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Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

What Are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, are painful contractions of the uterus that occur during a woman’s menstrual period. Menstrual cramps typically occur in the lower abdomen and pelvis and can range in severity from mild discomfort to severe pain.

The exact cause of menstrual cramps is not fully understood, but they are believed to be caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining. Women with higher levels of prostaglandins tend to experience more severe menstrual cramps.

Menstrual cramps can vary in duration and intensity, but typically last for a few days during a woman’s menstrual period. In addition to pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, menstrual cramps can also cause other symptoms, such as:

  1. Back pain
  2. Nausea or vomiting
  3. Diarrhea or constipation
  4. Headaches
  5. Fatigue

Treatment options for menstrual cramps include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as heat therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques. In some cases, hormonal contraceptives or other. medications may be recommended by a healthcare provider to help manage menstrual cramps.

When Do Menstrual Cramps Occur?

Menstrual cramps occur during a woman’s menstrual period, typically in the lower abdomen and pelvis. They are caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining.

The intensity and duration of menstrual cramps can vary from woman to woman and even from cycle to cycle. Some women experience mild discomfort, while others may experience severe pain that interferes with their daily activities.

In addition to the physical symptoms of menstrual cramps, they can also cause emotional and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of experiencing menstrual cramps, including:

  1. Age: Menstrual cramps often occur during adolescence and early adulthood, but they may improve with age or after pregnancy.
  2. Genetics: Women who have a family history of menstrual cramps are more likely to experience them.
  3. Heavy or prolonged periods: Women who have heavy or prolonged periods may be more likely to experience menstrual cramps.
  4. Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, can increase the likelihood of experiencing menstrual cramps.

While menstrual cramps can be uncomfortable and painful, there are several treatment options available, including over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques. In some cases, hormonal contraceptives or other medications may be recommended by a healthcare provider to help manage menstrual cramps.

Why Do Menstrual Cramps Occur?

Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, occur during a woman’s menstrual period and are caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining, which is what causes the bleeding during a menstrual period.

The exact cause of menstrual cramps is not fully understood, but it is believed that higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more severe cramps. Some other factors that may contribute to menstrual cramps include:

  1. Endometriosis: This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause inflammation and pain.
  2. Adenomyosis: This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, which can cause painful contractions.
  3. Fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that can develop in the uterus, which can cause pain and heavy bleeding.
  4. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause inflammation and pain.
  5. Cervical stenosis: This is a condition where the opening of the cervix is narrow, which can cause menstrual blood to build up in the uterus and cause painful contractions.

Menstrual cramps can vary in severity and duration, with some women experiencing mild discomfort while others experience severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Treatment options for menstrual cramps include over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques. In some cases, hormonal contraceptives or other medications may be recommended by a healthcare provider to help manage menstrual cramps.

Recommended IV Therapies

Recommended For Hangover Patients

SHE

Relieve your menstrual discomfort with a SHE IV!
A close-up image of a light pink flower with six petals. The petals are symmetrical and have a slightly textured surface. At the center, vibrant yellow is surrounded by a small ring of deep magenta, akin to the precision found in certified IV nurse services. The flower sits against a white background.
  • Fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Headache
  • Wellness

The SHE IV targets symptoms of dysmenorrhea with a sufficient supply of saline fluid in the amount of 500 mL  (Lite) to 1L (Full) with the combination of B complex, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Bendaryl, Zofran, and Toradol. This therapy can last 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Saline / 1L
B complex
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Zofran
Toradol
Benadryl

Superstar

A 3D rendering of an early-stage embryo is depicted. The image shows a spherical structure with a transparent outer layer and a cluster of spherical cells in the center, colored in purple. Certified IV nurses often utilize such detailed images for precision and quality IV solutions. The background is white, emphasizing the focus on the embryo.
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint pain
  • Wellness

The Superstar IV targets symptoms of dehydration, headache, fatigue, muscle ache, stomach pain, joint pain, and weakness with a sufficient supply of saline fluid in the amount of 500mL to 1L combined with B complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Glutathione, Taurine, B12, Zofran, Toradol, Pepcid, and/or Benadryl if requested. This therapy can last up to 45 minutes.

Saline / 1L
B complex
Vitamin C
Zinc
Magnesium
Glutathione
Taurine
B12
Zofran
Toradol
Pepcid
Benadryl (Optional)

Ultimate Star

A glowing, circular purple orb with a bright central core emits intricate lightning-like tendrils. The colors transition from deep purple at the edges to a brighter, almost pink hue near the center, creating a dynamic, otherworldly effect, much like the expertise of certified IV nurses providing safe and effective IV therapy.
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Muscle aches
  • Stomach pain
  • Joint pain
  • Wellness

The Ultimate Star IV targets symptoms of dehydration, headache, fatigue, muscle ache, stomach pain, joint pain, and weakness with a sufficient supply of saline fluid in the amount of 1L combined with B complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Glutathione, Taurine, B12, Zofran, Toradol, Pepcid, and/or Benadryl in a MAX DOSE if requested. This therapy can last up to 1 hour.

