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	limb pain	menstrual cramps	mouth ulcers	nosebleeds
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	vomiting

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Painful menstrual cramps are caused by hormone-like substances that are found in higher quantities during a woman’s period. These substances cause the muscles of the uterus to contract causing painful cramps. Almost 2/3 of teenagers experience varying amounts of menstrual cramps.

The cramping is usually most severe a day or two before bleeding begins and/or the first 1-2 days of flow. Your teenager may complain of pain in her lower, middle abdomen, back or thighs. Other associated symptoms include headaches, nausea, tiredness and crankiness. Fever is not associated with menstrual cramps.

Menstrual cramps can best be treated with a medicine such as Advil or Motrin. Tylenol or Midol does not work as well because it does not block the release of the substance that causes the cramps.

The cramps will be better controlled if your teenager begins taking Advil or Motrin as soon as she feels the first cramping, and then continues to take it every six (6) hours regularly for the days she typically feels cramps. This is usually from 1-3 days. If she waits until the cramps become full force, they are much harder to control. Girls weighing 100-130 pounds should take 400-600 mg. or 2-3 200 mg. tablets every six (6) hours. Girls weighing more than 130 pounds should take 600-800 mg. or 3-4 200 mg. tablets every six (6) hours. A common mistake is to take too low a dosage.

If your teenager’s periods are very regular and she has severe cramps, she may get better control of her cramps by starting the Advil or Motrin the day before she typically begins having pain.

Other measures that help relieve cramps are warm baths, a heating pad and exercise. Your teenager should be able to continue with all her usual activities during her period, such as school, work, sports and social activities.

Call our office immediately if the pain is so bad that your daughter cannot walk, if an unexplained fever occurs or if she starts feeling very sick.

If you have an emergency during or after office hours call 345-3133.

Call during regular office hours if Advil or Motrin is not providing adequate pain relief, the menstrual cramps are continuing to cause your daughter to miss her usual activities, the pain increases with urination or bowel movements, the pain persists beyond the last day of bleeding or if you have other concerns or questions.

This advice on menstrual cramps is presented as general information and is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular hours to speak with one of our Health Information Nurses.