Mentioning your painful period cramps doesn’t give anyone much of a shock these days. Not even your gynecologist. Widespread acceptance of painful menses, however, does women a great disservice. While your painful period cramps might not seem like a big deal to your friends (who also might be experiencing similar symptoms) or might even seem normal, the truth of the matter is that painful menstruation is so abnormal that there is a condition referring to it: dysmenorrhea. 

Dysmenorrhea is described as a medical condition in which an individual experiences intense pain during her menstrual cycle. While mild cramping leading up to and during your period is normal, pain that causes you to miss out on your life or is so bad that over the counter medicines cannot subdue it is not. If you experience pain like this, it could be a good idea to see a gynecologist because though this kind of pain is not normal, it is treatable. Oftentimes, the pain a woman may experience leading up to and during her cycle is her body’s way of signaling that something is not right. Blood tests and other diagnostic measures can be taken to uncover hormonal imbalances or other endocrinological abnormalities.  With the treatment of these “below the surface” issues, the pain associated with dysmenorrhea can be treated as well.

Unfortunately, many physicians are quick to prescribe birth control pills as the only solution to dysmenorrhea, which only serves to cover up the problems that are causing the dysmenorrhea rather than treating them. That’s why it is crucial to find a holistic OBGYN who will help you get to the root causes of your pain so that it can be addressed and treated in full.

If you think you might have dysmenorrhea and want to connect with a physician who will honor your desire to take a holistic approach to your health, consider checking this database for a list of physicians near you.

https://fertilitycare.org/find-a-mc