Treating menstrual pain

"I love sailing and I used to worry about getting my period during a regatta. But now I don't need to fear getting "shipwrecked" by cramps."

There are a number of options for treating the pain of menstrual cramps.

Strong menstrual pain can be effectively treated with an antispasmodic (to relieve painful cramps of the surrounding abdominal organs) in combination with an analgesic (to relieve the pain). Other treatments are also available, both prescription and over the counter.

For milder pain, warmth from a hot water bottle or bath can help relax the muscles of the abdomen. There are also other remedies that women have used over the years to treat menstrual pain. You can explore these remedies in the Advice section of this website.

If you find that menstrual pain becomes unexpectedly worse, or is accompanied by fever, weight loss or other unusual symptoms, please visit a qualified medical practitioner.

 

 

 

Understanding different abdominal pains
Abdominal pain and cramps
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The information contained in this site is intended for residents of South Africa only.