Conquering Dysmenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Relief Strategies

Growing up, every girl waits for the moment that they officially enter “Womanhood”. Their bodies begin to develop their unique characteristics, their hormone levels rise and they transition to young ladies. What no one expects are the symptoms that accompany this anticipated developmental stage known as menstruation. Menstruation, defined as normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of a woman’s monthly cycle often begins around the age of 11-14 and continues throughout a woman’s life until menopause. It prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and sheds its lining every month if pregnancy does not occur presented as monthly bleeding. A monthly cycle usually lasts from three-five days but can vary depending on an individual. 

In addition to bleeding, you may experience:

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

  • Mood swings & Irritability

  • Bloating

  • Sore breasts

  • Food cravings

  • Abdominal & Pelvic cramping pain 

  • Lower back pain

As we get older, we often get used to having those accompanying symptoms and prepare for them during our monthly cycles. While it may be slightly bothersome for some, others have symptoms that are very severe and impact their daily living. This is known as Dysmenorrhea –the medical term for painful periods.

What are the types of dysmenorrhea?

Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain that happens every month during menstruation. It isn’t due to any other medical conditions and the onset of the pain usually begins one to two days before your period begins or when the bleeding starts. The pain can be felt in your lower abdomen, back or thighs and often subsides within two or three days. 


Secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as painful periods due to a medical condition involving your reproductive organs such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. This pain begins earlier in your menstrual cycle and lasts longer than typical menstrual cramps. Other causes include infection, uterine fibroids or abnormal pregnancy. 

What causes the pain?

During menstruation, a hormone known as prostaglandin causes your uterus to contract and tighten up resulting in menstrual cramps. During menstruation, prostaglandin levels are higher which means your uterus is contracting stronger resulting in the cramping and discomfort you experience. The contractions are helpful in the shedding of your uterus lining. Progesterone levels rise right before menstruation begins and decrease once you get your period. 

The symptoms are the same as normal menstruation symptoms but they tend to be more severe and can also include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and pain that radiates down your legs.

What are the risk factors?

  • Women who started their periods before the age of 11

  • Women who are younger than the age of 20

  • Women who smoke

  • Women who are overweight 

  • Women who consume alcohol during their period

  • Women with a biological parent with dysmenorrhea

What are treatment options?

Everyone with dysmenorrhea is treated depending on the severity of their symptoms. Some treatment options include:

  • NSAIDS – prostaglandin inhibitors

  • Acetaminophen 

  • Oral contraceptives 

  • Progesterone 

  • Dietary changes (decrease sugar and caffeine intake)

  • Heating pads, hot bath or showers

  • Abdominal massages

  • Exercise

Severe, unresolved symptoms can be treated with

  • Endometrial ablation –a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus

  • Endometrial resection –a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus

  • Hysterectomy –the surgical removal of the uterus

If you have symptoms that disrupt your daily life, miss out on activities and cause you to miss work or school every month, it’s important to speak to your doctor. There are many others who may be experiencing the same symptoms  and there are many treatments that can help you. Be the strong woman you’re meant to be without the unnecessary pain! 



Previous
Previous

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Next
Next

Understanding PCOS: The Journey to Hormonal Balance