Dear Doc Kate 5

As always, the lovely Dr Kate is in the house ready and waiting to answer all your medical concerns. This month she discusses the problem of over-produced prostaglandins and the dreaded period pain!

Dr Kate specialises in women's reproductive health and is a representative of MSIA - Marie Stopes International Australia. As the resident doctor at FEMAIL, she is here to advise and answer all your medical queries.

MSIA is part of the http://www.mariestopes.org.au Marie Stopes International partnership which works in 39 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe. Collectively they are a movement advocating for reproductive rights and providing services that improve and save peoples lives, making a real difference. Marie Stopes in Australia, plays a pivotal role in facilitating this within the Asia Pacific region.

So if you have a question or a concern - go to:

Dear Doctor




Dear Maree,

The pain that women have during or just prior to their periods is usually as a result of the hormones that you've mentioned - prostaglandins, and the contractions of the uterus that they cause. Most women will not feel anything "contracting", but more often feel lower abdominal cramping, which may also extend to their thighs, and sometimes sweating, headaches, nausea or diarrhea (basically period pain!). In most women this will not affect their ability to get pregnant.

The first line of management are drugs that stop these prostaglandins being produced. These are Naproxen (Naprogesic), Ibuprofen (Brufen) or Ponstan. These should be taken as directed during the time that you would otherwise feel pain - and are effective in 80% of women who have period pain. Please note that there are risks associated with these medications in terms of stomach ulcers, and also if you are pregnant, you should see your doctor before taking them to make sure you are not at risk.

The next line of treatment is the oral contraceptive pill, which also cause a reduction in prostaglandins.

It seems that you have quite a complex problem, in terms of your pain, as well as in regards to how this has affected your ability to get pregnant. As such, you do need to discuss this with your doctor to find the best way for you to get pregnant, and manage this pain.