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How to test for prostaglandin level--From: Lynn (anonymous@obgyn.net)Thu, 8 Jan 98 22:18:08 -0000
Hi Connie, I can empathize with you. I'm not a dr. but I've had terrible cramps, nausea, etc, since I got my period 26 yrs ago at age 11. The thing that helps me most is Aleve, which is like Ibuprofen (only stronger and longer lasting). It prohibits protaglandins. It helps if you can take before your period starts. I also take Vicodin for severe back problems and that helps too. Here's an article I found on the web that I thought you might find helpful. Lynn CRAMPS (Dysmenorrhea) rev12/96 In the past, women who experienced menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea often were told that "it's all in your mind" or "that the pain is not really that bad." However, today we know that the pain women experience from menstrual cramps is very real and is caused by prostaglandins. What are prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are chemicals which are found in nearly every cell of the body. These chemicals act to regulate the tone of smooth muscles, the nonvoluntary muscles of the body (e.g.: blood vessels, uterus, intestines). An excessive amount of prostaglandins causes contractions of the smooth muscles. How do prostaglandins cause menstrual cramps? The levels of prostaglandins in the body increase as menstruation approaches, with the highest levels at the onset of the menstrual period. Higher protaglandin levels increase uterine contractions causing cramps and pain. In essence, the uterus squeezes so hard that it compresses the uterine blood vessels and cuts off the blood supply. This situation is similar to when the blood supply is cut off from the heart causing pain (angina). In both instances the result is the same--pain because the muscle does not have sufficient oxygen. In addition, some of the excess prostaglandins escape from the uterus into the bloodstream where they may affect other smooth muscles. Thus, prostaglandins are responsible for the headaches, dizziness, hot and cold flashes, diarrhea and nausea that can accompany painful periods. Do all women have high prostaglandin levels? Research has shown that women with severe menstrual cramps have considerably higher concentrations of prostaglandins in their menstrual fluid than women without cramps. Significant prostaglandin production occurs only during ovulatory (egg producing) menstrual cycles. This appears to explain why many young women's cramps begin a year or so after their first periods--it takes that long for their cycles to become ovulatory, and for significant prostaglandin production to begin. How many women are affected by menstrual cramps? More than half of all women who have periods have menstrual cramps. What can I do to relieve the pain caused by menstrual cramps? Since an excess of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus seems to be one of the major causes of dysmenorrhea, medication that reduces the amount of prostaglandins may be helpful in relieving the pain. For example, aspirin is a mild prostaglandin inhibitor and helps some women. However, a more effective prostaglandin inhibitor is Ibuprofen, now available in non-prescription medications. Are there any side effects associated with ibuprofen? If you have had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin (e.g.: asthma, swelling, shock or hives), been told not to take aspirin, had an adverse reaction to Motrin, have a chronic medical condition, or take other medication consult your health care provider prior to taking an ibuprofen medication. Occasionally some people experience indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Most of these gastrointestinal side effects can be prevented by taking the medication with milk or food. What if ibuprofen medication does not alleviate my menstrual cramps? If your menstrual cramps continue to persist after taking the recommended doses of ibuprofen, last longer than 2 or 3 days, do not seem like normal menstrual cramps or become worse, make an appointment to see your health care provider at Student Health. Are there other methods that may help alleviate my menstrual cramps? Since women experiencing a wide range of menstrual pain, there is a wide range of options available for dealing with dysmenorrhea. Some options include: HEAT--Hot baths or a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen and/or lower back may help promote blood flow to the muscles and relax spasms. MASSAGE--Back and abdominal massage often feels soothing. EXERCISE--As physical condition improves, cramps tend to decrease in severity. Try to continue your exercise routine. Take a walk, ride a bike, do aerobics--they will increase blood circulation and help relax your abdominal muscles. NUTRITION--Although scientific evidence regarding the relationship between cramps and nutrition is inclusive, some women find monitoring their intake of sodium, sugar, or caffeine helpful. Other women drink more fluid, increase fiber intake, or eat foods high in B vitamins. RELAXATION--Rest, sleep, and relaxation exercises can help reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps. Adapted from DYSMENORRHEA, Duke Health Education; Lisa Barber-Murphy, M.Ed., CHES Healthy Devil Online
Copyright © 1994 Duke University. All Rights Reserved.
> mmarti@earthlink.net (Connie)
>Subject: How to test for prostaglandin level--HELP!!!
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