From the Guidelines
For perimenstrual abdominal cramps and nausea, I recommend starting with over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6-8 hours or naproxen sodium (Aleve) at 220-440mg every 8-12 hours, beginning 1-2 days before your period and continuing through the first few days. For nausea, try ginger supplements (250mg four times daily), vitamin B6 (50-100mg daily), or over-the-counter antiemetics like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) following package directions. Some key points to consider when managing perimenstrual abdominal cramps and nausea include:
- Applying heat to your abdomen with a heating pad for 15-20 minutes can help relax uterine muscles 1.
- Staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and gentle exercise like walking or yoga may also provide relief.
- These symptoms occur because prostaglandins cause uterine contractions to shed the uterine lining, which can trigger pain and gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea.
- If these measures don't provide adequate relief after 2-3 menstrual cycles, or if symptoms severely impact your daily activities, consult a healthcare provider who might recommend hormonal contraceptives or prescription-strength medications. It's also important to note that some patients may experience symptoms similar to cyclic vomiting syndrome, which can be triggered by stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other factors 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is 1, which suggests that abortive therapy and identifying triggers can help manage symptoms. In terms of nausea management, metoclopramide has been recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic nausea, including opioid-related nausea 1. Additionally, a systematic review found that metoclopramide has the strongest evidence supporting its use for antiemesis unrelated to chemotherapy 1.
From the Research
Perimenstruation Abdominal Cramp and Nausea
- The provided study 2 focuses on the management of menopausal symptoms, which may not directly address perimenstruation abdominal cramp and nausea.
- The study 2 discusses vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, and genitourinary symptoms, but does not specifically mention abdominal cramps and nausea during perimenstruation.
- Hormonal and nonhormonal treatments are discussed in the study 2 for managing menopausal symptoms, but their effectiveness for perimenstruation abdominal cramp and nausea is not addressed.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided study 2 to support the management of perimenstruation abdominal cramp and nausea, suggesting that additional research may be necessary to address this specific topic.