What is dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: "primary" and "secondary."
Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps. Cramps usually begin one to two years after a woman starts getting her period. Pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen or back and can range from mild to severe. Common menstrual cramps usually become less painful as a woman ages, and may stop entirely if the woman has a baby.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain that is caused by a disorder in the woman's reproductive organs. Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps.
What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea?
- Aching pain in the abdomen (pain may be severe at times)
- Feeling of pressure in the abdomen
- Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs
When cramps are severe, symptoms may include:
- Upset stomach, sometimes with vomiting
- Loose stool
What causes common menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus (which is a muscle). The uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows, contracts throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly. 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 the muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.
How can I relieve mild menstrual cramps?
To relieve mild menstrual cramps:
- Take aspirin or another pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Note: For best relief, you must take ibuprofen as soon as bleeding or cramping starts.)
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen.
- Rest when needed.
- Avoid foods that contain caffeine.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Massage your lower back and abdomen.
Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of your weekly routine.
If these steps do not relieve pain, your health care provider can order medications for you, including ibuprofen (higher dose than is available over-the-counter) and oral contraceptives (women who take oral contraceptives have less menstrual pain.)
How does secondary dysmenorrhea causes menstrual cramps?
Menstrual pain from secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disease in the woman's reproductive organs. Conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include:
- Endometriosis - A condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of the uterus.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease - An infection caused by bacteria (a type of germ) that starts in the uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs.
- Cervical stenosis - Narrowing of the opening to the uterus
- Tumors (also called "fibroids" ) - Growths on the inner wall of the uterus
How can I know if my cramps are normal?
If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than two or three days, contact your health care provider. Both primary and secondary menstrual cramps can be treated, so it's important to get checked.
First, you will be asked to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. Your health care provider will also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor inserts a speculum (an instrument that lets the clinician see inside the vagina) and examines your vagina, cervix, and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes, and a small sample of vaginal fluid may be taken for testing.
If secondary dysmenorrhea is suspected, further tests may be needed. If a medical problem is found, your health care provider will discuss treatments.
If you use tampons and develop the following symptoms, get medical help right away:
- Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, fainting, or near fainting
- A rash that looks like a sunburn
These are symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
409 12th St., S.W., PO Box 96920
Washington, D.C. 20090-6920
202.638.5577
© Copyright 1995-2009 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 6/4/2007...#4148
