What are the other ways to treat dysmenorrhea?
• Keep a pain diary. It may be easier to answer your caregiver’s questions by making a pain diary or book. A pain diary will help you remember what happened each day because it is all written down. Write down when your periods start and stop. Write down all the words that come to you about your pain and other symptoms. • Avoid drinks that contain alcohol. • Apply heat on your lower abdomen. Applying heat on your lower abdomen using warm compresses or a heating pad may decrease pain. A warm moist compress is a small towel dampened with hot water and placed in a plastic bag. Wrap a towel around the plastic bag to prevent burns. Be careful if you use a heating pad by keeping it turned on low. • Exercise: Stay active. Getting regular exercise often can decrease the pain. Exercise increases body chemicals that may help ease pain and make you feel better. Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. • Manage your stress. Stress