Saline / 1L
B complex
Vitamin C
Zinc
Magnesium
Glutathione
Taurine
B12
Zofran
Toradol
Pepcid
Benadryl (Optional)

Symptoms of Menstrual Cramping

Menstrual cramping, or dysmenorrhea, is a common condition that affects many women. The symptoms of menstrual cramping can vary in intensity and duration, but typically include:

  1. Pain in the lower abdomen: Menstrual cramping is characterized by a dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen. The pain can range from mild to severe and may be felt on one or both sides of the abdomen.
  2. Back pain: Some women may also experience back pain during menstruation, particularly in the lower back.
  3. Nausea and vomiting: Menstrual cramping can also cause nausea and vomiting in some women.
  4. Diarrhea: Menstrual cramps may be accompanied by diarrhea or loose stools.
  5. Fatigue: Many women report feeling tired or fatigued during menstruation, which can be exacerbated by menstrual cramping.
  6. Headache: Some women may experience headaches or migraines during menstruation, which can be a result of hormonal changes.
  7. Mood changes: Hormonal changes during menstruation can also cause mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety.

It’s important to note that while menstrual cramping is common, severe or prolonged pain may indicate an underlying medical condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Women who experience severe or debilitating menstrual cramps should talk to their healthcare provider about treatment options.

  • Intense or throbbing headache
  • often on one side of the head
  • Sensitivity to light
  • sound
  • or smells
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision or visual disturbances
  • such as seeing flashes of light or zigzag patterns
  • Tingling or numbness in the face or limbs
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Difficulty concentrating or speaking
  • Mood changes
  • such as irritability or depression

How can IV therapy help with Menstrual Cramping?

Intravenous (IV) therapy involves administering fluids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream through a vein. While there is limited research on the use of IV therapy for menstrual cramping, it is thought that IV therapy may help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with dysmenorrhea in the following ways:

  1. Hydration: IV therapy can provide hydration, which can help reduce menstrual cramping. Dehydration can exacerbate menstrual cramps, and staying hydrated may help reduce their severity.
  2. Pain relief: IV therapy can deliver medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used to relieve menstrual cramps. The IV route of administration allows for faster and more effective pain relief compared to oral medication.
  3. Nutrient supplementation: IV therapy can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals that may help reduce menstrual cramping. For example, magnesium has been shown to help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, and IV therapy can deliver high doses of magnesium directly into the bloodstream.

It’s worth noting that while IV therapy may be helpful for some women with dysmenorrhea, it is not a substitute for medical treatment or pain management strategies prescribed by a healthcare provider. Women who are considering IV therapy for menstrual cramping should talk to their healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for them.

 

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dehydration and thirst
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Shakiness
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Depression
  • Anxiety or irritability
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Dehydration from frequent urination
  • A drop in blood sugar
  • Expanded blood vessels

How To Book On Calendar

Book your request two ways

You can book your appointments directly on calendar (option 1) or submit a request form (option 2). You can use both options but only one is sufficient.

Select a service

Select a nurse in your area

Fill out the form with your contact information and address

We confirm your appointment via Square based on your schedule and the nurses availability

Patient(s) gives consent to the nurse to perform the IV therapy via JotForm

Relieve your symptoms and target your treatment objectives

Option 1: Request An Appointment On Calendar Date

Select any service if unsure, we can always edit your request later, the nurse comes fully equipped for any scenario. Your request on calendar will be pending until a nurse confirms. We will keep you updated via SMS on this process. After confirmation your nurse will reach out for introduction, consultation, and to provide an ETA. Reserve all medical questions for your nurse when paired. Please include any important medical history in notes section. Please be prepared to sign consent for IV therapy. If you apply on calendar you do not have to submit a request form. We will not charge your billing method until completion of therapy. A Same Day Service Fee ($35) is applied with every IV & IM therapy that is requested for same day. An After Hours Fee ($100)  is applied to all requests after 5pm.

Option 2: Request An Appointment

After submission we will pair you with a nurse that’s available in your area. Your nurse will reach out for introduction and consultation. Reserve all medical questions for your nurse when paired. Please include any important medical history in notes section. Please be prepared to sign consent for IV therapy. If you apply on calendar you do not have to submit a request form. We will not charge your billing method until completion of therapy. A Same Day Service Fee ($35) is applied with every IV & IM therapy requested same day.

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