Menstrual Pain – Dysmenorrhea: Overview

Menstrual Pain – Dysmenorrhea: Overview

  • 2021-10-11 03:14:04

Types of Dysmenorrhea:

Dysmenorrhea is classified into two types based on the reason for the pain.

Primary Dysmenorrhea:

It is a common kind of menstrual cramp. Period pain that has no underlying medical conditions is known as primary dysmenorrhea. When the prostaglandin levels are high primary dysmenorrhea occurs. The pain can be controlled by home remedies and basic medications. When you have prolonged pain needs clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea:

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs due to disorders or problems in the reproductive system. This kind of pain may start along with your menstruation and continues after your period is over. The pain may progressively worse.

Causes of Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Secondary Dysmenorrhea may have underlying medical conditions as,

  • Endometriosis:

            Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus. Usually, it grows inside the uterus. It damages the tissue that causes swelling and pain

  • Cervical Stenosis:

            Cervical Stenosis means narrowing of the endocervical canal or cervix. In some cases, it may close completely. It may cause sevik,ere pain and inflammation.

  • Adenomyosis:

            It is a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. Adenomyosis causes heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pain and cramps.

  • Uterine Fibroids:

            Uterine fibroids are noncancerous lumps that grow inside the uterus. It causes pelvic pain, lower back, and abdomen pain.

Secondary dysmenorrhea should be diagnosed and treated clinically. Home remedies can reduce pain.

PMS and Dysmenorrhea:

Dysmenorrhea is one of the symptoms of menstrual cramps. You may also have the symptoms of nausea, headaches, etc., before or during your periods. But, the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome are not the same as Dysmenorrhea. PMS includes symptoms as bloating, mood swings, depression, fatigue, breast tenderness, etc.,

Dysmenorrhea starts one or two days before your menstrual period whereas, PMS starts before a week or two.

Home Remedies of Menstrual Pain:

Some basic home remedies reduce menstrual pain.

  • Applying heat to the painful areas.
  • Abdomen and lower back massages.
  • Smoking and alcohol should be avoided.
  • Mild exercising and yoga may reduce pain.
  • Avoid fatty and salty foods.
  • Take rest when needs.
  • Instead of caffeine try ginger, mint, and lemon tea.
  • Diets rich in vitamins and calcium, green leafy vegetables, eggs can be added.

When to See a Doctor?

  • When you have prolonged and severe pain.
  • When there is a progressive increase in pain.
  • When you have abnormal bleeding along with the pain than usual.