Dysmenorrhoea

What is Dysmenorrhoea

Painful menstruation affects approximately 50% of menstruating women, and 10% are incapacitated for up to 3 days. Painful menstruation is the leading cause of lost time from school and work among women of childbearing age. This pain may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usually subsides as menstruation tapers off.

Although some pain during menstruation is normal, excessive pain is not. Dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain severe enough to limit normal activities or require medication. It may coexist with excessively heavy blood loss.

What are the Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea

cramps or painful menstruation, involves menstrual periods that are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

What are the Causes of Dysmenorrhoea

The exact cause of dysmenorrhoea is not known.

It is speculated that primary dysmenorrhoea may be due to excessive production of, or sensitivity to prostaglandins, a family of chemicals produced in the wall of the womb which cause the contraction of the womb associated with the shedding of the lining.

A woman who develops painful periods in her later 20s, 30s or 40s will need investigation, as this is secondary dysmenorrhoea. Once a cause is found it will need to be treated to relieve the symptoms.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Dysmenorrhoea

Keep your abdomen warm. For some women this may entail having a warm bath, for others using a hot water bottle does the trick. While having your period, try to avoid drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. For some women, exercise relieves the symptoms of period pain. Try to avoid stressful situations. Massage can help. Some women use pain-relieving drugs for the pain. Medications, which prevent the build up, of prostaglandins in the days prior to a period may be useful in making periods less painful and lighter. Your doctor will advise you if these drugs would help you. Many women find that the oral contraceptive pill is an excellent treatment for painful or irregular periods. Your doctor will advise you if this is a suitable option for you.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Dysmenorrhoea

Some physicians advise that alcohol should be avoided by women experiencing menstrual pain, because it depletes stores of certain nutrients and alters the metabolism of carbohydrates-which in turn might worsen muscle spasms. Alcohol can also interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize hormones. In theory, this might result in elevated estrogen levels, increased fluid and salt retention, and heavier menstrual flow.

Relaxation techniques have been used with some success to alleviate dysmenorrhea in some young women. According to one preliminary study, the symptoms of menstrual cramps, nausea, irritability, and poor concentration greatly improved after 20-minute relaxation sessions twice per week.