Adolescence - Treatment for irregular and painful periods

For everyday of each month, there seems to be a different word to describe the way a woman's body changes during "that time of the month." Whether there is too much or too little bleeding, pain, bloating, or mood swings, menstrual disorders can mess with a woman's mind as well as her physical well-being. Luckily, many symptoms of menstruation can be managed and treated.

Talking with your physician regarding symptoms will increase your understanding and provide guidance for treatment. Some basic treatments that may be helpful are:

• Vitamin B
• Exercise
• Applying heat
• Sleep
• Over the counter medications (i.e. ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Dietary modifications

If a woman's menstrual cramps or bleeding is more severe, hormonal contraception may be recommended by your physician. The hormones help control the growth of the lining of the uterus so less prostaglandin is made. That means there are fewer contractions, less blood flow and less pain. If needed, these forms are used to decrease estrogen levels to stop menstrual cycles. This helps relieve pain before it even starts.

For more information, please click here to read article on Menstruation on The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website.