Do Birth Control Pills Help Painful Periods?

My daughter (16) has very painful periods, to the point of lying on the floor and crying. A friend told me that birth control pills will help. Needless to say, I'm not thrilled at the prospect but I hate to see her go through so much pain each month.

Birth control pills often result in lighter periods with less blood flow and cramping. Prostaglandin inhibitors, such as ibuprofen and naprosyn, are also quite effective in reducing menstrual cramps, especially when started before or at the onset of bleeding.

However, your daughter's pain appears extreme so evaluation by an Ob-Gyn would be advisable.

Endometriosis, which is defined as presence of cells normally lining the uterine cavity outside of the uterus, is associated with severe menstrual cramping and, if present, may require more specific treatment.