The cause of pain during menstrual period is the contraction of the uterus in order to expel menstrual blood and the substances called "prostaglandin" secreted from the uterus during this period stimulate the nerve endings. Prostaglandins are substances that are found in many tissues in our body and cause pain, in addition to various other functions. In general, it is normal to have some pain during the menstrual period and it is an indicator of ovulation in that month's menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological disease defined as painful menstruation that interferes with daily activities. Pain; It is intermittent, cramp-like, most intense in the lower abdomen and groin, but can also spread to the waist, back and legs. It often begins the day before menstruation, is most severe within the first 12 hours after the start of bleeding, and usually lasts for a maximum of 2-3 days.
In approximately half of the women, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of gas in the abdomen, headache, etc. One or more of the symptoms, including pain, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, flushing, and sometimes fainting, may occur along with the pain.
Dysmenorrhea is divided into primary and secondary:
There is no underlying disease in primary dysmenorrhea, usually the first menstrual period occurs during adolescence. It starts from bleeding, affects approximately half of the women in the society, and its severity decreases with advancing age or after pregnancy. Here, the intensity of the pain depends on the person's pain threshold.
The term secondary dysmenorrheais used when there is another underlying disease that causes menstrual pain. It is rarer and the pain does not occur at the beginning but can develop later at any age. It means coming out. The causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis, fibroids, inflammatory diseases involving the uterus and tubes, and IUD (intrauterine device, spiral) use.
What should be done?
In the presence of significant menstrual pain that affects daily life, it would be appropriate to consult a gynecologist and obstetrician. Your doctor will examine and examine whether the complaint is due to any cause. He may investigate with ason examination and ask for some blood tests if necessary.
What is the treatment?
In the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) group are very effective. The effects of these painkillers become more pronounced when they are started one or two days before the menstrual period begins.
If adequate results are not obtained with painkillers and there is no obstacle to use, birth control is recommended for suitable people. pillscan be used. The logic of using birth control pills is to control pain by preventing ovulation.
Some nutritional supplements, especially omega-3 and magnesium, can sometimes help reduce pain and problems such as premenstrual gastrointestinal changes, appetite changes, and mood changes.
In secondary (due to a cause) dysmenorrhea, the underlying disease is determined as much as possible and then the treatment is arranged accordingly. For this purpose, when necessary, intra-abdominal organs can be examined using a method called laparoscopy, and some surgical procedures can also be performed.
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