Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain, medically known as dysmenorrhea, is the discomfort or pain experienced by some women before and during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to common menstrual cramps without an underlying disease, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from disorders in the reproductive system. The pain is typically in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back, and can range from mild to severe. Cramps often begin after ovulation when the ovaries release an egg and worsen as menstruation starts. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation, trigger muscle contractions in the uterus to help dislodge its lining, thereby provoking pain.

Symptoms can include throbbing or aching in the lower abdomen, and the pain can radiate to the lower back and thighs. Accompanying symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches. Factors that may intensify menstrual pain include stress, obesity, heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia), or reaching puberty at an early age. The duration and intensity of menstrual pain vary among individuals and can profoundly affect a woman's quality of life. Treatments for dysmenorrhea may include over-the-counter pain relievers, hormonal contraceptives, lifestyle changes like exercise, and, in some cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, surgery to address any underlying pathology.