Menstrual cramping
| Dysmenorrhea | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Dysmenorrhoea, painful periods, menstrual cramps |
| Specialty | Gynecology |
| Symptoms | Pain during menstruation, diarrhea, nausea |
| Usual onset | Within a year of the first menstrual period |
| Duration | Less than 3 days |
| Causes | No underlying problem, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis |
| Diagnostic method | Pelvic exam, ultrasound |
| Similar conditions | Ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, chronic pelvic pain |
| Treatment | Heating pad, medication |
| Medication | NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, hormonal birth control, IUD with progestogen |
| Prognosis | Often improves with age |
| Frequency | 20% to 90% (women of reproductive age) |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods, or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. Its usual onset occurs around the time that menstruation begins. Symptoms typically last less than three days. The pain is usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include back pain, diarrhea, or nausea.
In young women painful periods often occur without an underlying problem. In older women it is more often due to an underlying issues such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis. It is more common among those with heavy periods, irregular periods, whose periods started before twelve years of age, or who have a low body weight. A pelvic exam in those who are sexually active and ultrasound may be useful to help in diagnosis. Conditions that should be ruled out include ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, and chronic pelvic pain.
Dysmenorrhea occurs less often in those who exercise regularly and those who have children early in life. Treatment may include the use of a heating pad. Medications that may help include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, hormonal birth control, and the IUD with progestogen. Taking vitamin B or magnesium may help. Evidence for yoga, acupuncture, and massage is insufficient. Surgery may be useful if certain underlying problems are present.
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