Painful periods explained: A comprehensive guide to dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea, also referred to as menstrual cramps or painful periods, is a condition that affects many women around the world. It describes the uncomfortable feelings that people experience during their periods, which vary from person to person in terms of intensity and duration. While some discomfort is common during the menstrual cycle, excessive and incapacitating pain can negatively affect a woman's quality of life.
Types of dysmenorrhea
Menstrual pains that return each time you get your period are known as primary dysmenorrhea. This pain usually subsides within two or three days. Secondary dysmenorrhea is when you get painful periods as a result of an illness or infection in your reproductive organs. Here, the pain starts earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than regular cramps.
Why are period cramps painful?
Your uterus is contracting and relaxing as you feel it. To shed your uterine lining, the muscles in your uterus contract. Although experts don't fully understand why certain people experience more painful periods, they believe it may be related to their greater levels of prostaglandins. In addition, there might not be a better explanation beyond the fact that each person's physiology is unique.
What causes dysmenorrhea?
Strong uterine contractions brought on by an increase in prostaglandins (the hormone-like compound responsible for uterus contractions) are the primary cause of dysmenorrhea. Cramping that is too severe and painful is caused by too many prostaglandins. Meanwhile, secondary dysmenorrhea is brought on by underlying reproductive system diseases such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and adenomyosis.
Is dysmenorrhea normal?
It is normal to experience some discomfort during menstruation. Mild cramps are experienced by 60% of women during their menstruation. Severe and debilitating cramps that interfere with daily activities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Additionally, if menstrual pain is accompanied by heavy bleeding, irregular periods, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation and proper lifestyle management.
Major symptoms
The primary symptom of dysmenorrhea is intense and cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen, often radiating to the lower back and thighs. Other signs could be diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, or fatigue. For the majority of women, discomfort often begins just before or at the beginning of their period, peaks about 24 hours after bleeding begins, and dissipates after two to three days.
