Everyday, millions of women around the world are afflicted with painful periods. For some women it can be so bad that they have to stay home from work. Teenagers often have it the worst. Their periods can be so painful that they may have trouble paying attention in class, studying, or participating in after school activiities. Although this type of painful period often gets with time, it is tough enough to be a teenager without having to suffer in this way.

The reasons for these painful periods depends on the age and onset of this problem. When it occurs in teenagers it is called “primary dysmenorrhea”. That just refers to the fact that the painful periods started fairly soon after her periods first started. This is due to an excess of a chemical called “prostaglandin”. This occurs as a result of her unique hormone balance but is not an indication of any disease. In women whose painful periods start later in life, this is called “secondary dysmenorrhea”. This actually can be due to medical conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids. This type of period pain tends to get worse with time.

Many patients seek my help not only to understand why this is happening but also to learn what can be done to treat the problem. The answer depends partially on the cause but often times hormonal medications will help. This can include the combination birth control pill or progesterone only medications such as the “mini-pill”, progesterone IUD or the progesterone implant. There are other hormonal therapies that might be better for some women than others. If hormones are not something a woman wants to try or cannot try, then we can also try pain relievers such has Motrin, Tylenol or Alleve. There are even some studies that show that Vitamin B1, magnesium, ginger or accupuncture may help. A new over the counter device called “Livea” has also helped a lot of my patients who are trying to avoid medications altogether!

If you have painful periods, please consider seeking some medical help. You don’t have to suffer and if it is affecting your daily life, then it is even more important that you try to get it under control. There are more treatments available beyond what I have touched upon in this blog so please talk to your medical provider if you need help.