Menstrual cramps result from contractions of the uterus during a woman's menstrual period. These cramps range in severity from mild to debilitating and are the cause of many missed school and work days. Self-care measures, medications and hormonal therapy can help to ease menstrual cramps and provide pain relief.
Home Relief
Many cases of menstrual cramps can be treated with self-care measures. Heat can ease the discomfort of cramps and soothe sore muscles during the menstrual period. Heat can be applied in the form of a hot water bottle or heating pad, according to Dr. Marjorie Greenfield at Case School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland. Soaking in a tub full of warm water may also soothe menstrual cramps. Another option for home relief of menstrual cramps is exercise. Dr. Susan Lark, author of the "Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book," indicates that exercise releases endorphins that can ease pain.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Prostaglandins are local hormones that cause changes in cells that have prostaglandin receptors. These secretions can contribute to the development of menstrual cramps, so reducing the production of prostaglandins can help combat pain and discomfort. The McKinley Health Center lists over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, as helpful medications in reducing prostaglandin production. These medications usually have few side effects and are tolerated well by healthy women. Women who are pregnant or who have ulcers or known allergies to anti-inflammatory drugs should not take these medications. For best results, these medications should be taken 1 to 3 days before the menstrual period begins.
Prescription Medications
Severe menstrual cramps may be treated with prescription drugs that can control prostaglandin production and ease pain, according to physicians from Washington University in St. Louis. Ibuprofen comes in a prescription form marketed under the brand name Motrin. These pills come in 800 mg doses and should be taken once every 6 hours. Naproxen is similar to Aleve, but the prescription version is sold under the brand name Anaprox. One tablet of 550 mg should be taken every 8 to 12 hours. People with known allergies to these drugs should discuss other treatment options with their physicians. Pregnant women should avoid these medications to avoid harm to the developing fetus.
Hormonal Therapy
Another way to control menstrual cramps is by controlling hormonal fluctuations that increase prostaglandin production. Hormonal birth control pills can control these fluctuations. Hormonal birth control pills are taken for 21 to 24 days during the menstrual cycle, according to physicians from Washington University in St. Louis. Blue Shield of California lists several contraindications for hormonal birth control pills. Women who are at risk for developing blood clots, have had a stroke, have or have had breast cancer, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have abnormal bleeding with an undetermined cause or have high triglyceride levels should not take hormonal birth control pills.
References
- Treatments for Menstrual Cramps
- Menstrual Cramps Self Help Book; Dr. Susan Lark; 2004
- Menstrual Cramps
