Dysmenorrhea: causes, symptoms, and recommendations
La dysmenorrhea is defined as the pain immediately before or coinciding with menstruation and located preferably in the suprapubic region.
It affects around 50% of menstruating women, constituting the most frequent gynecological symptom in adolescents and young women.
The pain is usually mild, but in a significant percentage of cases it can be so severe that it limits daily activities on a monthly basis.
It is important to know that they can be differentiated according to the cause of the pain.
Types of dysmenorrhea
Primary
In the absence of demonstrable organic pathology. It usually occurs in the adolescence, usually 1 to 3 years after menarche (the beginning of menstruation).
The cause is unknown. However, it may be due to an increase in the release of prostaglandins (PGF2) from the endometrium. This increase is progressive from the follicular phase onward, reaching its peak production in the first 48 hours of menstruation. This coincides with the peak intensity of symptoms and produces increased uterine muscle tone and high-amplitude contractions.
Various alterations at the steroid hormone level have also been linked.
Middle School
Caused by a disorder in the reproductive system. It usually appears several years after menarche, around 20 years old.
The main causes are:
- endometriosis,
- adenomyosis,
- myomas
- and uterine polyps.
Less common are chronic salpingitis, IUD use, and congenital or acquired obstruction of the cervical outlet tract.
Symptoms associated with Dysmenorrhea
First, the painIt usually begins a few hours before the onset of menstruation. It peaks on the first day of menstruation and usually ends within 48 hours.
This pain is usually crampy or spasmodic, beginning in the pelvis and can radiate to the groin and anterior thighs. It can also be occasional during one cycle or constant throughout each cycle.
The most severe cases may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and extreme fatigue.
In rare cases, it may occur with syncope o loss of consciousness.
La Pain intensity It is divided into three levels:
- Mild: Menstrual pain that occurs in a high percentage of cycles. It is short-lived and absent from other accompanying symptoms. Painkillers are not usually required, nor are there any disruptions to daily activities.
- Moderate: The pain is more intense and lasts longer, and may be accompanied by other autonomic symptoms. It is managed with painkillers, which are necessary to maintain daily activities.
- SevereThe pain is very intense and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, and even loss of consciousness. Painkillers are usually ineffective, limiting social and work life.
Available Treatments
It will be important visit to the gynecologist When the degree of dysmenorrhea is moderate or severe, appropriate treatment should be started immediately.
After pelvic examination, ultrasound control, blood tests and cultures to rule out secondary dysmenorrhea, the following will be prescribed: pharmacological therapy most suitable for pain relief.
- Provide some general measures,
- transmit information about the processes of pain physiology,
- apply local heat,
- reduction of caffeine, chocolate and red meat,
- provide dietary supplements, such as omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid,
- and practicing physical exercise are an important part of disease control.
Related information
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling the following numbers: 91 387 51 72/73/74 or make an appointment for an in-person consultation, always with the best specialists.