Dysmenorrhea: What You Need to Know About Painful Periods
If you experience severe and frequent cramps and pain during your menstrual cycle, you may have dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods or menstrual cramps. It can affect your quality of life and interfere with your daily activities. In this article, we will explain what causes dysmenorrhea, how to diagnose it, and what treatment options are available.
Types and Causes Of Dysmenorrhea
There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when you have abnormal contractions of the uterus due to a chemical imbalance in the body. For example, the chemical prostaglandin controls the contractions of the uterus. Higher levels of prostaglandins make the uterus contract more strongly and can press against the nearby blood vessels, which cuts off the oxygen supply to the tissue and results in pain and cramping. Primary dysmenorrhea usually starts when you first begin your period and may continue throughout your life.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by other medical conditions that affect your reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, abnormal pregnancy, infection, tumours, or polyps. Secondary dysmenorrhea usually starts later in life and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea. The pain may begin several days before your period and continue until the bleeding stops.
Symptoms Of Dysmenorrhea
The symptoms of dysmenorrhea may vary from person to person, but they typically include:
- Lower abdominal pain and cramps
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Hypersensitivity to sound and light
- Fatigue
Some factors that may increase your risk of developing dysmenorrhea are:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol during your period
- Being overweight
- Starting your period before the age of 11
- Having never been pregnant
Diagnosis Of Dysmenorrhea
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical and pelvic exam. You may also need some tests, such as:
- Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your internal organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of your organs and structures within the body.
- Laparoscopy: This minor procedure uses a thin tube with a lens and a light that is inserted into an incision in your abdominal wall. Your doctor can use it to see into your pelvic and abdomen area and detect any abnormal growths.
- Hysteroscopy: This is the visual exam of the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus. It uses a viewing instrument that is inserted through the vagina.
Treatments Of Dysmenorrhea
The treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the type and severity of your pain, as well as the underlying cause. Some common treatments are:
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or mefenamic acid, can help relieve pain and inflammation in primary dysmenorrhea. Oral contraceptives, such as ethinylestradiol/norethisterone acetate, can improve symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea by reducing the amount of prostaglandins produced by the uterus. Other medications that may be prescribed for secondary dysmenorrhea include antibiotics, hormone injections, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or abnormal pregnancy. Surgery may involve removing or destroying the abnormal tissue or organs, or performing a hysterectomy (removing the uterus).
- Self-care: Some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help ease your pain include:
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding excessive intake of salt
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Getting adequate rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Using a heating pad or a hot water bottle on your abdomen or back
- Gently massage your abdomen
- Taking a warm bath
Conclusion
Dysmenorrhea is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. It can cause severe and frequent pain that may interfere with your daily activities. However, there are effective treatments available that can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about dysmenorrhea, talk to your healthcare provider.
Sources
[1] Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual Cramps, Causes & Treatments - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea-menstrual-cramps
[2] Dysmenorrhea | Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
[3] Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) - NHS inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/period-pain-dysmenorrhoea