Menstrual Cramps
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Have you had a change in the pattern of your menstrual cramps?
See significance of a change in the pattern of menstrual cramps if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If there has been a sudden change in your pain, return to the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic and evaluate your pain.
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has the pattern of your menstrual cramps continued to get worse for 3 months in a row?
Yes Have your menstrual cramps not improved with home treatment for 3 cycles?
Yes Are cramps interfering with your normal activities, such as school or work?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 29, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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