Menstrual Cramps
and
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Medication Guide
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
- Menstrual cramps and PMS medication facts
- What are menstrual cramps?
- What is the treatment for common menstrual cramps (primary dysmenorrhea)?
- What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?
- What treatments are available for PMS?
- What medications are used to treat PMS?
- What are some guidelines for the safe use of OTC products for menstrual cramps and PMS?
- Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
Menstrual cramps and PMS medication facts
- Menstrual cramps that occur in the absence of a known abnormality or cause are medically referred to as primary dysmenorrhea.
- Non-drug treatments for menstrual cramps include adequate rest and sleep, regular exercise (especially walking), and smoking cessation.
- Menstrual cramps are not the same as the symptoms experienced due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although the symptoms of both disorders can sometimes be experienced together .
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman's ovulation; and usually end with the onset of her menstrual flow.
- For moderate menstrual cramps, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen) are often helpful. The NSAIDs are more effective than aspirin in inhibiting the production and action of the prostaglandins that cause menstrual cramps.
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