Pill that could end misery of menstrual cramps

They then re-engineered the compound,VA111913,to fine-tune its effects and one modification allowed the drug to be administered orally,as a pill,rather than in an injection,The Telegraph reported.

Apart from pain in the abdomen and back,symptoms of dysmenorrhoea may include nausea,vomiting,and dizziness and existing treatments for the condition like pain-relievers,anti-inflammatory drugs and contraceptives pills are ineffective in almost one-third of women.

“We hope that the drug will provide a more effective treatment option for millions of women worldwide with this painful condition,” said lead author Andrzej Batt,who presented the study at American Chemical Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco.

“Dysmenorrhoea not only diminishes the quality of life for millions of women,but also has a hidden,society-wide economic cost that involves an enormous number of days lost from work and school,” Batt said.

Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions of the uterus during menstruation. In dysmenorrhoea,the uterus contracts with increased frequency,causing unusually severe,cramping pain.

The cause,scientists believe,is increased blood levels of the hormone vasopressin,which plays a role in regulating contraction of the uterus. The Vantia scientists reasoned that blocking this hormone might relieve dysmenorrhoea.