Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, affects many women and is caused by the production of prostaglandins, which promote contraction of the uterus. It can be primary or secondary, with the latter caused by an underlying medical problem. Lifestyle changes and hormonal birth control can help manage the condition.
Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is a medical condition experienced by many women at some point in their lives. The condition is characterized by extremely painful and unpleasant cramping that occurs during a menstrual period. These cramps can be so intense that a woman is unable to function due to the strength and duration of the cramps. While dysmenorrhea is not generally considered life-threatening, it can be extremely frustrating and there are some options for treating it that should be considered by women who struggle with painful periods.
The menstrual period is used to shed the lining of the uterus if an egg is not fertilized. The process is triggered by the production of prostaglandins, compounds that promote contraction of the uterus. This cuts off the blood supply to the lining, causing it to die, while also pushing out the dead tissue. After your period is over, the lining will grow back to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. Prostaglandin production appears to be linked to painful periods, as high levels appear to be associated with more cramping, but it’s not the only cause.
In secondary dysmenorrhea, the condition is caused by an underlying medical problem, which could include a congenital abnormality in the reproductive tract or a condition such as endometriosis. The condition usually appears later in life when a woman’s body changes and these changes cause a problem. In these situations, addressing the underlying condition can often clear up the dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea has no underlying cause and usually begins in the first few years of life.
Women who are active tend to be less prone to painful periods, as are women who eat a balanced diet and avoid smoking. The size of the uterus appears to be a factor in some women. When women experience painful periods, they sometimes find that changing physical positions help deal with cramping, and it’s even possible to take medications to manage the pain and inflammation associated with severe cramping.
If dysmenorrhea occurs, a doctor should be consulted to determine whether it is primary or secondary. In the case of primary dysmenorrhea, lifestyle changes can sometimes solve the problem. You can also use hormonal birth control to manage your period, making it predictable and often less painful as well. An ob-gyn can provide support and information, as well as tests to explore possible causes for painful periods.
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