Many women experience pain in their lower abdomen right before and during their periods, this is likely caused by a condition called dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as menstrual cramps. Aside from stomach pain, women with dysmenorrhea may also experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, and loose bowel movement.
For some, the pain is merely a nuisance. In others it can be so severe, with pain radiating to as far as the lower back and thighs, it interferes with their daily activities.
Dysmenorrhea can strike on the week before and during your period.
Dysmenorrhea meaning: What causes menstrual pain?
When you have dysmenorrhea meaning, you have painful cramping in the lower abdomen during your menstrual period. Menstrual pain is often caused by uterine contractions.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea, categorized by what causes the cramping and pain. The first is called Primary Dysmenorrhea, wherein there are no underlying causes behind the pain.
The cramps are merely a result of prostaglandins released as your uterus contracts to expel its lining. Higher levels of prostaglandin mean more painful periods.
The second type of menstrual cramps, wherein another condition is causing the pain, is known as Secondary Dysmenorrhea. The underlying conditions that may cause menstrual discomfort could be any of the following:
- Endometriosis, is when the tissue that commonly lines your uterus is implanted outside of it usually on the ovaries, the tissue lining the pelvis, or in the fallopian tubes.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, is an infection that is commonly caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries
- Uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths on the walls of the uterus
- Adenomyosis, wherein the tissue that lines your uterus starts to grow into its muscular wall
- Cervical stenosis, is a condition where the opening of the cervix is so narrow that it obstructs menstrual flow, causing pressure which in turn causes pain in the uterus
Higher levels of prostaglandin could mean intensified pain during periods of dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea symptoms
Aside from experiencing pain in the abdomen, you may also feel other symptoms of dysmenorrhea such as dizziness, headache, and pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs.
Who is at risk of menstrual pain?
The occurrence of menstrual cramps is more common in women with the following characteristics:
- Below age 30
- Early onset of puberty, at age 11 and below
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Have never given birth
- With a family history of dysmenorrhea
- Smokers
Dysmenorrhea, fertility issues, and other complications
While it may cause severe discomfort, dysmenorrhea has not been found to lead to any medical complications. Some may worry about pregnancy or fertility issues brought about by their menstrual cramps, but there should be no cause for worry, particularly with Primary Dysmenorrhea.
Women who are suffering from Secondary Dysmenorrhea could have issues, but these come as a result of the underlying conditions they have been diagnosed with.
For example, endometriosis has been associated with fertility problems. In these cases, you should consult with your doctor with regard to the best course of action to take.
Dysmenorrhea treatment
While most dysmenorrhea is normal during your menstrual period, there are dysmenorrhea treatments that may help ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
Dysmenorrhea medicine
To provide relief for dysmenorrhea, you may opt to take dysmenorrhea medicine or over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen. Some locally available brands in the Philippines are Alaxan, Skelan Forte, Dolan, Medicol, and Advil.
Other medicines for dysmenorrhea are:
- Acetaminophen
- Oral contraceptives
- Vitamin supplements
Your doctor will recommend medicines depending on the type of your dysmenorrhea. If medicines for dysmenorrhea are not enough to relieve your menstrual cramps, you may also ask your doctor for other treatments.
If your dysmenorrhea is caused by endometriosis, you may need to undergo a procedure to remove or destroy the lining of the uterus. The destruction of the lining of the uterus is called endometrial ablation, while, the removal of the lining of the uterus is called endometrial resection. Again, the kind of procedure your doctor will perform depends on your condition.
A hot water bag or bottle can provide symptomatic relief for your dysmenorrhea.
Dysmenorrhea home remedy
There are also natural and home remedies that you can turn to in order to make your periods less painful. Here is some dysmenorrhea home remedies that you may try to ease the pain of menstrual cramps:
- A hot water bag or bottle placed on your lower abdomen or back, as well as a light massage, could also help relieve your cramps.
- Avoid food and drink that contain caffeine before and during your period—this includes coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate—as caffeine can cause blood vessels to constrict, causing cramps.
- In place of your usual coffee or tea, choose an herbal tea instead. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile tea are known to be soothing and may help lessen pain.
- You should also avoid standing and walking for long periods, but stretching and yoga can be of help. One effective exercise is the pelvic tilt. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and hands on your hips. Then, rock your pelvis forward and backward about 15 times.
- Abdominal massage
- Take a hot bath or shower
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco
- You may try acupuncture or acupressure
Remember that in cases where the pain you experience is extreme, even crippling, it may be time to see your doctor for a checkup.
Menstrual pain diagnosis
If you are wondering how your healthcare provider diagnoses your menstrual pain, first they will evaluate your medical history. Next, a complete physical and pelvic exam will be done. Lastly, you may undergo tests that will help your doctor know the underlying issue of your severe dysmenorrhea.
Some tests that your doctor may recommend are the following:
Laparoscopy
A thin tube with a lens and a light called a laparoscope is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall. Using the thin tube, your doctor can look into the pelvic and abdomen area. Your healthcare provider may detect any abnormal growth through this test.
The most common test to look into your internal organs. Using high-frequency sound waves, an image of your internal organs will be created.
Hysteroscopy
A viewing instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina to look into the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
Your doctor will be able to see detailed images of organs and structures within your body using large magnets, radiofrequency, and a computer.
Treatment for your dysmenorrhea will depend on the result of the tests. Aside from that, your healthcare provider may also depend on:
- Severity of dysmenorrhea
- Overall health and medical history of the patient
- Age
- Tolerance for medications, procedures, or therapies
Your opinion or preference is also important in determining the specific treatment for your menstrual pain.
Additional information written by Jobelle Macayan
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