·	Abdominal cramping or dull ache that moves to lower back and legs

·	Heavy menstrual flow

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Headache

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Nausea

·	Constipation or diarrhea

·	Frequent urination

·	Vomiting (not common)

·	Strong uterine contractions stimulated by increased production of the hormone prostaglandin by the lining of the uterus (endometrium)

·	Anxiety and stress

·	Blood and tissue being discharged through a narrow cervix

·	Displaced uterus

·	Lack of exercise

·	Endometriosis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus)

·	Blood and tissue being discharged through a narrow cervix

·	Uterine fibroid or ovarian cyst

·	Infections of the uterus

·	Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

·	Intrauterine device (IUD)

·	Anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (800 mg to start; 400 to 600 mg every six hours).

·	Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or oral contraceptives

·	Antibiotics will cure PID

·	Estrogen or oral progestins (for example, norethindrone for 12 months brings relief in 80 percent of patients; however, there may be side effects).

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Increase intake of essential fatty acids, which are found in cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds. Reduce intake of saturated fats (meat and dairy products). Eliminate refined foods, sugar, dairy products, and methylxanthines (coffee and chocolate). Increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.

·	Magnesium (400 mg per day) with B6 (100 mg per day) throughout cycle to promote hormone production and induce relaxation. Can be used at higher doses during your period (magnesium up to 600 mg per day, and B6 up to 300 mg per day) for pain relief.

·	Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU per day) to improve blood supply to muscles

·	B-complex (50 to 100 mg per day) to reduce the effects of stress

·	Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega 6 oils such as flaxseed, evening primrose, or borage oil) to reduce inflammation and/or support hormone production

·	Niacinamide (50 mg twice a day) to reduce pain. Begin seven days before your period until the end of flow. Add rutin (60 mg per day) and vitamin C (300 mg per day) to increase effects.

·	Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-cactus) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), 30 drops each, twice a day, to reduce dysmenorrhea.

·	Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) tea strengthens uterine tissue.

·	Tea of chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and ginger root (Zingiber officinale) can help reduce ovarian cyst pain.

·	Tinctures of cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), black cohosh, Jamaica dogwood (Piscidia piscipula), and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) can be used together in equal parts to relieve pain and cramping. Use 20 drops every half hour for four doses, then as needed up to eight doses per day for seven days.

·	Belladonna — for acute menstrual pain that often resembles labor pains; pain is often described as sharp, throbbing pressure in the pelvis accompanied by heavy bleeding; pain may extend to the back and is generally tends to worsen with walking or moving

·	Chamomilla — for menstrual pain with mood changes including irritability and anger; pain may occur after bouts of anger and be relieved by warmth; the individual may have the sensation of a weight on her pelvis

·	Cimicifuga — for pains that move from one side of the abdomen to the other and that are worsened by movement

·	Colocynthis — for sharp pains accompanied by anger and irritability

·	Lachesis — for pain and pressure that extend to the back; symptoms tend to worsen at night

·	Magnesia phos — for cramps or sharp, shooting pains that are relieved by warmth, pressure, and bending forward

·	Nux vomica — for cramping pains that extend to the lower back; these pains are often accompanied by nausea, chills, irritability, and a sensitivity to light, noise, and odors

·	Pulsatilla — for menstrual pains accompanied by irritability, moodiness (including feelings of sadness), dizziness, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, and headaches; there may be more pain when there is no menstrual flow

·	Castor oil pack. Apply oil directly to skin, cover with a clean soft cloth (for example, flannel) and plastic wrap. Place a heat source (hot water bottle or heating pad) over the pack and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. For best results use three consecutive days in one week.

·	Contrast sitz baths. Use two basins that you can comfortably sit in. Sit in hot water for three minutes, then in cold water for one minute. Repeat this three times to complete one set. Do one to two sets per day three to four days per week.