Preventing Menstrual Cramps Before They Start - Watch WebMD Video

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Cramping Your Style

Reviewed By: Cynthia Haines,

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I have them every month.

Narrator:

Laura Hoey (hoy) says birth control pills help dull the sharp, painful cramps she's had every 28 days.

Laura Hoey:

Now that I am not on birth control, it seems to be increasing again.

Narrator:

She has lots of company. Doctor Deborah Villeneuve (vil-NEV) says 70 percent of women experience some level of menstrual cramping.

Deborah Villeneuve, M.D.:

Fifteen percent of those women do note that it interferes with their lifestyle and about 10% actually miss work.

Narrator:

Cramps are uterine contractions caused by the release of a potent hormone called prostaglandin. It's the same hormone that causes contractions during labor. A healthy diet and exercise can minimize cramp pain. And heat can be comforting.

Narrator:

But if you don't mind pills, try taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory a day or two before your period. It may help prevent severe cramps from starting at all.

Deborah Villeneuve, M.D.:

I think the most effective are going to be medicines that inhibit this prostaglandin that's produced by the uterus and that's going to be ibuprofen and naprosin type drugs.

Narrator:

Those are drugs like motrin, advil and aleve. There are prescription strengths if you need them. These drugs inhibit the prostaglandin that causes arthritis pain. Chances are they'll do the same for menstrual pain. Laura says she tried several different strategies to put a 'crimp' in her cramps. Finally she found the one that works for her.

Laura Hoey:

Once the medication hits it takes the edge off of it and I'm able to get up and do things.

Narrator:

If 'nothing' seems to get rid of your monthly pain talk to your doctor. You may have a bigger problem that needs attention. For WebMD, I'm Sandee Lamotte.

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