Dysmenore
Dysmenore, often referred to as dysmenorrhea, is the medical term for painful menstrual cramps that occur before or during menstruation. It is commonly divided into primary dysmenorrhea, caused by normal uterine contractions and prostaglandin activity, and secondary dysmenorrhea, due to an underlying pelvic condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Symptoms include cramping pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the back or thighs, along
Pathophysiology: Primary dysmenorrhea results from increased prostaglandin production during menses, which causes stronger uterine contractions and
Diagnosis: Based on history and exam; pregnancy testing to exclude pregnancy-related pain. Ultrasound or other imaging
Treatment: For primary dysmenorrhea, first-line therapies are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives to reduce
Prognosis and impact: Dysmenore is common among those who menstruate and can affect daily activities. With