WOMEN - GP's view: Period pain

Dr Cindy Pan discusses the causes of, 

and treatments for period pain

 

For most women, "that time of the month" is an inconvenience. But for those who suffer from period pain, it is torture. The severity may range from a dull ache to severe cramps. The cramps are thought to be caused by prostaglandins, hormones produced to stimulate contractions of the uterus during menstruation (and childbirth). Conditions that may be associated with period pain include endometriosis and fibroids. Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus that may not cause symptoms.

Endometriosis is where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and bleeds with the hormonal changes of menstruation, resulting in inflammation and scar tissue. It affects about 10 to 15 per cent of women. The severity of period pain varies and there may be other symptoms such as heavy or irregular bleeding, pain with sex, lower back, pelvic and abdominal pain and fertility problems.

Your doctor can run tests to see if there is an underlying condition causing your period pain. Otherwise, simple options for relief include a heat pack, hot drinks such as ginger or mint tea and analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid (Ponstan) or naproxen (Naprogesic). For some women, taking the contraceptive pill may help. For others, exercise and supplements of evening primrose or krill oil, magnesium and chaste tree may help, but responses are variable.

Source: http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/