Dysmenorrhea is the medical name for menstrual periods accompanied by cramps and pain. There are two different types: primary, which is painful periods experienced within three years of the onset of menstruation and in which there is no underlying disease to account for it; and secondary, which is a symptom of an underlying gynecological disease such as endometriosis or fibroids.

What Causes It?

About one third of all menstruating women will experience some pain with their periods. Women who have primary dysmenorrhea produce excessive quantities of the hormone prostaglandin at the time of menstruation and are extremely sensitive to it. Prostaglandin is one of the hormones released during labor and is in parr responsible for the uterine contractions. Dysmenorrhea can therefore be seen as a mini-labor with the prostaglandin causing uterine muscle to go into spasm, producing cramp like pain.

Should I See The Doctor?

If you have recently begun to menstruate, visit your doctor if pain medication in moderate quantities is not sufficient to dull the pain and you need to spend at least a day in bed each month. If you have been menstruating for three years and the blood flow and pain increase, visit your doctor to confirm that there is no underlying disorder responsible.

What Might The Doctor Do?

• Some doctors may suggest that the pain is psychosomatic, but it isn’t. Don’t be put off from consulting your doctor by the hope that the pain will pass as you get older or if you have children.
• You should insist on a trial of antiprostaglandin medicines, which should be taken just prior to, and for the first two to three days of menstruation. The contraceptive pill is often prescribed to relieve dysmenorrhea because it inhibits egg production and alters hormonal balance, so it is a highly effective treatment. The progesterone IUD also helps it.
• If you have developed painful menstrual periods after several years of predictable menstrual characteristics, your doctor will examine you and recommend treatment according to the diagnosis.

What Can I Do?

• Experiment with herbal teas such as mint or camomile that reduce spasmodic pain.
• Relaxation or special yoga-type exercises can also help to relieve the pain; hot-water bottles, hot baths, and bed rest can all bring relief .
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and aspirin impede the production of prostaglandins and are, therefore, the best pain medications to take.

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