Dysmenorrhea
About Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation, also known as period pain or cramps. It is classified as primary (no underlying disease) or secondary (caused by a pelvic disorder). Symptoms include lower abdominal cramping, back pain, and potentially nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Primary dysmenorrhea results from prostaglandins causing uterine muscle contractions, while secondary dysmenorrhea stems from conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
Primary Dysmenorrhea:
This is the most common type, characterized by crampy pain that starts within a few hours of a woman’s period and typically lasts less than three days. It is caused by an increase in prostaglandins, natural chemicals in the uterine lining that make the uterus contract.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea:
This pain is caused by a physical problem in the reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or copper IUDs. It may start later in a woman’s life, get worse over time, and last longer than normal period cramps.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of dysmenorrhea include: Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back or upper legs
Mood disturbances like anxiety or irritability
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if your period pain is severe, interferes with your daily activities, or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments. A doctor can determine if you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea and investigate underlying causes if necessary