Dysmenorrhea: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Maybe you have had this pain or you know someone who goes all moody, and grumpy, clenches their hands against their stomach, throws up, screams, or cries during their period. If you haven’t met anyone like this, I’m Ogochukwu and I’ve had several phases of these symptoms. Nice to meet you.
Sometimes, I even wonder why. Are these symptoms normal? Does it happen to everyone and what could be the cause? How do I avoid or treat it? Let’s find out!
What is Dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is a medical term for menstrual cramps. While not every female has experienced cramping, some common symptoms among those who have include nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually occur the day before or on the first day of your period.
However, this pain usually subsides after two to three days for most people. The intensity of menstrual cramps differs from person to person. While some people experience mild to moderate pains, others suffer intense or severe pains that often interfere with their day-to-day activities.
Types of Dysmenorrhea
There are two types of Dysmenorrhea
- Primary Dysmenorrhea
- Secondary Dysmenorrhea
- Primary Dysmenorrhea: This is the name given to menstrual cramps that come back every time you get to have your period. However, it is not associated with another medical condition. You may feel pain around your abdomen, usually mild and sometimes severe.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhea: This term refers to menstrual cramps that arise due to an infection in your reproductive organs. This pain usually occurs earlier in your menstrual cycles and goes on for extended periods and may end when the bleeding stops. However, this type is quite rare.
What Are The Causes Of Dysmenorrhea?
Let’s deviate a little from the medical jargon, and juggle our minds a little. Have you ever tried to abstain from a particular meal or drink just so you don’t get to experience menstrual cramps? Well, I have.
Oftentimes when I’m a week closer to my menstrual days, I steer clear of soda, Yes! Carbonated drinks especially, Noodles as well, and on the day of my period, I may not eat at all for hours. In some cases, I throw up when I eat, my abdomen feels like it has gone wild, developed teeth, grazing and tearing my insides with its claws.
However, here is what science has to say about this pain; Menstrual cramps occur when a chemical called Prostaglandin makes your uterus contract.
Now, during menstruation, prostaglandin levels are a lot higher. This means if your uterus contracts five times before, during menstruation, it’s doubled(5× or more). Due to the increase in prostaglandin during this time.
This is what causes the contraction that results in the pain and discomfort you feel. And No! These contractions are not there to just cause you pain, it basically help shed your uterine lining, resulting in the blood and tissue you shed.
What Are The Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea?
- Feeling pressure in your abdomen
- Pain in your hips
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Causes Of Secondary Dysmenorrhea
As stated, some infections of the reproductive system can lead to dysmenorrhea. Some of these include:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Fibroids
- Congenital conditions
Who Is More Likely To Have Dysmenorrhea?
- Your first menstrual period happened before you were 12.
- You’re below 20.
- You smoke cigarettes
- Your biological parent has dysmenorrhea.
Treatment for Dysmenorrhea
- Hormonal medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
- Pain relievers
Traditional Treatments For Dysmenorrhea
- Avoid meals with caffeine
- Avoid smoking cigarettes and alcohol
- Use heating pads.
- Regular exercise
- Getting extra rest
The Bottom Line
Menstrual cramps can make you very uncomfortable. The abdominal pains among other symptoms can keep you wondering what you did in your first life to deserve such pain
However, if you experience severe pains that might result in loss of consciousness, endeavor to seek medical help.
If you found this article useful, do share your experience and the treatments you use, I’m open to learning from you.
