Menstrual Pain - Dysmenorrhea

which occurs a few days before the start of menstruation; usually, it is a sharp pain, but it can also be crampy, dull and constant. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common symptoms of PMS, therefore it can be associated with headache , nausea, constipation or diarrhea and low back pain.

;

Nervousness;

Mood swings;

Tiredness;

Diarrhea;

Nausea;

Low back pain;

Breast tenderness;

Dizziness and fainting.

The key symptom, however, remains the succession of painful pangs - more or less severe, spasmodic and cramp-like - in the lower abdomen, which can also radiate to the back or to the inner face of the thighs.

In some cases, the painful symptoms can become so intense that any type of activity is difficult.

Menstrual Pain - How Long Do They Last?

Typically, dysmenorrhea reaches its maximum intensity 24 hours after the onset of menstrual flow and can last for 2-3 days.

, cervical stenosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and benign or malignant uterine neoplasms.

Causes of Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is not related to any gynecological disease; the symptoms begin just after menarche (first menstruation) or during adolescence, they lessen with the passing of the years and may disappear after the first pregnancy. This is a symptom attributable to hormonal changes due to ovulatory cycles and excessive production of prostaglandins, which cause spastic and painful contractions of the uterus during the first two days of menstrual flow. Within certain limits, therefore, in a young woman, pain is to be considered normal and physiological.

Risk factors

Risk factors for more intense symptoms include: early menarche age, prolonged or heavy menstrual flows, smoking, and a family history of dysmenorrhea. Menstruation-related anxiety and lack of exercise can also adversely affect dysmenorrhea.

Causes of Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, generally arises at a later age than the primary, occurs throughout the period of menstrual flow and is due to other diseases or pelvic anomalies.

The most common causes are endometriosis, inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries, uterine adenomyosis, the use of an intrauterine device as a method of contraception and the presence of fibroids and polyps of the uterus or cervix.

Less frequent disorders that cause this symptom include congenital malformations (eg narrowing of the cervix, malpositioned uterus, etc.), pelvic inflammatory disease, cysts and ovarian tumors.