strong contractions (and sometimes spasms) of the muscles in
the uterus as it expels menstrual blood.
Menstrual periods usually are not painful
during the first 1 to 2 years after a girl has started
having periods. However, once ovulation (the release of an
egg from the ovary) begins, the level of progesterone in the
bloodstream increases and leads to stronger contractions and
some cramps.
How long do
they last?
Cramps last 2 or 3 days and usually occur
with each menstrual period. There are several drugs that can
lessen the pain to a very mild level. The cramps often
disappear permanently after your first pregnancy and
delivery, probably because the opening of the uterus has
stretched.
How can I
take care of myself?
- Pain relief:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or
naproxen (Aleve) are excellent drugs for menstrual
cramps. They not only decrease the pain but also
decrease contractions of the uterus. You do not need a
prescription to get ibuprofen in 200 mg tablets or
naproxen in 220-mg tablets.
For ibuprofen, you can take 2 tablets 3
times a day. Take 3 tablets (600 mg) as the first dose.
For naproxen, you can take 1 tablet 3 times a day. Start
with 2 tablets (440 mg). Start taking the drug as soon
as there is any menstrual flow, or even the day before,
if possible. Don't wait until your menstrual cramps
begin. Ibuprofen or naproxen should make you feel well
enough not to miss anything important. Never take both
drugs together.
If you don't have these drugs, you can
take acetaminophen (Tylenol) until you can get ibuprofen
or naproxen.
- Heat:
A heating pad or warm washcloth applied to the area of
pain may be helpful. A 20-minute warm bath twice a day
may also reduce the pain.
- Aggravating
factors: If you are tired or upset, the pain
will seem more severe. Try to avoid getting exhausted or
too little sleep during menstrual periods. If you have
troubles or worries, talk to someone about them.
- Full activity
during menstrual cramps: Do not miss any
school, work, or social activities because of menstrual
cramps. If the pains are limiting your activities even
though you are using ibuprofen or naproxen, ask your
health care provider about stronger prescription
medicine.
- Common
mistakes: A common mistake is to go to bed when
the cramps are bad. However, people who are busy usually
notice their pain less. There are absolutely no
restrictions on your activities. You can go to school,
take gym, swim, take a shower or bath, wash your hair,
go outside in bad weather, date, etc. during your
menstrual periods.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- The pain becomes severe and is not
relieved by ibuprofen or naproxen.
- You develop an unexplained fever (over
100°F).
- You start feeling very sick.
Call during office hours if:
- Ibuprofen or naproxen do not give
adequate pain relief.
- The menstrual cramps cause you to miss
school or other important activities.
- You have other concerns or questions.
