Dysmenorrhea, another term for painful menstrual periods, is among the most common gynaecological conditions affecting menstruating women of all ages and backgrounds. As a leading cause of pelvic pain, its impact ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain that can disrupt daily life. In fact, the prevalence of menstrual cramps varies among those of reproductive age from 16% to 91%, with 2% to 29% of those experiencing severe pain. Let’s dive deep into dysmenorrhea and explore causes, symptoms, and effective treatments.
What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea medically refers to painful periods or menstrual cramps. Characterised by nausea, fatigue, and diarrhoea, these cramps typically begin the day before or on the first day of the period and can last from two to three days. Mild cramps are typical, affecting an estimated 60% of women of reproductive age. More severe pain occurs in 5% to 15% and can significantly disrupt daily life. Pain typically tends to decrease with age or after delivery. While most women experience mild cramping, women who experience significant pain cannot go on with their daily lives.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
There are two types of dysmenorrhea, based on what causes the cramping pains. They are:
Primary
This type occurs with repeated cramping not resulting from other diseases. The pain usually begins one to two days before menstrual flow and resolves in a few days. This is the most common type of menstrual pain.
Secondary
This results from underlying diseases such as infections, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain begins earlier in the cycle, but it tends to be longer, sometimes continuing all through the period.
Dysmenorrhea Causes
Primary dysmenorrhea is linked with genetics and lifestyle. If your relatives, especially your mother, sisters, and grandmothers, had painful cramps during their menstruation cycle, you are at higher risk. Other factors, such as smoking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle, will aggravate the condition further. Smoking will reduce the oxygen supply to the pelvic region, thus amplifying the pain in cramps. A diet high in fat and sugar could contribute to inflammation. Secondary dysmenorrhea is a result of other conditions found in the reproductive system, such as:
- Endometriosis: The tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain.
- Adenomyosis: The uterine lining grows into the muscle of the uterus, and then severe cramping, along with heavy bleeding, sets in.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Chronic infections in the pelvic cavity lead to pain.
- Fibroids: These are benign tumours in the uterus that cause tissue pressure and cause pain.
- Ovarian Cysts/Polyps: Growths in the ovary cause interruptions in menstruation and result in pain.
Dysmenorrhea Symptoms
Dysmenorrhea symptoms can vary enormously – from slight pain on one side to pain that is severe enough that it makes daily activities impossible. Some individuals experience slight cramping, while others undergo extreme agony, commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or headaches. A part from pelvic pain, other dysmenorrhea symptoms are
- Gastrointestinal: Most patients who complain about cramping also mention nausea, diarrhoea, and bloating, among others, which are manifestations of dysmenorrhea.
- Neurological: Migraines and dizziness are common, exacerbating general misery.
- Psychological: Intense cramps from periods lead to or can worsen anxieties, mood swings, and depression, affecting mental well-being.
How to Differentiate Between Normal Period Cramps and Dysmenorrhea?
If menstrual cramps last more than three days, disrupt everyday life, and cause crippling pain, consult a doctor. Almost everyone deals with typical period pains, and dysmenorrhea is manageable. The doctor will assess symptoms and menstrual history. They may do a pelvic examination and collect a sample of vaginal fluid for examination for any underlying conditions. If those are not found, it is probably primary dysmenorrhea. If secondary dysmenorrhea is suspected, it may be essential to carry out an ultrasound or laparoscopy to check for endometriosis or fibroids. Further dysmenorrhea treatment can be decided only based on the medical findings.
Dysmenorrhea Treatment
You cannot prevent the menstrual cramps, but you can ease the symptoms using some of the following ways:
Pain Relievers for Menstrual Cramps
Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce prostaglandin levels for period cramp relief. You can take these medicines when the pain starts. If you are unable to get NSAIDs, then use acetaminophen as a medicine. Some people may need higher doses of the medicine that their doctors prescribe.
Hormonal Treatments
Hormonal contraceptives, like the pill or patch, can regulate hormones and minimise cramps. Typically, these medications will dramatically diminish the discomfort accompanying periods over time.
Note: These Treatments should be taken under medical supervision.
Non-Medical Treatments
Some of the home remedies recommended are using a heating pad, resting, avoiding caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, and applying massage to your lower abdomen or back. Also, regular exercise decreases period pain.
Alternative Therapies
Mainly, individuals undergoing such problems try yoga and acupuncture for period pain relief. They also alter their diet by taking anti-inflammatory foods, like leafy greens and ginger, or by adding vitamin supplements, like vitamin D and magnesium, to their daily routine.
Conclusion
Dysmenorrhea impacts many menstruating women and interferes with quality of life. The pain intensity and symptoms that happen due to the same are different with every female. While over-the-counter analgesics and lifestyle modifications are usually enough, in cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, more specific dysmenorrhea treatment may be needed for other underlying conditions. When home remedies are not enough to soothe the pain, consult a medical professional to get the proper treatment. Always make sure to have a prescription or expert consultation before you take any medicine to manage the period cramps.
