{"id":628248,"date":"2024-06-06T09:30:21","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628248"},"modified":"2026-02-13T13:38:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T18:38:16","slug":"helping-patients-with-menstrual-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/helping-patients-with-menstrual-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to help patients manage menstrual pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

About 80%<\/span> of women experience menstrual pain\u2014also known as dysmenorrhea\u2014at some point in their lives. It can affect women in a wide age range, from adolescence to late adulthood. In most cases, the pain is mild. But for some, the pain can be so severe that it negatively affects their quality of life. On average, pain can last for 1 to 2 days, but many people may experience discomfort for even longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are <\/span>two types<\/span> of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is period pain that occurs in the absence of another pelvic disease. It\u2019s caused by high levels of prostaglandins, which are natural chemicals that make the uterus contract and cause painful cramping and discomfort. Secondary dysmenorrhea is painful periods caused by an identifiable disorder, such as <\/span>endometriosis<\/span><\/a> or pelvic infections. Secondary dysmenorrhea is typically more intense, and the pain often gets worse over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many women will turn to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for dysmenorrhea. However, medications are not the only option for pain relief. As a pharmacist, you have the opportunity to counsel patients on proper menstrual pain management, including medications and lifestyle changes. You can also identify situations where a patient should seek treatment from a medical provider. Read on to refresh your knowledge on how to help patients manage their menstrual pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to help patients manage their menstrual pain<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dysmenorrhea is incredibly common, and many women seek relief from OTC medications. Pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping patients manage their pain by providing lifestyle and medication recommendations. Just as importantly, pharmacists can also help recognize if a patient is having severe symptoms that a healthcare provider should further evaluate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-pharmacological treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to recommending medications, you can help patients by discussing non-medicinal methods for menstrual pain relief. By identifying potential factors that contribute to period discomfort, patients may adjust their day-to-day routine to minimize pain. The following lifestyle modifications may help your patients manage period pain.<\/span><\/p>\n