Menstrual pain – Dysmenorrhea treatment drugs, pills for menstrual pain – Dysmenorrhea symptoms, diagnostics, how to treat, prevention
Painful Menstrual Periods (Dysmenorrhea; Menstrual Cramps)
What is dysmenorrhea?
Painful menstruation, also called dysmenorrhea, may include pain in the pelvic area, life, back and legs; stomach cramps; headache and fatigue. Painful periods the majority of women have at least a few times in life. In some women, the pain strong enough, and can interfere with their normal activities.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
- Primary dysmenorrhea – painful muscle contractions cause;
- Secondary dysmenorrhea – pain caused by another disease, such as endometriosis, disorder of the mucous membrane of the uterus, or infection.
The causes of dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by high levels of prostaglandins in the uterus. Prostaglandins – hormone-like substances, formed in the body.
Secondary dysmenorrhea may cause:
- Endometriosis;
- Ovarian cyst;
- Pelvic inflammatory disease – infection of the female genital organs;
- Hysteromyoma – benign tumor in the uterus;
- Intrauterine device (Navy);
- Scars inside the abdomen from previous surgery;
- Tumors;
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
Risk factors for dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation is more common in women under the age of 30 years. Other factors, that may increase the risk of painful menstruation include:
- Low body weight, especially during adolescence;
- Smoking;
- Early onset of menstruation – younger 12 years;
- Long menstrual cycle;
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation;
- The absence of children (a woman never gave birth);
- Psychological disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
The symptoms of dysmenorrhea
Pain, associated with primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea, may be acute, pulsating, stupid. The pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and can spread to the lower back or hip. Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Irritability.
Dysmenorrhoea – when you need to see a doctor?
Consult your doctor, if you have:
- Severe or unusual cramps in the uterus;
- Convulsions, that last more than a few days;
- Signs of infection, such as fever or chills;
- Cramps with heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Pain in the abdominal or pelvic region;
- Vaginal discharge, non-menstrual bleeding.
Besides, you need to seek medical help, If you have the vaginal bleeding or pain, and you do not know, whether it is connected with menstruation.
Diagnosis of dysmenorrhea
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a pelvic examination.
Maybe, Taking pictures of structures require pelvic and abdominal cavity. For these purposes:
- Pelvic ultrasound;
- Hysteroscopy;
- Hysterosalpingography;
- Laparoscopy Pelvic.
Dysmenorrhea Treatment
Primary dysmenorrhea is usually treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea varies depending on the underlying disease.
Medication for menstrual pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), usually, They are the main treatment for menstrual pain. These types of drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen and.
In some cases, it may be prescribed birth control pills.
Other treatments for dysmenorrhea
- To alleviate the discomfort, put a heating pad on the abdomen or lower back. A warm bath can also reduce menstrual pain;
- Regular exercise may help reduce menstrual pain;
- Find out, whether alternative methods of treatment benefit. These methods include:
- Some herbs and supplements, eg, Vitamin B1, magnesium drugs and herbs, used in Chinese medicine. Talk to your doctor, before taking any herbs and supplements, as they may interact with other drugs taken;
- Reduce menstrual pain and acupuncture can help.
Prevention dysmenorrhea
To reduce the occurrence of painful menstrual veryatnost:
- Exercise regularly;
- If you smoke, try to quit;
- The moderate intake of caffeine and alcohol.
