During their reproductive lives, most women experience menstrual problems to some degree. Fortunately they are usually not serious and are almost always temporary. Becaue they are so common, most women may have their own methods of addressing and dealing with the respective problems, but questions will always comeup. Many treatments exist for each problem, from perscribed medications, to over the counter painkillers, to natural at home remedies.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

Cramps are painful muscle spasms in the lower abdomen, which occur just prior to and during menstrual bleeding. Most women have experienced cramps, which tend to be worse during the first years of menstruation. Multiple causes have been attributed, including high levels of prostaglandin hormones, a narrow opening of the cervix, and a relative lack of blood supply to the muscles of the uterus during cramping.

Treatment:

• Aspirin and ibuprofen both have anti-prostaglandin effects and are especially useful if taken before cramping begins. (Note Tylenol does not have this effect)
• Calcium and magnesium supplements taken a few days before menstruation is due.
• Resting in a comfortable position, stretching, or yoga.
• Warm baths or the application of heat to the lower abdomen.
• Orgasm. Orgasm reduces the congestion of blood and fluid in the pelvic area.
• See a clinician if cramps are severe. Birth control pills and other medications may help to manipulate menstrual cycle and reduce cramps.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is the name given to the set of symptoms that begin a short time before menstruation occurs. Fluid retention is the main cause of PMS symptoms, which can include swollen legs and breasts, pelvic aching, headache, nervousness, irritability, and loss of ability to concentrate. Symptoms usually disappear once actually menstrual bleeding occurs.

Treatment: In addition to those listed above for cramps

• Relaxation and stress reduction techniques
• Avoiding salt and salty foods, as well as alcohol up to a week prior to menstruation (due to increased dehydration)
• Eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, cranberry juice, and other fresh fruit
• Drinking between 6-8 glasses of water per day
• Taking Vitamin B6 and a complex Vitamin B supplement
• Exercise

Missed Periods (Amenorrhea)

While missed periods are frequent among all women, it should be investigated if any previously menstruating woman misses three or more periods (regardless of her cycle length) or if she has not menstruated for six months or more. Pregnancy is the most common reason for this, but there are other causes as well.

Possible causes of amenorrhea:

Treatment: Often simply removing the cause of stress or reducing exercise will bring back normal periods. It is common for college students, for example, to miss periods while at school, only to resume them once they return home. If eliminating causative factors fails, different hormone treatments may be used to bring on bleeding and ovulation.

Irregular Periods

Women’s menstrual cycles vary widely, and are considered regular if they can be predicted within a few days, do not last more than seven days, and do not cause the loss of more than four tablespoons of blood. When a woman’s menstrual cycle is unpredictable, it may be the result of a hormone imbalance or a lack of ovulation. These imbalances are very common during the first few years of menstruation, just prior to menopause, and during stressful times in a woman’s life.

Treatment: Unless there is a medical condition causing irregular cycles, treatment is not usually necessary. Most women’s cycles will eventually settle into a regular pattern. However, a clinician should be consulted for all persistent irregular bleeding patterns because there may be underlying causes such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or pregnancy.