Understanding Dysmenorrhea: The Pain that Comes with a Menstrual Cycle
Most women consider their menstrual period as annoying. Menstruation is not only annoying, but it can also cause other problems that are associated with pain and discomfort. One such condition that is common in every menstrual period is dysmenorrhea. Approximately 75 percent of women suffer from dysmenorrhea. The condition is a medical problem that is common during menstrual periods. Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe uterine pain. In some cases, the pain may be slight and is only present on the first day of menstruation. However, the majority of women suffer from intense abdominal pain that may severely limit one's activities so as to require medication.
The pain that is associated with dysmenorrhea can be classified as sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting. In the majority of cases, dysmenorrhea may precede the menstrual cycle or sometimes accompany menstruation itself. However, the pain gradually subsides as menstruation tapers off. Although dysmenorrhea is associated with menstruation, the condition is not always associated with blood loss. In some rare cases, dysmenorrhea is associated with heavy blood loss during menstruation, a condition known as menorrhagia.
Classification of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is classified into either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. In both cases, pain is always present. They differ by the accompanied symptoms.
1) Primary dysmenorrhea is a pain connected with any part of the abdomen. Sometimes, the pain may radiate to the back or even to the thighs. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fainting, and fatigue. Tjhis type of dysmenorrhea may begin a few days before menstruation until during a woman's menstrual period. This case of dysmenorrhea is due to changes in the body associated with ovulation. Dysmenorrhea is considered to be primary dysmenorrhea when there is no underlying disease or disorder in a person.
2) Secondary dysmenorrhea does not occur by itself. It is a condition where dysmenorrhea occurs as an impact of an existing medical condition. For example, if a woman is suffering from ovarian cysts or pelvic congestions, dysmenorrhea may follow.
What Are the Treatments for Dysmenorrhea?
1)) The most common treatment with the easiest access for treating dysmenorrhea is through taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen is one of the most common forms of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there are side effects associated with taking these kinds of drugs. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, and dyspepsia.
2) Another way to treat dysmenorrhea is through nutritional intervention. It is important that one must have sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and thiamine in one's diet. Because of the intake of such nutrients, the imbalance of hormones and other elements in the body that trigger dysmenorrhea is addressed.
3) Other methods of treatment for dysmenorrhea include acupuncture and acupressure. Such methods are preferred by many women because not only do they provide relief from dysmenorrhea but also provide a sense of balance in the body, which is vital in giving it rest.
The pain that is associated with dysmenorrhea can be classified as sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting. In the majority of cases, dysmenorrhea may precede the menstrual cycle or sometimes accompany menstruation itself. However, the pain gradually subsides as menstruation tapers off. Although dysmenorrhea is associated with menstruation, the condition is not always associated with blood loss. In some rare cases, dysmenorrhea is associated with heavy blood loss during menstruation, a condition known as menorrhagia.
Classification of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is classified into either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. In both cases, pain is always present. They differ by the accompanied symptoms.
1) Primary dysmenorrhea is a pain connected with any part of the abdomen. Sometimes, the pain may radiate to the back or even to the thighs. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fainting, and fatigue. Tjhis type of dysmenorrhea may begin a few days before menstruation until during a woman's menstrual period. This case of dysmenorrhea is due to changes in the body associated with ovulation. Dysmenorrhea is considered to be primary dysmenorrhea when there is no underlying disease or disorder in a person.
2) Secondary dysmenorrhea does not occur by itself. It is a condition where dysmenorrhea occurs as an impact of an existing medical condition. For example, if a woman is suffering from ovarian cysts or pelvic congestions, dysmenorrhea may follow.
What Are the Treatments for Dysmenorrhea?
1)) The most common treatment with the easiest access for treating dysmenorrhea is through taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen is one of the most common forms of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there are side effects associated with taking these kinds of drugs. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, and dyspepsia.
2) Another way to treat dysmenorrhea is through nutritional intervention. It is important that one must have sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, and thiamine in one's diet. Because of the intake of such nutrients, the imbalance of hormones and other elements in the body that trigger dysmenorrhea is addressed.
3) Other methods of treatment for dysmenorrhea include acupuncture and acupressure. Such methods are preferred by many women because not only do they provide relief from dysmenorrhea but also provide a sense of balance in the body, which is vital in giving it rest.