Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to describe painful cramps during menstruation. These are caused by uterine contractions. As the uterus tightens, it can press on nearby blood vessels and cut off the oxygen supply to muscle tissue. This causes the discomfort some women experience.

Two Types of Dysmenorrhea

There are two types of dysmenorrhea. The first is called primary dysmenorrhea and includes common menstrual cramps.  The other is secondary dysmenorrhea. This is the result of a disorder in the reproductive organs. It can be caused by several different conditions, including:

• Benign tumors (fibroids) – Growths found along uterus’ inner wall
• Pelvic inflammatory disease – Bacterial infection in the uterus that can spread
• Cervical stenosis – narrowing of the uterine opening
• Adenomyosis – Occurs when uterine lining grows into muscle
• Endometriosis – Tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of it

Reducing Menstrual Cramps

If you experience secondary dysmenorrhea, you should talk to your gynecologist about treatment options. For women with primary dysmenorrhea, you can try the following methods to help reduce pain and discomfort.

• Rest as needed during your period
• Avoid salt and caffeine
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Massage your abdomen and lower back
• Start exercising regularly (ask your doctor before beginning an exercise program)

You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If these methods do not help, talk to your gynecologist about additional options. You may be prescribed a higher dose of Ibuprofen or a similar pain reliever. Some women take oral contraceptives to help manage menstrual pain.

Make an appointment with Women’s Health in West Bloomfield if you have period discomfort to ensure that you aren’t experiencing the effects of an underlying health condition.

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Dysmenorrhea is another way to describe the pain felt during menstruation. It is divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Common menstrual cramps fall into the primary group. They are recurrent, usually last a day or two before bleeding starts, and are not the result of a disease.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain that is felt due to a reproductive disorder like uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Discomfort usually starts earlier in the cycle and lasts longer than primary cramps.

What Causes Dysmenorrhea?

A chemical called prostaglandin causes the uterus to contract, or tighten. The contractions tend to be stronger during menstruation. If it happens too intensely, it can apply pressure to surrounding blood vessels, cutting off the oxygen supply to uterine muscles. This brief period of oxygen loss causes cramping. The causes of secondary dysmenorrhea will vary based on the patient’s medical condition.

How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

There are several easy ways to help relieve primary dysmenorrhea. First, women should drink more water to help reduce bloating. Six to eight glasses per day are recommended. Also avoid anything that causes fluid retention, like salt. A healthy diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids can help ease pain on an ongoing basis.

Warm up a heating pad or hot water bottle and lay it on your abdomen. You can combine this treatment with an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen.

Even though you may not feel like it during this time, exercise can also help. A workout releases endorphins that help dull pain and discomfort. If you are feeling fatigued, try a low-impact activity like yoga. Contact Women’s Health OBGYN’s in West Bloomfield, Michigan to schedule an appointment to learn more about managing dysmenorrhea.

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