Menstruation - Painful
Alternate Names : Cramps - Menstrual, Dysmenorrhea, Painful Menstrual Periods, Periods - Painful
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Painful Menstruation: Home Care & Treatment
- Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
- Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen (below your navel). Be careful NOT to fall asleep while this device is on.
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Take warm showers or baths.
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Drink warm beverages.
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Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower abdomen.
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Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
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Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
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Eat light but frequent meals.
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Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
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Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
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Keep your legs elevated while lying down or lie on your side with your knees bent.
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See a counselor or join a support group.
If these self-care measures do not work, your doctor may prescribe medications like:
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Cox-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx), and valdecoxib (Bextra)
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Stronger anti-inflammatories like diclofenac (Cataflam)
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Antidepressants
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Birth control pills
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Antibiotics
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Stronger pain relievers (even narcotics like codeine, for brief periods)
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