Menstrual cramps can come and go, but there are instances where the pain stops you in your tracks and prevents you from performing your daily activities. Painful menses, or dysmenorrhoea, can be a debilitating problem for some women, but thankfully, there are effective ways to help relieve its symptoms.
What is Dysmenorrhoea?
“Dysmenorrhoea” is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. You may experience these painful cramps the day before or on the day of your period. Apart from cramping, you may also experience other symptoms, including nausea and headaches. Dysmenorrhoea generally subsides after two to three days, but its symptoms can make you believe it lasted longer.
Types of Dysmenorrhoea
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Primary dysmenorrhoea is the most common type and occurs when there are no conditions or complications affecting your reproductive organs. It results from severe and abnormal uterine contractions and may begin a day or days before your period or when the bleeding starts.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Secondary dysmenorrhoea is less common than primary dysmenorrhoea and occurs when a condition or complication affects your reproductive organs. It may start earlier during your menstrual cycle and last longer, with some instances chronic pain.
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Women?
Dysmenorrhoea is commonly characterised by lower abdominal pain that can last a few days. The most common cause is due to a natural chemical called prostaglandin that causes your womb to contract during menstruation and shed the uterine lining. Prostaglandin levels are high during menstruation and cause your womb to contract strongly to shed the uterine lining, while also resulting in pain and cramping. Their levels will gradually reduce after your period, so the cramping also eases up over time.
Currently, doctors are still unsure as to why some women experience more painful cramps than others. Some believe it may be due to unusually elevated prostaglandin levels, while others suggest a sensitivity to prostaglandins; further studies are needed. However, the pain from secondary dysmenorrhoea stems from an underlying medical condition that causes these painful cramps. That may include premenstrual syndrome (PMS), uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.
What are the Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea?
The common symptoms of dysmenorrhoea include:
- Throbbing and occasionally intense pain or cramping in your lower abdomen.
- Pain radiating to your hips, back, and thighs.
- Unusually long periods of cramping, even after your period has ended (a sign of secondary dysmenorrhoea).
- Irregular periods.
- Occasional and sudden bleeding.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Diarrhoea.
- Nausea and dizziness.
If some symptoms seem intense or prolonged, you should see a doctor promptly to identify if you may have secondary dysmenorrhoea.
Differentiating Normal Cramps from Dysmenorrhoea
Normal period cramps generally start just before your period and gradually subside after your period. However, dysmenorrhoea is characterised by significant, painful menstrual cramps that last for some time even after your period ends. If you are experiencing the latter, seek prompt treatment at once.
How to Treat Dysmenorrhoea
Your doctor will perform several checks, including a pelvic exam, to determine your dysmenorrhoea. He/She may also perform additional tests, such as an ultrasound of your womb and blood tests, if they suspect secondary dysmenorrhoea. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor will discuss their proposed treatment in detail.
Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications (like paracetamol) can provide pain relief that reduces prostaglandin levels, helping to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
You should take your first dose when you experience a cramp or when you have vaginal bleeding, whichever starts first. Be sure to abide by your doctor’s recommended dosage to prevent complications from arising.
Hormonal Therapies
Some hormonal therapies can help to thin the uterine lining and reduce prostaglandin production to help mitigate symptoms. These treatments are aimed at preventing ovulation to reduce the severity of dysmenorrhoea symptoms while giving you control over your periods. It may be a safer alternative to NSAIDs, especially if you cannot take such medications due to problems such as a stomach ulcer.
Surgery
Surgery is generally recommended for severe cases of secondary dysmenorrhoea that result from a serious condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids, or if your condition does not improve even with nonsurgical treatment. If necessary, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may help relieve symptoms; this surgery is a last resort, as you will no longer be able to bear children after the surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Home remedies and lifestyle modifications may help with your dysmenorrhoea alongside your medical treatments.
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen during menstrual cramps for much-needed pain relief. A warm or hot bath can also be therapeutic in easing the intensity of cramps.
- Ensure you get sufficient rest to help you cope with the pain.
- Enjoy a gentle massage on your lower abdomen and back.
- Participate in light exercises to stay active and ease your menstrual cramps. Avoid overexerting yourself, as you could potentially exacerbate your cramping.
- Minimise your caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Reduce your salt and sugar intake as well to prevent bloating.
- Include more vitamins, such as vitamin B in your diet to gradually improve your health.
- Quit smoking to improve your overall well-being.
- Manage your stress with relaxation techniques or hobbies, as stress can also exacerbate the intensity of cramps.
While dysmenorrhoea is not preventable, you can still minimise its effects by practising a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical help when necessary.
At O&G The Women’s Specialist
Taking care of your reproductive health is vital to your well-being, and here at O&G The Women’s Medical Specialist, we are ready to support you with a full range of reproductive care services dedicated to your well-being. Contact us today to learn more!
