Dysmenorrhoea, also known as painful periods/menstrual cramps, is extremely common in young females and is a common cause of missing school and days off from work. Fortunately, there are now many treatment options available so that young persons do not have to suffer from severe menstrual cramps.
Who gets dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhoea is extremely common and it is estimated that almost 90 percent of all young females will experience some form of dysmenorrhoea. Dysmenorrhoea that is not caused by an underlying condition tends to improve as one gets older.
How do you know that you have dysmenorrhoea?
How one describes menstrual cramps will vary from one individual to another, but general symptoms include the following:
• Aching pain in the abdomen (‘stomach’)
• Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
• Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs
When cramps are severe, symptoms may include:
• Nausea (upset stomach), sometimes with vomiting
• Loose stools
What causes dysmonorrhoea?
The vast majority of young girls having dysmenorrhoea do not have an underlying cause. Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus (womb) which is a muscle. The uterus contracts throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of a muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.
Diagnosis and management
Many young people manage their dysmenoorhoea at home. However, if their periods are causing severe pain, and disrupts school and social life, they should contact their healthcare provider for advice. In cases where the dysmenorrhoea is very severe, referral to a gynaecologist is required. Identification of an underlying cause for the dysmmenorhoea is often the focus of tests and other investigations. To repeat, in most young females no underlying cause for this condition is found.
Underlying factors that can cause dysmenorrhoea
There are a few disorders that affect the reproductive system that can cause dysmenorrhoea. These disorders are more common in older females and include the following:
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of the uterus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the reproductive system organs
• Stenosis (narrowing) of the cervix
Things that can be done to relieve dysmenorrhoea?
A variety of measures can be done to relieve some of the discomfort associated with dysmenorrhoea. Simple analgesics can be used as well as some of the following:
• Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen. Taking a warm bath may also provide some relief.
• Get lots of rest.
• Avoid foods that contain caffeine and salt.
• Avoid smoking and drinking excessive alcohol.
• Massage the lower back and abdomen.
• Engage in regular exercise .
Most women who have period pain find it’s mild enough to treated at home. However, if your periods are causing you severe pain seek medical advice.
Menstrual cramps, whatever the cause, can be treated.
Conclusion
Dysmenorrhoea is one of the most common menstrual disorders in young women. The pain associated with menstrual period can vary in severity and, in some young females, can result in time off from school, work and social activities. Most females use home remedies for pain relief, but in severe cases of dysmenorrhoea referral to a gynaecologist is warranted.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
