Dysmenorrhoea - Symptoms

Understanding Dysmenorrhoea: Causes and Treatments Explained

Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for painful menstrual cycles or cramps. For many women, menstrual pain typically begins the day before or on the first day of their period, often easing within two to three days.

While mild to moderate cramps are familiar and usually manageable, some women experience such intense pain that it disrupts their daily activities and affects their quality of life. For these severe cases, medications and other treatments can offer much-needed relief.

In this blog, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for dysmenorrhoea to help you better understand and manage painful periods.

What are the Types of dysmenorrhoea?

There are 2 types of dysmenorrhoea: primary and secondary. Listed below are each of them discussed in depth:

1. Primary dysmenorrhoea

Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to menstrual pain that occurs regularly with each period but is not caused by any underlying medical condition. The discomfort typically begins a day or two before your period starts or right at the onset of bleeding.

The pain can range from mild to severe and is usually felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs. While the intensity varies from person to person, the good news is that the pain often subsides within two to three days. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the most common form of menstrual pain and affects a large number of women worldwide.

2. Secondary dysmenorrhoea

Secondary dysmenorrhoea occurs when an underlying medical condition or infection in the reproductive system leads to painful period cramps. Unlike the more common primary dysmenorrhoea, the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhoea often begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer.

For example, you might start experiencing cramps several days before your period, and the discomfort can last until the bleeding stops completely. While secondary dysmenorrhoea is less common, it’s important to recognize it because it usually requires medical evaluation and treatment to address the underlying cause.

What are the Causes of dysmenorrhoea?

In primary dysmenorrhoea, the pain is caused by abnormal contractions of the uterus, often due to a chemical imbalance in the body. One key cause is prostaglandin, a chemical that helps regulate uterine contractions. When prostaglandin levels are too high, the uterus contracts more, leading to cramps and pain.

The most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis (condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus), adenomyosis and cervical stenosis. This can lead to pelvic pain, inflammation, infection, and even internal bleeding.

Other causes of secondary dysmenorrhoea include

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Uterine fibroids
• Abnormal pregnancy
• Infections, tumors, or polyps in the pelvic area

Understanding the underlying cause is vital to finding the proper treatment and achieving periods pain relief.

What are the Symptoms of dysmenorrhoea?

The symptoms of dysmenorrhoea can vary from woman to woman, but some are quite common and often follow a familiar pattern. Here are the most frequent symptoms:

• Cramping in the lower abdomen
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Low back pain
• Pain that radiates down the legs
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fainting
• Headaches

It is important to note that the symptoms of dysmenorrhoea can sometimes resemble those of other medical conditions. If you are experiencing severe or unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How is dysmenorrhoea Diagnosed?

To diagnose dysmenorrhoea, your healthcare provider will start by reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical and pelvic examination. Depending on your symptoms, additional tests may be recommended to help identify the cause of your pain. These tests can include:

• Ultrasound:This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the internal reproductive organs, helping detect abnormalities.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):MRI uses radio waves, powerful magnets, and a computer to generate detailed images of the body’s organs and structures, providing a closer look at any potential issues.
• Laparoscopy:A minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. This allows the doctor to directly view the abdomen and pelvis to check for abnormal growth or conditions like endometriosis.
• Hysteroscopy:This procedure uses a hysteroscope, a slender viewing device inserted through the vagina, to visually examine the inside of the uterus and the cervical canal.

A proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the most effective treatment and help you find relief from painful periods. However, it’s also essential to have health insurance to safeguard your health and finances.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for dysmenorrhoea treatments under our Star Women Care Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

How is dysmenorrhoea Treated?

Many people are able to manage the pain and discomfort of dysmenorrhoea at home using simple remedies and lifestyle changes. Common at-home treatments include:

• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which not only relieve pain but also help lower prostaglandin levels in the body
• Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen
• Taking a warm shower or bath to relax the muscles
• Going for a walk or doing light exercise
• Practising yoga or meditation to reduce stress and tension
• Ensuring you get enough sleep and rest
• Avoiding alcohol

For women whose dysmenorrhoea pain is too severe to manage with home care or over-the-counter medications, doctors may recommend medical treatments, such as:

• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) contain estrogen and progestin, which help regulate hormones, suppress ovulation, and often reduce symptoms.
• Other forms of hormonal contraception, like the patch, vaginal ring, injection, or long-acting methods such as an IUD or implant.
• Other prescription medications are used to address symptoms related to secondary causes of dysmenorrhoea.

Prescription-strength NSAIDs, are sometimes used alone or alongside other treatments for more effective period pain relief.