Question:
About every other month, I feel pain in my lower abdomen. It occurs more often on the left side and starts about 10 days before my period returns. Do you know what could be causing this cramping pain?
Answer:
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are very common about one week prior to menses. These symptoms can be very mild or quite severe, and range from mild moodiness to severe bouts of depression. Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, can sometimes alleviate these symptoms because they keep your hormones leveled throughout your cycle. If you do not want to, or cannot, take an oral contraceptive, anti-depressants are approved for treatment of PMS, as well. I commonly use Prozac which can be taken either daily, or for just two weeks per month, starting around ovulation.
Dr. Nicole Chainakul, OB/Gyn
Dr. Aldon Corle, Jr., OB/Gyn
Dr. Stephanie Hall, OB/Gyn
Utica Park Clinic – Owasso
10512 N. 110th East Ave., Suite 200
Owasso, OK 74055
918.376.8450
Utica Park Clinic – Owasso OB/Gyns
