Pain during menstruation (periods) is called dysmenorrhea. Contractions cause this in the uterus (womb). More than half of women those who menstruate have atleast some pain for 1 to 2 days each month, and the pain would be mild. But, for some the pain is severe that it keeps them from doing their regular daily routine.
Symptoms:
Each person may experience different symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. Those include:
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Lower back pain
- Pain radiating down the legs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Headaches
Causes:
- Abnormal contractions of the uterus due to the chemical imbalance in the body
- Medical conditions (endometriosis)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Uterine fibroids
- Abnormal pregnancy (miscarriage, ectopic)
- Infection, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic cavity
Risk factors:
Any woman can be at risk of developing dysmenorrhea. However, the below factors increase the women’s risk for developing dysmenorrhea:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Obesity
- First period before 11 years of age
- Never pregnant
Diagnosis:
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and performs a complete physical and pelvic examination. Various other tests may include:
- Ultrasound: This test is done with the help of high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses large magnets, radiofrequency, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body
- Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive procedure helps to see into the pelvic and abdomen area to detect abnormal growths.
- Hysteroscopy is a visual examination of the cervix canal and the inside of the uterus.
Women with dysmenorrhoea require a thorough medical examination to ensure their menstrual pain is not caused due to reproductive disorders like endometriosis or fibroids.
Treatment options for dysmenorrhea include:
- Pain-relieving medications such as paracetamol
- Other medications such as ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication
- Regular exercise and maintaining physical fitness
- Application of heat, such as a hot water bottle, to the abdomen
- Following other relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation)
- Oral combined contraceptive pill that reduces pain
- Bed rest during the first day or so of the period
