SpringfieldNewsSun.com

No periods? Find out why.

If your period is irregular most of the time, or if you've never had a period, see a health care professional for an evaluation. Amenorrhea--the absence of menstruation--during the childbearing years can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications or lifestyle issues, according to the National Institutes of Health. For example, anorexia nervosa, hyperthyroidism and excessive exercise affect the menstrual cycle. A complete medical history and blood tests will be the first steps your health care professional takes to identify the cause of your amenorrhea and develop a treatment plan.

Don't put up with painful periods.

If your menstrual periods cause mild to moderate discomfort -- relief may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) often relieves mild menstrual pain. Ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid (brands such as Motrin IB, Advil, Bayer Select Pain Relief Formula, Midol IB), can relieve moderate to more severe pain. Or your health care professional may recommend higher doses of aspirin. These medications work best when symptoms first begin. If menstrual pain lasts several days, your doctor may prescribe another type of pain reliever. Discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your health care professional.

Relax yourself to ease painful menstruation.

Next time you get painful menstrual cramps, lie down with a heating pad on your abdomen. Then use your fingertips to lightly massage your belly in a circular motion. Drinking warm, noncaffeinated beverages can help, as can taking a warm shower or performing waist-bending exercises or walking.

Oral contraceptives or contraceptive patches often alleviate menstrual pain.

If you have menstrual pain, your doctor may offer to put you on an oral contraceptive as a means of treating your discomfort. Unless you wish to stay on the pill for contraception, you can discontinue taking it after six to 12 months. Many women report continued relief from menstrual pain even after they stop taking oral contraceptives.

Call your health care professional about excessive menstrual bleeding.

If you have one or two periods with heavy or prolonged bleeding, there's probably no reason to worry. If, however, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) recurs during three or more consecutive menstrual periods, or if you have bleeding after menopause, or the abnormal bleeding is accompanied by fever or other symptoms, consult your health care professional. Also call your health care professional if the heavy bleeding is accompanied by pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid taking aspirin because it could worsen the bleeding problem.