Menstrual cramps are intolerable pains in women’s lower abdomen with an onset just before or concomitantly with menstrual periods. The pain may last up to three days. These pains are sometimes unbearable and maybe aching or throbbing and can be sharp or dull. Menstrual cramps symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe pains that can render one motionless, interfering with regular routines. Studies show that menstrual cramps are among the leading causes of absenteeism in women younger than thirty years. Moreover, although nearly half the population of women usually experience discomfort, some may suffer temporary disabilities owing to the symptoms of menstrual cramps. Although there are medications to alleviate menstrual cramps pain, there is no single drug that can be universal for all women. Here are some of the insights into the best medicine for menstrual cramps.
Diagnosis and Treatment Option
In case you are experiencing severe and unbearable menstrual cramps, the physician will review your medical history and assess your physique, including the pelvic region. During the assessment of the pelvic, the physician will search for anomalies in the reproductive organ, besides other infections. If the physician suspects your menstrual cramp results from a different disorder, you may be referred for advanced screening such as ultrasound, X-ray, and laparoscopy. Upon the confirmatory test, medication will be based on the test results. Treatment options may include pain relievers, surgery, or hormonal birth control.
Pain Relievers
The best medicine for menstrual cramps may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as naproxen sodium, including Aleve, and ibuprofen such as Motrin, IB, and Advil. These over-the-counter pain drugs are administered at regular dosages commencing a day before the menstrual periods’ onset. Such an administration can help manage and alleviate the pain of menstrual cramps. Moreover, the physician can also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Cataflam or diclofenac. Diclofenac is a pain reliever that can be taken at the onset of the menstrual periods, or immediately the symptoms present. The medicine should be progressive, and you will be required to use the drug for about three days or until the symptoms disappear.
Hormonal Birth Control and Surgery
Birth control pills harbor hormones that influence ovulation and lower menstrual cramps severity. Alternatively, birth control hormones can be conveyed in forms such as skin patches or injections. On the other hand, if the cramps are due to a disorder, such as fibroids or endometriosis, corrective surgery can be performed and might help in pain alleviation. In extreme cases, the uterus can be removed through surgery to curb the symptoms. However, uterus removal is the last option if other treatments fail.
Conclusion
Menstrual cramps can be horrible. Therefore, if the cramps are bothersome, try to make an appointment with your doctor or a gynecologist. Alternatively, you can visit a pharmacy and pain relievers mentioned above can be resourceful in menstrual cramp pain management.
