Dysmenorrhea

More than half of women experience a form of painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and up to 15% have discomfort severe enough to sideline them from work or school. At Jersey Women’s Care Center in Jersey City and Fair Lawn, New Jersey, experienced OB/GYN specialists Elizabeth Ramirez, MD, FACOG, and Huiying Hou, MD, provide treatments that offer lasting relief. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea describes painful menstrual periods that can occur because your uterus contracts as it sheds its lining during menstruation. Minor aches, pains, and other symptoms during your periods are normal, but if you have very painful periods that disrupt your daily life, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. 

What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea?

The symptoms of dysmenorrhea can include:

• Cramping
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headaches 
• Aching or throbbing pelvic pain
• Pressure in your abdominal area
• Lower back, hip, or inner thigh pain

The discomfort you experience because of dysmenorrhea might begin right before your period and last about 2-3 days.

What are the different types of dysmenorrhea?

Two types of dysmenorrhea include primary and secondary. 

Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea describes menstrual cramps that appear each time you have a period, but they aren’t related to a medical condition. It’s the more common type.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea develops because of an underlying medical problem or infection. This type of dysmenorrhea may begin early in your menstrual cycle and last longer than just a few days.

What are the risk factors for dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea among women is common, affecting about 60% to some extent. Its risk factors include:

• Family history of dysmenorrhea
• Hormone changes
• Endometriosis 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Fibroids
• Adenomyosis (benign tissue growth)
• Cervical stenosis (narrowed cervix)
• Irregularly shaped uterus
• Conditions affecting the fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Being younger than age 20
• Having heavy or long-lasting periods
• Smoking
• Beginning your first period before age 12

Complications, such as infertility or an ectopic pregnancy, could occur if you have a gynecological condition causing painful periods.

How is dysmenorrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosing dysmenorrhea at Jersey Women’s Care Center begins with a review of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical exam and pelvic exam, and, when needed, diagnostic testing. You might undergo:

• Blood work
• Urine testing
• Pap smear
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

If you need treatment, Jersey Women’s Care Center personalizes a plan. 

How is dysmenorrhea treated?

Your dysmenorrhea treatment may include adopting healthy habits, taking medications, trying hormone therapy, or undergoing a surgical procedure. You might use heating pads and avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. It’s also helpful to get plenty of sleep, stay active, minimize stress, and eat nutritious foods. 

Schedule a dysmenorrhea evaluation at Jersey Women’s Care Center by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.