Dysmenorrhea is also termed as painful periods. It is the most commonly reported menstrual disorder.
More than one half of women who menstruate have some pain for 1-2 days each month.
Generally, dysmenorrhea is a crampy lower pain. Usually, it starts at the onset of menstruation.
Painful menstrual periods are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual cramp that is recurrent and not due to other diseases whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is a pain caused by a disorder in a woman’s reproductive organ such as uterine fibroid.
Cause
Dysmenorrhea is caused by contractions (tightening) in the uterus. The uterus, where a baby grows, contracts throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly.
If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels. As a result, it cuts off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of the muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for primary dysmenorrhoea include:
1. Early menarche
2. Long menstrual phase
3. Heavy periods
4. Smoking
5. Nuliparity
Symptoms
1. Aching pain in the abdomen
2. Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
3. Pain in the hips and inner thighs
Dysmenorrhoea can be associated with:
1. headaches
2. nausea and vomiting
3. digestive problems, such as diarrhoea or constipation
4. fainting
5. premenstrual symptoms, such as tender breasts and a swollen abdomen, which may continue throughout the period
Management
Lifestyle changes, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy are use to manage dysmenorrhea.
When it comes to lifestyle changes, it’s best not to smoke.
Also, pharmacologically, one can take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid.
Again, 3-6 month trial of hormonal contraception may help.
Lastly, the non-pharmacological therapy involves the application of heat. For instance, the use of water bottles.
REFERENCES
1. Cleveland Clinic. (2014). Dysmenorrhea. Retrieved on August 10, 2020, from https://myclevelandclinic.org
2. Traci, C. (2019). What are menstrual cramps. Webmd. Retrieved on August 10,2020, from https://webmd.com
