Menstrual Symptoms

Treatments

There are a number of treatments available for menstrual symptoms. Not all treatments will work for all women.

Doctors often recommend relieving PMS with diuretics to control bloating. Pain-relievers such as ibuprofen (e.g., Regular/Extra/Super Strength MOTRIN* IB) or acetaminophen (e.g., Extra Strength TYLENOL* Menstrual) can also help relieve PMS symptoms by preventing the rise in pain-causing prostaglandins. Vitamin B6 supplements may be helpful, although very high doses are potentially harmful.

For menstrual cramps, over-the-counter medication such as MOTRIN* IB or Extra Strength TYLENOL* Menstrual are as effective as many prescription medicines available for the relief of menstrual pain. Extra Strength TYLENOL* Menstrual contains other drugs which may act to reduce some of the physiologic changes during menstruation.

In severe cases of menstrual pain, when symptoms are not well controlled by simple measures, including over-the-counter pain medications, your doctor may suggest a trial of birth control pills (if you are not on them already). He or she may also check for any underlying gynecological problem that is causing the pain.