DYSMENORRHEA

What is dysmenorrhea?Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain with menstruation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: "primary" and "secondary".Primary dysmenorrhea is common menstrual cramps that are recurrent and are not due to other diseases. Cramps usually begin one to two days after a woman starts getting her period. Pain usually begins 1 or 2 days before or when menstrual bleeding starts and is felt in the lower abdomen, back, or thighs and can range from mild to severe. Pain can typically last 12 to 72 hours and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and even diarrhea. Common menstrual cramps usually become less painful as a woman ages and may stop entirely if the woman has a baby. Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain that is caused by a disorder in the woman's reproductive organs, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, or infection. Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps. The pain is not typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea. What are the symptoms of dysmenorrhea?Aching pain in the abdomen (pain may be severe at times) Feeling of pressure in the abdomen Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs What causes common menstrual cramps?Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus (which is a muscle) by a chemical called prostaglandin. The uterus, where a baby grows, contracts throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of the muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.How can I relieve mild menstrual cramps?To relieve mild menstrual cramps:For best relief, take C24/7 Natura-Ceuticals.Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen. Rest when needed. Avoid foods that contain caffeine. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Massage your lower back and abdomen. Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain. To help prevent cramps, make exercise a part of your weekly routine.If these steps do not relieve pain, your health care provider can order medications for you, including ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medication (higher dose than is available over-the-counter). Also, oral contraceptives may be prescribed because women who take oral contraceptives have less menstrual pain.How does secondary dysmenorrhea causes menstrual cramps?Menstrual pain from secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a disease in the woman's reproductive organs. Conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include: Endometriosis - A condition in which the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis – A condition where the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus. Pelvic inflammatory disease - An infection caused by bacteria (a type of germ) that starts in the uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs. Cervical stenosis - Narrowing of the opening to the uterus Tumors (also called "fibroids") - Growths on the inner wall of the uterus How can I know if my cramps are normal?If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than two or three days, contact your health care provider. Both primary and secondary menstrual cramps can be treated, so it's important to get checked.First, you will be asked to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. Your health care provider will also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor inserts a speculum (an instrument that lets the clinician see inside the vagina) and examines your vagina, cervix, and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes, and a small sample of vaginal fluid may be taken for testing.If secondary dysmenorrhea is suspected, further tests may be needed. If a medical problem is found, your health care provider will discuss treatments.If you use tampons and develop the following symptoms, get medical help right away:Fever over 102 degrees FahrenheitVomiting Diarrhea Dizziness, fainting, or near faintingA rash that looks like a sunburnThese are symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening illness.