What happens after a telemedicine visit for Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

Audience: pediatric

Menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are common and can cause pain before or during your period. A telemedicine visit lets you talk to a healthcare provider from home about your cramps. After the visit, you will usually get advice on how to manage pain, including safe medicines and home care tips. Your provider may suggest tracking your symptoms to understand your cycle better. Sometimes, they might recommend an in-person visit or tests if your cramps are very bad or unusual. It’s important to watch for warning signs like very heavy bleeding or sudden severe pain. Telemedicine is a helpful way to get support quickly, but it does not replace in-person exams when needed. Always follow your provider’s instructions and ask questions if you are unsure about your care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden, severe lower belly or pelvic pain that is worse than usual — contact your healthcare provider or emergency services.
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) with pelvic pain, which may indicate infection — seek prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and menstrual history.
• Providing advice on pain relief and home care.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care.
• Answering questions about menstrual health.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical pelvic exams.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like ultrasounds.
• Diagnosing conditions that require lab tests or biopsies.
• Managing emergencies such as heavy bleeding or severe pain.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually summarize the main points discussed. They may give you tips on how to reduce pain, such as using heat packs or taking over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You might also receive advice on lifestyle changes such as exercise or diet that can help with cramps. Your provider may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms to track how your cramps change over time.

Managing Menstrual Cramps at Home

Most menstrual cramps can be managed at home with simple steps:

If your cramps do not improve with these steps, follow up with your healthcare provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Sometimes, cramps may signal a more serious problem. Your provider might suggest an in-person visit if you have:

In-person exams or tests like ultrasound may be needed to find the cause.

How Telemedicine Helps with Menstrual Cramps

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider without leaving home. It is useful for:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or certain tests, so sometimes an in-person visit is necessary.

Keeping Track of Your Menstrual Health

Your provider may ask you to record details about your periods and cramps, such as:

This information helps your provider understand your condition better and decide if more care is needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms including when cramps start and how severe they are.
• List any medicines or treatments you have tried and how they worked.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a way to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the pain management advice given by your provider.
• Use any recommended medicines as directed.
• Keep a symptom diary to track your menstrual cycle and cramps.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any red flag symptoms.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help me if my menstrual cramps are very painful?

Telemedicine can help by providing advice on managing pain and when to seek further care. However, if your cramps are very severe or unusual, your provider may recommend an in-person exam to check for other causes.

What medicines can I take for menstrual cramps?

Common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are often recommended. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the right medicine and dose during your telemedicine visit.

When should I see a doctor in person for my cramps?

You should see a doctor in person if you have very heavy bleeding, sudden severe pain, fever with pelvic pain, or if your cramps do not improve with usual treatments.

Is it safe to use heat packs for menstrual cramps?

Yes, applying a warm heating pad to your lower abdomen can help relax muscles and reduce pain. Make sure the heat is comfortable and not too hot to avoid burns.

Can lifestyle changes help with menstrual cramps?

Yes, regular gentle exercise, a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and stress reduction techniques may help lessen cramps over time.

Sources

1. Dysmenorrhea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Menstrual Health and Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Managing Menstrual Cramps — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.