Q: Which doctor should I visit in case I have painful menstrual periods?
A: You should visit a gynecologist to get treated for painful menstrual periods.
Q: How are painful menstrual periods treated?
A: If there is a definite cause for the painful menstrual periods, then treating the cause can provide relief. Over-the-counter painkillers may be used to treat primary dysmenorrhea. Hormonal treatment with oral contraceptives may help in cases not responding to painkillers. General measures like application of heat, self massage over the lower abdomen, a healthy diet, regular exercise and stress reduction may also be helpful.
Q: Are there any risk factors associated with painful menstruation?
A: Some factors that could be associated with more severe pain during menstruation are an early age at menarche, long menstrual periods, heavy menstrual flow, having no children in the past, a positive history of painful menstruation of other women in the family, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption.
