Extreme Cramps

Ever since I can remember I have had horrible cramps whenever I got my period.  I have been prescribed all sorts of medications for them from Celebrex to hydrocodone(turns out that I am hyper-sensitive to it).  At the moment my prescription is 4 200mg Ibuprofen every 3-4 hours when the cramps start.  Could it be something besides just cramps?  I am 21, not sexually active(ever), Pap smear came back normal(6 months ago), pelvic exam was normal, menstruation starts for about 3 days then stops for a day or so then starts again for another 3 days.  I am afraid that if I keep taking that much Ibuprofen that I am going to develop stomach ulcers.  

I had an inquinal hernia that was repaired when I was 18 (had since I was 16).  At that time my top weight was 115 lbs. at 5'7''.  No idea if this matters.  From this surgery I found out that the main nerve that goes to your leg on my right side goes inside my hip bone instead of outside of my hip bone. (the nerve was accidentally "tacked" during the hernia surgery and had to be repaired 4 days later.)

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

It sounds like you have primary dysmenorrhea (pain with menses due to the prostaglandins released during menstruation).  I'd encourage you to continue to work with your ob/gyn to help improve your symptoms.  If you are not on the pill you may find this, or another form of hormonal contraception works.  

Best regards,

Dr. Downing