Brief Answer:
Dysmenorrhea is usually treated first with anti-inflammatories

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. For primary dysmenorrhea, which is the most common cause of pain associated with menstruation, usually the first treatment is with anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, and if this is not effective, birth control pills can be used to stop the period and the symptoms.

But depending on how long you have had dysmenorrhea and your age, there may be another cause for the pain, such as a uterine fibroid or endometriosis. A pelvic exam and possibly an ultrasound may help to determine the cause. If you would like to tell me more about your pain (how long you have had it, any other medication conditions you might have, whether you have other symptoms such as heavy bleeding with your period), I would be glad to discuss this further with you.

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