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How can I manage my problems associated with menses?
Question
I am 34 years old and have severe problems during my periods. A week before I get my periods, I feel heaviness in my body and I feel as though a heavy weight has been tied to my stomach. Once I get my periods, I have this severe cramping stomach pain, and I have to take 1-2 tablets of Colinol to get relief. This has been happening right from the beginning, when I was 15 years old. I have tried ayurvedic, homeopathic, but in vain. I have also done a TSH test and the results were normal. I do not have any other health problem. Since I am working, this has become a nightmare for me. I have a daughter who is 9 years old. I am worried if she would also have the same problem. Can you help me please?
Expert Answer
A
Dr Anuj SharmaJan 13, 2005
Faculty member, Department of Family Medicine,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
USA
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
USA
From the symptoms, it appears that you may have a condition known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). It is presumed to be caused by changes in hormones after ovulation. I will suggest different levels of things to try. - Avoid salt and other sodium containing foods. - Caffeine restriction is also helpful for symptom relief. - Aerobic exercise is also shown to be helpful in some women. If these things do not help you, then try Vitamin B-6, 50 mg a day for two weeks before your period. Vitamin E has also shown to be helpful in symptom relief. Calcium supplements (Calcium Carbonate) about 1200 mg a day also help symptoms. Lastly, if there is no relief of symptoms from the above, see a gynaecologist for prescription medicines called SR. These medicines can be taken for about 10 days a month and do help symptoms. Some women swear by birth control pills to relieve symptoms. For relief of cramps, I suggest taking ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day for about 2-3 days before your period starts.
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