Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Severe and frequent cramping that disrupts your daily activities are signs of painful periods and should be discussed with your doctor. Whether you’ve had painful periods since you first began menstruating or if the pain develops over time, your Hoag doctor can help you with these symptoms.

What causes painful periods?

Causes of dysmenorrhea include:

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• Infection

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How is dysmenorrhea treated?

Treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. For mild cases not related to an underlying health issue, treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Oral contraceptives

• IUD can also help to reduce painful periods

In the case of pain resulting from an underlying condition such as type: entry-hyperlink id: kOHMGRZjrdWhSY41RL7sz or type: entry-hyperlink id: 17TeLTDInApz7GZ0PkWK1N, there are several treatment options available, including:

• Myomectomy (surgical removal of a fibroid)

• Minimally-invasive surgery

Your gynecologist or OB/GYN may also prescribe medications or procedures to address the other symptoms of dysmenorrhea, including:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Discomfort in the lower back