Please help me with my miserable periods!
I am a 17 year old girl who has heavy periods, moderate to severe menstrual cramping with some burning sensation in my lower abdomen. My cramps sometimes cause me to miss school. I was on the birth control pill for awhile but it was making me nauseated so I stopped taking it. I have used a hot water bottle too, but it seems to make me bleed more. Is this normal? Should I be concerned about these symptoms and what can I do to relieve them?
Menstrual cramps, backache, headache and diarrhea during menstrual periods are all caused by prostaglandin, a hormone produced by the uterine lining. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naproxyn (Aleve) act directly on prostaglandin to prevent it’s rise IF they are taken as soon as the cramps start. Taking one of these medications as prescribed round the clock for the first two to three days of your period may make your symptoms tolerable. However, if you still are experiencing severe discomfort, I would advise you to see a gynecologist for a pelvic exam to rule out any problems and for advice on alternative oral contraceptives. There are many on the market with differing degrees of hormone level and there likely is one that will not cause nausea.
