What is dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is a condition defined as painful menstruation that interferes with daily activities. In some people, it may interfere with daily activities for a few days each month.
It usually starts with bleeding a few hours before menstrual bleeding, reaches the most severe level in the first 12 hours after the start of bleeding and gradually decreases and disappears in a few hours. Sometimes it may take a few days.
Pain is felt in the form of intermittent cramps or throbbing, mostly in the lower abdomen and groin areas. Pain also tends to radiate to the lower back and legs.
There may be other complaints besides pain. One or more of the symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, feeling of gas in the abdomen, headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, flushing and sometimes fainting, may be accompanied by pain.
How is Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) classified?
1) Primary Dysmenorrhea: A condition in which no cause can be detected by examination and ultrasonographic examinations, usually in young people. It is a painful menstrual condition that begins and continues after menstruation begins in girls.
During menstrual bleeding, hormone-like substances called Prostaglandins are secreted from the uterus. Prostaglandins cause the tissues in the uterus to shed and be removed from the body with bleeding, causing contractions and pain in the uterus. Another purpose of contractions is to reduce blood loss by compressing the vessels between the muscles.
As a result, the responsible condition for primary dysmenorrhea is the secretion of Prostaglandins.
2) Secondary Dysmenorrhea:A reason explaining the situation is detected through examination and examination, and it is usually not caused by the start of menstruation. It is a painful menstrual period that starts later.
The most common causes are; endometriosis, myomas, adenomyosis, stenosis in the cervix, polyps in or around the uterus, ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, use of spiral.
Endometriosis: The cells lining the uterus are damaged in tissues outside the uterus. It often settles in the ovaries and tubes. These cells are sensitive to hormones and They form purposeful foci and adhere to surrounding tissues, causing painful menstruation and painful sexual intercourse.
Myomas: They are benign tumors originating from the muscle tissue that forms the uterine wall. Some myomas may cause painful menstruation depending on their location.
Adenomyosis: It is the widespread distribution of the cells lining the uterus into the muscle cells that form the uterine wall.
Stenosis in the cervix: Stenosis may occur as a result of adhesions in the uterine canal after previous infections or previous curettages.
How is Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) diagnosed?
Generally, patients with pain severe enough to affect daily activities during menstrual periods are easily recognized. At this stage, a meticulous gynecological examination and ultrasonographic examination help us distinguish between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Computed tomography and MRI examinations are also among the differential and advanced examinations. Rarely, laparoscopy can be performed for diagnostic as well as treatment purposes.
How is Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation) treated?
1) Painkillers: Painkillers called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are the most effective treatment tool in primary dysmenorrhea. However, its side effects on the gastrointestinal system should be taken into consideration and it should be taken on a full stomach and with plenty of water.
2) Hormonal medications:Birth control pills are one of the most effective methods to prevent menstrual pain as long as they are used. However, when the pills are stopped, the pain starts again. Additionally, people who use birth control pills at risk should not use this treatment method. Those who cannot use birth control pills containing estrogen can also try methods containing progesterone. Monthly or quarterly injections, medicated intrauterine devices, implants placed under the skin, and pills containing only progesterone are in this group of drugs. Side effects of this group of methods include irregular bleeding, bloody discharge and menstrual delays.
3) Surgical treatment:Endometriosis is the cause of painful menstruation. If soot or fibroids are detected, pain can be reduced by surgical treatment.
4) Other methods: Taking a hot bath during menstrual pains and applying heat to the lower abdomen and feet can reduce the pain. Regular physical exercises and staying away from stress will also be beneficial in this regard.
Studies continue on the contribution of dietary Vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements to the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
Does dysmenorrhea last a lifetime?
Studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is most commonly seen in adolescence and the 20s. As age increases, these pains decrease. It has also been determined that women who have not given birth have less menstrual pain than those who have given birth.
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