Painful menstruation, dysmenorrhoea: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Painful menstrual periods; Menstruation – painful; Dysmenorrhea; Periods – painful; Cramps – menstrual; Menstrual cramps

Painful menstrual periods are periods, when a woman has spastic pain in the lower abdomen, which may be sharp or aching and come and go. Pain in the back and/or legs may also be present..

A little pain during your period is normal, but severe pain. The medical term for painful menstrual periods is dysmenorrhea..

It is worth noting, that it is normal to feel some discomfort just before the onset of your period, However, when the pain gets so strong, that disrupts a woman's daily activities, then medical intervention may be required.

Causes of painful menstruation

It is believed, that the most common cause of painful periods is high levels of prostaglandins, chemical compounds, which are secreted by the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins can cause the uterus to contract in an attempt to expel its lining. These contractions can cause abdominal pain., lower back and hips. Other causes of dysmenorrhea can be endometriosis, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, hysteromyoma, uterine tumors and reactions to certain hormones or medications.

Painful menstrual periods are divided into two groups depending on the cause.:

• Primary dysmenorrhea
• Secondary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain, appearing around the same time, When do healthy young women get their first period?. In most cases, this pain is not related to a specific problem with the uterus or other pelvic organs.. It is believed, that in this state the increased activity of the hormone prostaglandin plays a role, which is produced in the uterus.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain, that develop later in women, who had normal menses. It is often associated with problems in the uterus or other pelvic organs, such as:

• Endometriosis
• Fibromas
• Intrauterine device (Navy) copper
• Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Infection, sexually transmitted
• Stress and anxiety

Symptoms of painful menstruation

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea include:

• Pain, that starts one or two days before the start of the menstrual cycle.
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Pain, radiating to the hips, lower back and buttocks.
• Pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Pain, increasing as the menstrual cycle progresses.
• Excessive menstrual bleeding.
• Dull pain all over body.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If the pain, associated with the menstrual cycle, severe and/or frequent, better to consult a doctor. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medications, to help control pain. Important, to make a correct diagnosis, to ensure, that an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, to effectively assess your condition, eg:

• What symptoms do you experience during your period??
• Do you experience cramps before or after your period?
• Do the cramps get worse or stay the same during your period??
• How long do spasms last?
• Do you experience any pain or discomfort during the remainder of your cycle?
• How did the pain or cramps affect your daily activities??
• Have you experienced any changes in the amount of bleeding during your period?
• Have you taken any medication?
• What other diseases do you have?

Diagnosis of dysmenorrhea

To diagnose a painful menstrual cycle, your doctor may order several tests, including ultrasound for examination of the pelvic organs, hormone tests to measure androgen levels, a pelvic exam to check for fibroids or ovarian cysts and a rectal exam to check for the uterus. inflammation.

Treatment of painful menstrual periods

There are several treatments for dysmenorrhea., depending on the underlying cause. These procedures include:

• Medicines. Painkillers, otpuskaemыe without prescription (eg, Ibuprofen), antispasmodic drugs, and some hormones or birth control may help relieve pain, associated with painful menstruation.
• Surgery. Depending on the underlying cause, surgery to remove the fibroid may be recommended., ovarian cysts or other blockages in the uterus.
• Alternative therapies. It has been found, that alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, massage and yoga, help reduce spasms, associated with painful menstrual periods.

Home treatment for painful periods

In addition to therapies, mentioned above, there are also a few home remedies, which can help relieve pain, associated with dysmenorrhea. These home remedies include:

• Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen, below the navel. Never fall asleep with a heating pad on.
• Make a light circular massage with your fingertips around the lower abdomen.
• Drink warm drinks.
• Eat a little, but often.
• Keep your legs elevated while lying down or lie on your side, knees bent.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, Taki how ibuprofen or naproxen. Start taking it the day before your expected period and continue taking it regularly for the first few days of your period.
• Try Vitamin B6 Supplements, calcium and magnesium, especially if your pain is due to PMS.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
• lose weight, if you are overweight. Do aerobic exercise regularly.

Prevention of painful menstruation

Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to prevent painful menstrual periods, however there are a few things, which you can do, to reduce the intensity of your symptoms. These include maintaining a healthy weight., regular exercise and a balanced diet. Besides, it may be helpful to take a daily multivitamin, To make sure, that you are getting all the nutrients you need. It is also important to make sure, that you are taking appropriate steps to reduce stress levels and get adequate rest.

Used sources and literature

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea: painful periods. FAQ046. www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dysmenorrhea-Painful-Periods. Updated January 2022. Accessed August 8, 2022.

Mendiratta in, Lentz GM. Primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: etiology, diagnosis, management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Crazy FOUR, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35.

Pattanittum P, Kunyanone N, Brown J, et al. Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3(3):CD002124. PMID: 27000311 www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27000311/.