Dysmenorrhea Specialist in Hollywood, Florida

Many women experience discomfort and cramping during their period, but if the pain is serious enough to interfere with your daily activities or interrupt your schedule, you may need treatment. At Women to Women OB GYN Care in Hollywood, Florida, Dr. Shrusan Gray and Dr. Svetlana Maslyak offer evaluation of dysmenorrhea symptoms and provide effective treatment. Call the office or book an appointment online today to determine what’s causing your painful menstrual symptoms and get lasting relief.

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(954) 505-4458

Dysmenorrhea Q & A

Dysmenorrhea is a term for menstrual cramps and can occur alone or be a symptom of another condition. While most women experience some type of uterine contractions during their menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the cramps are recurrent. They usually occur in your lower abdomen, back, or thighs.

The condition requires treatment when these cramps, which usually occur one to two days before your bleeding starts, interfere with daily activity. You may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea along with the cramps.

A disorder affecting your reproductive organs can also cause painful cramps that last longer than normal and that begin sooner in your menstrual cycle. Possible causes include:

  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Adenomyosis
  • Infection

Cases of secondary dysmenorrhea caused by an underlying health problem don’t usually involve nausea, vomiting, or fatigue.

If you have menstrual cramps that interfere with your daily life or the cramps last for more than three days, seek a consultation at Women to Women OB GYN Care. Dr. Gray or Dr. Maslyak reviews your symptoms and medical history, and you’ll also undergo a pelvic exam and possibly imaging, blood, and urine tests.

If they suspect your dysmenorrhea is caused by another condition, such as endometriosis, further testing may be ordered.

If you have mild to moderate recurrent cramps around your menstrual cycle and they’re not caused by a condition involving your reproductive organs, you can take action at home to help ease discomfort. This includes:

  • Using a heating pad on your lower back or abdomen
  • Taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever at the first signs of bleeding or cramping
  • Resting and avoiding caffeine

Some women find that smoking and alcohol consumption aggravate menstrual symptoms, so avoid these substances around the time of your period.

If conservative at-home remedies don’t relieve your symptoms, Dr. Gray or Dr. Maslyak may provide you with prescription-level pain medications that deliver a higher dose than over-the-counter options. They may also suggest you go on hormonal birth control pills, which can make cramping less intense.

If you have secondary dysmenorrhea, the doctors will offer treatment to resolve the underlying condition causing your cramping.

Don’t hesitate to call Women to Women OB GYN Care or book an appointment online today if you have unusually intense cramps during your period.

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