Period pain: treatment options
Period pain is also called dysmenorrhoea.
Primary dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs mainly during a woman’s late teens and early 20s. The severity depends on the age at which periods began, if the periods are prolonged, if bleeding is heavy and if the woman is a smoker. Weight, length of menstrual cycle and level of physical activity do not usually influence period pain.
The symptoms — which are usually felt as severe, incapacitating cramps — begin just before the onset of bleeding and usually stop within 2 or 3 days.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea
Secondary dysmenorrhoea occurs mainly in women in their 30s and 40s. It is often due to some other pelvic medical problem, such as endometriosis or fibroids. It can often be distinguished from primary dysmenorrhoea by the fact that the pain usually continues for the duration of bleeding.
Treatment options
Medicines
Period pain is believed to be caused by an excess of substances known as prostaglandins, which are believed to cause the uterus to go into spasm, causing pain.
Medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help prevent the production of prostaglandins, making them effective treatments for period pain.
You can buy many NSAIDs from your local pharmacist. They include ibuprofen products (such as Nurofen or Tri-Profen), naproxen (Naprogesic), and mefenamic acid (Ponstan).
Because NSAIDs can cause stomach upsets, they should be avoided in people who have stomach ulcers or symptoms of indigestion, or who are allergic to aspirin. NSAIDs should also be used with caution in people with asthma or those who have kidney problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best treatment for you.
Non-drug options
Applying heat to your abdomen, using a hot water bottle or a heat pack, may offer some relief. Gentle exercise may also help.
Supplements
Some women find that taking nutritional supplements such as evening primrose oil, magnesium or dong quai relieves their pain.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if:
- the pain is getting worse with each period;
- the pain lasts longer than the first 2 days of your period;
- over-the-counter medicines that you have used in the past can no longer control the pain;
- menstrual bleeding has become increasingly heavy;
- the pain is accompanied by fever;
- there is abnormal discharge or bleeding;
- the pain occurs at times unrelated to menstruation;
- you are in your 30s or 40s and the period pains are recent; or
- you use an intrauterine device (IUD) as a method of contraception. This can cause pelvic inflammation and you should consult your doctor.
Last Reviewed: 26 March 2001
