Having a back-up list of clinics that provide healthcare to patients who do not have access to a primary care physician is extremely helpful. Dysmenorrhea may be misdiagnosed and underlying pathology missed if initial laboratory studies and physical examination with close follow-up care are not provided. Infertility secondary to underlying pathology is a possible complication. Surgical treatment for primary dysmenorrhea has had variable success and is determined by the gynecologist. Symptomatic treatment with a warm bath or locally applied heat may provide relief.
Exercise decreases the severity of menstrual cramps.
Dietary supplementation with omega3 fatty acids relieves pain in adolescents. Encourage patients to stop smoking and decrease alcohol use. Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents. A longitudinal study of risk factors for the occurrence, duration and severity of menstrual cramps in a cohort of college women. Vol 1. 1997.