I’m 20 years old and have severe menstrual pain every month. I have tried everything. I was prescribed 800mg ibuprophen for about 8 years. I had to stop taking them because I was exceeding the limit per day because they weren’t working anymore. Acetaminophen doesn’t seem to work either. I have tried every over the counter medication and nothing works, I have tried heat, herbs, and exercise. the pain is so severe I can barely move for about 3 days EVERY MONTH, vomiting, and I can hardly eat. Is there anything left for me to do?

It appears that you are suffering from dysmenorrhea. The American Congress of Obstetric and Gynecology defines dysmenorrhea excessive pain during menstruation that interferes with daily activities. The mainstay of treating dysmenorrhea is pain control with nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) which you have reported do not control your pain. Dietary modifications increased intake of vegetables and fish oils have been reported to decrease menstrual pains.

In your case, it appears that you have failed NSAIDs and the dysmenorrhea has been debilitating to your daily activities. Therefore, it might be reasonable to consider oral contraceptive pills or depot formulations of hormone contraceptives. Oral contraceptives have been shown to regulate menstruation, decrease menstrual flow, and decrease the pain associated with menstruation. They can even be taken continuously to limit the number of periods in a year. Depot formulations of hormone contraceptives are injections that release hormones for months and can also limit the number of menstrual periods as well as decrease the pain associated with menstruation.

You should discuss your options with your gynecologist.