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Dysmenorrhea

Written by Jane Carrasco

 

woman


What Is Dysmenorrhea?

 

Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not. Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent excessively painful menstrual cramps. Painful menstruation affects many women. The pain may begin several days before, or just at the start of your period and then it generally subsides as menstrual bleeding tapers off.
 

What Are The Symptoms Of Dysmenorrhea?

 

~cramping in the lower abdomen
~pain in the lower abdomen
~low back pain
~pain radiating down the legs
~nausea
~vomiting
~diarrhea
~fatigue
~weakness
~fainting
~ headaches

 

A substance called prostagladins, produced by the body and found in the uterine lining, are the cause of most symptoms with dysmenorrhea. Prostagladins are released when the lining starts to shed with menstruation. They cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself. 
 

There AreTwo Classifications Of Dysmenorrhea:

Primary

In general, females with primary dysmenorrhea have a chemical imbalance in the body experience and experience abnormal uterine contractions as a result. These chemicals, prostaglandin and arachidonic acid, control the contractions of the uterus). Primary dysmenorrhea is typically from the beginning and usually lifelong.


Secondary

Secondary dysmenorrhea is marked with painful menstrual periods caused by another medical condition present in the body, most often endometriosis. Other conditions that may trigger dysmenorrhea are pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, abnormal pregnancy, infection, tumors or polyps in the pelvic cavity. Depending on the stage of this disease and the woman's age and desire to have children, the treatments range from methods vary from conservative drug therapy to surgical procedures.

 

woman

What Are The Treatments For Dysmenorrhea?

 

Generic Ibuprofen is a good non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to take with the onset of cramps and it is also the cheapest. Your physician might recommend low-dose oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation if you suffer from severe cramps. This may reduce that production of prostaglandins and the severity of the cramps. Consult a physician if menstrual cramps are becoming a regular thing and hinders a your day-to-day activities.


For relief at home of painful menstrual cramps, water helps relax the uterus and other tensions that may be contributing to the problem. Draw a hot bath. Though temporary, the flow of heat can provide soothing relief of pain. It also may help to place a heating pad on your abdomin. Regular exercise may inhibit prostaglandins or help release endorphins, the brain's natural painkillers. Try yoga, walking, swimming, running, bicycling, and aerobic dance to alleviate cramping symptoms.

 

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.

 

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