Continuous low-level topical heat in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of topically applied heat for menstrual pain with oral ibuprofen and placebo treatment.

Methods: We conducted a randomized placebo and active controlled (double dummy), parallel study using an abdominal patch (heated or unheated) for approximately 12 consecutive hours per day and oral medication (placebo or ibuprofen 400 mg) three times daily, approximately 6 hours apart for 2 consecutive days. Pain relief and pain intensity were recorded at 17 time points.