Dysmenorrhea Or Menstrual cramps

What are Menstrual Cramps?
The medical term is Dysmenorrhea. It refers to throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen just before and during menstruation.

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Common cramps that are not caused by another condition. They often lessen with age or after childbirth.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Pain caused by a disorder in the reproductive organs, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, it can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities like school or work.

Symptoms

The pain often starts 1 to 3 days before your period, peaks 24 hours after the onset of bleeding, and subsides in 2 to 3 days. Symptoms include:

• Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen (intense).
• Dull, constant ache.
• Pain radiating to the lower back and thighs.
• Nausea and Loose stools.
• Headache and Dizziness.

Causes

[Image of uterine contractions]

During your period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins trigger these contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins mean more severe cramps.

Medical Causes (Secondary Dysmenorrhea)

• Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus (on tubes or ovaries), causing pain.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus.
• Adenomyosis: The uterine lining grows *into* the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, usually from STIs.
• Cervical Stenosis: A cervix opening that is too small, impeding menstrual flow and increasing pressure.

Complications

While cramps themselves don't cause complications, the underlying conditions can:

• Endometriosis: Can cause fertility problems.
• PID: Can scar fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Lifestyle Impact: Severe cramps are a leading cause of missed school and work for women.

Diagnosis

To find the cause, your doctor may perform:

• Pelvic Exam: To check for abnormalities or infection.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize the uterus, cervix, and ovaries.
• CT / MRI: To visualize internal structures in detail.
• Laparoscopy: A minor surgery inserting a camera into the abdomen to detect endometriosis, adhesions, or cysts.

Treatment

1. Medications

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve) are most effective because they reduce prostaglandin production. Tip: Start taking them the day before your period begins.
• Hormonal Birth Control: Pills, patches, or IUDs prevent ovulation and reduce the severity of cramps.

2. Lifestyle & Home Remedies

• Heat: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the abdomen is as effective as medication for some women.
• Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins (natural painkillers).
• Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-1 (thiamin), and magnesium supplements may reduce cramps.

3. Surgery

If cramps are caused by fibroids or endometriosis, surgery to remove the tissue can help.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.