Most of the time women don’t need to see their doctor for menstrual cramps but some women may need extra help. The following are reasons for seeing your doctor:
- The pain does not get better in 1-3 months (3 menstrual l cycles) with over-the-counter pain relievers, and/or heat.
- Your menstrual cramps started after you turned 25
- Your cramps start late during your period or the pain lasts for more than 3 days
- You have had problems with getting pregnant or have had ovarian cysts or inflammation of the pelvis
- You don’t bleed when it’s time for your period to start
Prescription Medications
Usually the pain can be improved without needing a prescription medication. If you have tried heat and over-the counter anti-inflammatory medications and they don’t help, then you may need to see your doctor. They can try options such as other ant-inflammatory drugs or birth control (such as the pill). The best medication option for preventing period cramps and works in 90% of women is the birth control pill; therefore if you suffer from period cramps and you need birth control, this is an option that you may want to discuss with your doctor.8, 9, 10