Do birth control pills really alleviate premenstrual cramps?
413625
I want to say it's ortho evera that does that.  There are many different types of pills, each have different side effects like that.  When you get your prescription, just ask your doctor for the one that helps with cramps.  They will know which one is the best for you.
545020
try taking the pill, i recomend necon-777 i was hospitalized from cramps (yes it can happen, they believed i was having a miscarriage, but i wasnt pregnant) but i started taking birth control now sometimes i dont even know im on my period
622321
I heard there's a link between getting enough calcium and the severity of cramps, so I take calcium supplements or make sure that I get enough calcium in my diet BEFORE my period starts. Remember that caffeine robs your body of calcium or hinders calcium absorption, so you have to adjust for that in your diet as well. \n\nI noticed that in the months that I'm not as good about taking care of myself (low calcium intake and/or higher caffeine intake) I do have really bad cramps. If I feel thats going to happen, I take a pain reliever at the very beginning of my period, even before the cramps start. That seems to minimize the pain or get rid of it altogether.\n\nGood luck!
283671
yes, they can put you on a low-dose pill to regulate your period, reduce period pain and make life a lot easier on you.  They can also put you on a pill that means you don't get your period unless you want to get it... and I read recently that this is actually better for you. \n\nThe human woman was only mean to have about 10 periods in her lifetime, starting having children when they were 'ripe' then continuing to have children throughout their life until menopause/death.  See the attached web page for a report on what I'm trying to talk about!!\n\nYes, go on the pill.  I've been on it since I was 14 due to similar problems and would not go back.
506349
Yes, it's totally true because contraceptive pills do affect the timing of the menstrual cycle "period." So nothing to worry about but don't stick to the six months period because it might become better in 1 month or in a year. Not particularly 6 months.
86903
i think ibuprofin works, and caffiene also helps me.  so chocolate, coffee, or a pain reliever with caffiene are all awesome.\n\ni also do better with the cramps if i try not to stay in bed.  even though it hurts (and i am usually pretty cranky at this time), i try to walk around, do normal physical activity and get some fresh air.\n\nmy cramps have gotten less severe over the years, and i hope that the same is true for you.  good luck.
310760
I was told by my Dr. that Yasmin actually helps with PMS. I get the same way you do the week before my period.\nI've only been on it for almost a month, but so far I haven't bitten anyones head off or wanted to jump off a cliff, LOL and my period should be here anytime. Maybe it does help, something to look into.
1138620
Do you have Endometriosis?\n\nTreatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies.  Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea.  Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate.  Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps.  Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain.  Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates.  Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping.  Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.\n\nDerived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.\n\nAlmost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder.  The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain.  More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school.  Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].\n\n"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins.  These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris.  Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more.  Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience.  Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.\n\nPain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours.  In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped.  In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.\n\nDysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes).  In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.
754396
Go to the doctor! Here is something.....\n\nWHAT YOU SHOULD DO\nYou may take nonprescription medicine such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen for menstrual cramps. Use it only as directed. \nIf your doctor gives you a prescription for menstrual cramps, take it exactly as directed. \nApplying heat to your abdomen or back helps ease the pain. Do this for about 20 minutes once or twice a day. Use a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle, or take a warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes. \nStay as active as possible. Exercise often helps relieve pain. You don't need to stay in bed. \nDon't drink too much caffeine (cola or coffee); and try to keep away from things that cause you to feel stressed-out. \nCall Your Doctor If...\nYour pain is not controlled with medication or lasts more than 3 days. \nYou have pain with urination or bowel movements, or pain that is located on one side only. \nThe medicine you are taking is causing any problems. \nSeek Care Immediately If...\nYour pain is so bad that you can't walk. \nYou have a high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or muscle aches during your menstrual period.
383314
OMG ... those things are still in use? I thought this birth control method was obsolete! 3 months is average if my memory serves correctly. Listen to your body; if you start feeling overly tired or are experiencing unusual cramping, go back to whoever inserted it and get it removed.\n\nIUDS have been attributed to infertility problems and uterine hemorrhage. Please consider another birth control method for your health and safety.
1146208
midol...it doesn't work for me..i have to take extra-strength tylenol...and just so you know, I'm on the pill and it didn't help with my cramps.  If you are sexually active though, I suggest you get on the pill and do it quick.  If you don't want to get on the pill and midol/tylenol don't work for you, I suggest having your gynocologist prescribe some vicodin for you, but most people end up becoming addicted to vicodin.
771139
The best pain relief I have found for cramps is motrin.  Yes you can take it.
143437
you need to talk to your Dr. about this!  Maybe its as simple as being put on birth control (which help a lot of people with painful cramps) but it could be something else-- who knows??\n\nAlso exercise is supposed to help- try to do a 30minute walk every day you have them- or even if you know when you will get your period (if you are regular) start the day BEFORE you get it\n\nbut definately ask your Dr.\n\nMine get pretty bad on the first day- I take 3 200mg advil and buy those sticky heat pads- and that usually really helps, but I guess everyone is different
114592
DRs will advise you to go on birth control to help with severe cramps, but make sure they check you out for Endometriosis first.\n\nFor my cramps I take a warm bath and use a heating pad. \nAnd I take extra strength tylenol sometimes. I'm not a big pill popper, but have on occasion taken a pain killer prescribed by my Doc when the cramps were so bad I couldn't walk.\n\nHydrating yourself is a good idea since muscle cramping can be worse when muscles aren't properly hydrated\nand exercising can help a great deal...assuming the cramps aren't so bad that you can't walk straight.
881396
I've been on the pill for 5 years... my gyno said there aren't negative long term effects.  Beats wanting to die from horrible cramps.
168343
Here's an old trick that may or may not work for you.  You can try taking 1000 mg. of vitamin C a day - plain Vitamin C *without* rose hips added.\n\nVitamin C can cause smooth muscle cramps, which may stimulate uterine contractions, encouraging early mensturation.\n\nNo guarantee that this will work for you, but it's perfectly safe to try as long as you do *not* take the vitamin in a higher dose than 1000 mg a day.  \n\nThis is best used as an incidental thing  - like if you want your period to start a few days earlier one month.  Also, even if it does work for you, your period may only come a day or two earlier than it normally would.
350424
Birth control pills, or your menstrual cycle.