Dysmenorrhea
Period pain or dysmenorrhea is a condition of painful menstrual periods. Menstrual cramps or pain is felt in the abdominal areas and can occur before the menstrual cycle begins and can continue for 2 to 3 days.
Primary dysmenorrhea is the common painful condition in women with no abnormalities in the pelvic region. Women may experience severe pain before or at the onset of menstrual periods and the pain persists for 2–3 days.
Cause of Dysmenorrhea
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by the elevated levels of the hormone prostaglandin produced by the tissues lining the uterus (womb). Prostaglandin triggers the uterine muscles to contract and push the uterine bleeding/clots out of the body through the cervix.
Conditions that may cause primary dysmenorrhea include
- Women who have a high level of prostaglandin will experience intense pain and contractions.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea is the painful condition that may be caused by other gynaecological problems. This kind of pain begins early in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea.
Conditions that may cause secondary dysmenorrhea include
- endometriosis,
- fibroids,
- infection,
- ovarian cysts,
- narrow cervix,
- abnormal pregnancy, and
- intrauterine device for birth control.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
Some of the commonly observed symptoms are
- back pain,
- leg pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- headache,
- irritability,
- weakness and
- fainting.
Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea
Dr Alexander will perform a pelvic examination to identify if there are any other problems associated with menstrual cramps.
Blood tests and cervical cultures will confirm if there is any sign of infection. Other diagnostic tests may be required which include MRI scan and ultrasound scan.
Non-surgical Treatment for Dysmenorrhea
If the menstrual cramps are because of the underlying medical conditions, then treating the conditions will help to relieve pain.
The conservative approach includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and contraceptive pills which decrease the production of prostaglandins by preventing ovulation. However, these medicines are taken before the menstruation begins.
NSAIDs are contraindicated if you have a history of kidney and stomach problems. The other home remedies such as a heating pad to the pelvic area, regular exercises, massage to the back and abdomen, low-fat diet, and intake of calcium and thiamine tablets may help to treat period pain.
Surgical Treatments for Dysmenorrhea
Surgery is very rarely conducted for patients with dysmenorrhea. It is done only if the other conservative treatments are not successful. Obviously these procedures are reserved for women who do not wish to conceive, finished their family or certain age group. Some of the procedures carried out are
- Mirena IUD which cause hormonal thinning of the endometrium and quite possible stop periods
- Endometrial ablation – In this procedure, the superficial tissue layer lining the uterus is destroyed. The extra tissue is destroyed by several ablation techniques such as laser beam, freezing, or heating. It is recommended in patients who have heavy uterine bleeding
- Hysterectomy – It is the surgical removal of the entire uterus. It is recommended if you have fibroids, uterine prolapse, cancer in the uterus, and vaginal bleeding. This procedure will stop periods. It is not recommended for women who want to have children.
