Dysmenorrhea literally means difficult monthly flow. While it is normal for most women to have mild abdominal cramps for one or two days at the beginning of their period, approximately 10% of women experience severe pain.
There are two types:
• Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain disorder that are within the normal process of menstruation. It can cause disability for a short period.
• Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual pain is related to a gynecological disorder that can be easily treated in most cases.
Dysmenorrhea is more likely to occur during adolescence and affects half of adolescents. Fortunately for many women, the problem diminishes with age, especially after a pregnancy.
Causes
Its pain probably results from contractions of the uterus that occur when the blood supply to the lining of the uterus is reduced. In general, the pain will happen only during menstrual cycles during which an egg is released. The pain may progressively become worse and as the endometrial tissue shed during a menstrual period by the cervix, especially if the cervical canal is narrow.
Other factors may aggravate the pain of primary dysmenorrhea, including the slope of the uterus backwards (retroverted) rather than forward, lack of exercise, and psychological or social stress.
Secondary dysmenorrhea may be caused by a number of disorders, including the following:
• Fibroids: benign growths in the uterine wall or are attached to the wall
• ovarian cyst or tumor
• Adenomyosis: The tissue lining the uterus begin to grow within its walls
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Endometriosis – fragments of the endometrial lining of the uterus escape and become implanted on other pelvic organs
• Salpingitis – infection that primarily affects the fallopian tubes but can also affect the ovaries, uterus and cervix
Treatment and Prevention
The doctor may prescribe hormone supplements or other remedies depending on the cause of the dysmenorrhea.
Primary dysmenorrhea is usually treated with painkillers. The anti-inflammatory drugs. Oral contraceptives can also help reduce the severity of symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting can be treated with anti-nausea drug, but these symptoms usually regress without treatment when the cramps disappeared.
Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the underlying cause. Surgery can be done to remove fibroids or widen the cervical canal if it is too narrow.
In addition to the salary shown above, other non-medical measures can help relieve the pain of dysmenorrhea:
• lying on your back with a pillow under the knees
• Place a heating pad on the abdomen or lower back
• take a hot bath
• Gently massage the abdomen
• light exercise, like stretching, walking or bicycling to improve blood flow and reduce pelvic pain
• Take plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations as your period approaches
Some alternative therapies such as herbs or acupuncture, may also be useful. Medicinal herbs should be used with caution. Although “natural”, they are not necessarily safe and can sometimes cause side effects. They can also interact with other medicines. It is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal medicines.
Posted in 
Tags: