When to Seek Medical Care

Most women have significant improvement with home care (see Self Care at Home). However, a woman should call her health care provider in these situations:

• Menstrual cramps continue to be painful for longer than usual.
  
  
• The pain is suddenly worse or different from what she may have experienced before.
  
  
• Bleeding is excessive, requiring more than one pad or tampon per hour.
  
  
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and body aches, are present at the time of the period.
  
  
• Menstrual cramps began in a woman older than 25 years.
  
  
• The woman suspects she may be pregnant and any of these symptoms occur.

The woman's doctor can help her manage most symptoms. However, she should go to a hospital's emergency department if any of the following problems occur:

• She faints.
  
  
• She experiences repeated dizziness when standing up.
  
  
• A sudden, intense pelvic pain causes her to double over.
  
  
• Tissue is passed in the menstrual flow. Tissue often appears silvery or grayish.
  
  
• She thinks she might be pregnant and has menstrual-type pain.