Severe Menstrual Cramps: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Doctor

Question
Hello. I'm 19 years old, I got my period when I was 13 and have always suffered from intense menstrual cramps, combined with abdominal pain. It hasn't gotten better with the years, quite the contrary. At random times during the month I sometimes feel the discomfort I associate with when I'm about to get my period, and a week before it comes I get regular pain as well. It's like a heavy pain in my pelvic area, lower back and legs. I went to the doctor and all she could tell me was to take ibuprofen, which does nothing for my pain unless I take a pill every 3 hours (and only sometimes), I went to the gyno and had an eco done, but nothing came up (although, frankly, he only ran it through once and hardly glanced at the screen!). What do you think? Any tips for managing the pain? Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Jill
    I am sorry that you have to experience this pain...I, too have been there. The first bit of advice, is to find a good doctor. I am not a Dr. but I would be willing to guess that you have endo. Pick a specialist that specializes in Womens diseases, one that is a "high risk/fertility" doctor. I can't believe the last doctor you saw did not see anything. Also, the exploratory procedure you need to have done, is a laparoscopy...any good gyno would have ordered that immediately after hearing your symptoms.
    I also felt like you...nearly having pain 3 weeks out of a month. It never seemed to subside. I had pain a week before, then had a really horrid period, then I would sometimes even have pain afterwards, during ovulation.
    A gyno may put you on hormones, which do work well. I was on them for 15+ years until I began to have migraines but they were a lifesaver...personally, I do not like the Lupron shot, so read up on that one before you are offered it.
    I don't know where you live but get to a good Dr. Also, once you get an appt with a new gyno, ask him/her about the med Anaprox. I have taken this anti inflammatory for about 12 years now. It alleviates the swelling of the endometrium wall thus lessening the pain and bloating. Your blood flow will be better and far less cramping occurs. The best part is, you take it when you need it.  So ask about that one.
    I wish you luck in finding a doctor that knows what endo is all about and that you find peace with your pain. Happy Holidays to you.
Martha