YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: MENSTRUAL CRAMPS (DYSMENORRHOEA)

Cause

Menstrual cramps are caused by the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, under the influence of hormonal changes occurring at the time of menstruation.

Clinical features

Cramps may begin several hours before the flow of blood appears. They are usually in the lower abdomen and may feel like spasms, occurring frequently and lasting for several minutes at a time. Your daughter may have an associated headache, and even nausea. All these symptoms are usually only present on the first day of the period.

Treatment

A hot water bottle can help ease cramps. Try to encourage your daughter to maintain normal activity if she can. Make sure tampons are changed every 3-4 hours, so that build up of blood (which can lead to severe infection or toxic shock syndrome) does not occur. Sometimes a mild painkiller such as paracetamol may be helpful, but if they become necessary on a continual basis, you should see your doctor. Placing a young girl on the Pill will occasionally improve symptoms of a painful period.

When to see your doctor

• if your daughter’s period pains are significantly interfering with her school attendance;

• if despite the above measures, she has such severe pains that she needs to lie in bed;

• if the pains persist, or she has an offensive vaginal discharge;

• if she has a fever.

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