menstrual disorders and abnormal vaginal bleeding
women s health issues
Menstrual Cramps
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Often hormonal contraceptives Treatment of underlying disorders When menstrual cramps result from another disorder, that disorder is treated if possible. For example, a narrow cervical canal can be widened surgically. However, this operation usually relieves the pain only temporarily. If needed, fibroids or misplaced endometrial tissue (due to endometriosis) is surgically removed. If women have primary dysmenorrhea do not have a specific disorder that can be treated, they may use general measures or NSAIDs to relieve symptoms. Moist heat applied to the abdomen may help. Getting enough sleep and rest and exercising regularly may also help. Other measures that have been suggested to help relieve the pain include a low-fat diet and nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids,flaxseed, magnesium, vitamin B1,vitamin E, and zinc. There is not much evidence to support the usefulness of diet or these nutritional supplements, but most have few risks and so some women may try them. Women should talk to their doctors before using these supplements. If pain is bothersome, NSAIDs, such asibuprofen,naproxen, ormefenamic acid, may help. NSAIDs should be started 24 to 48 hours before a period begins and continued 1 or 2 days after the period begins. If NSAIDs are ineffective, doctors may recommend also taking Oral Contraceptives that contain a progestin (a synthetic form of the female hormone , taken by mouth), Drugs used to treat endometriosis (such as If a woman may have endometriosis and medications have not worked or if she has infertility, doctors may do laparoscopic surgery to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis and remove endometrial tissue (tissue from the lining of the uterus) that is located outside the uterus. If women have severe pain that persists despite all other types treatment, doctors may do a procedure that disrupts the nerves to the uterus and thus blocks pain signals. These procedures include the following: Injecting the nerves with an anesthetic (a nerve block) Destroying the nerves using a laser, electricity, or ultrasound Cutting the nerves The procedures to disrupt the nerves may be done using a laparoscope. When these nerves are cut, other organs in the pelvis, such as the ureters, are occasionally injured. Some alternative treatments for menstrual cramps have been suggested but have not been studied well. They include behavioral counseling (such as systematic desensitization and relaxation and pain management training), Acupuncture , and acupressure. Hypnosis is being studied as treatment. 