Dysmenoré

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation, a common condition experienced by many women. It is characterized by abdominal cramps, often accompanied by other symptoms such as back pain, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. Dysmenorrhea is generally divided into two types: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea is not caused by an underlying medical condition. It typically begins shortly after a girl starts menstruating and is thought to be related to an overproduction of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger uterine muscle contractions. These contractions can restrict blood flow to the uterus, leading to pain.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition affecting the uterus or other reproductive organs. Common causes include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian cysts. The pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea may start earlier in the menstrual cycle, last longer than primary dysmenorrhea, and be accompanied by other symptoms related to the underlying condition.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests such as an ultrasound or laparoscopy to identify any underlying causes. Treatment for primary dysmenorrhea often includes over-the-counter pain relievers, heat application, and lifestyle changes like exercise and stress management. For secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying medical condition, which may involve medication or surgery.