This pain is so severe that it interferes with normal daily activities. While the severity of this pain usually decreases with age or after childbirth, painful periods can happen to women of any age. However, they should be taken before cramps start, or at the first sign of bleeding. Doctors may also prescribe medications that inhibit the formation of prostaglandins. Regular exercise throughout the month also helps relieve painful periods.
Patients also find it beneficial to cut down on the intake of caffeine, salt, and alcohol also help.
Any treatment must take into consideration the patient's age, desire for conception, severity of symptoms and extent of the disease. In case of primary dysmenorrhoea, the application of heat to the lower abdomen and the use of OTC medications often helps in relieving the discomfort. Since dysmenorrhoea is caused by prostaglandins, chemicals that are released from female organs with the normal period, treatment would involve reducing the prostaglandins in the body before the period begins, as well as during menstruation. It is important to start the treatment before the period begins. The point is that there is always something that can be done about painful periods.