Painful menstrual periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, refers to the cramping pain in the lower abdomen that some women experience during menstruation. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and headache.
Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when there is no underlying medical condition causing the pain. It results from the contraction of the uterus as it sheds its lining during menstruation. This type of menstrual pain usually begins one or two years after a girl starts menstruating, and it tends to improve with age.
When there is an underlying medical issue, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or adenomyosis, secondary dysmenorrhea develops. Compared to primary dysmenorrhea, the discomfort is typically more enduring and strong, and it may get worse over time.
Menstrual pain can be treated with heating pads, ibuprofen or naproxen over-the-counter painkillers, rest, and exercise. Another option for pain relief is hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, or ring. Surgery might be necessary in extreme circumstances to treat the underlying medical issue.
