Dysmenorrhoea or menstrual pain normally occurs to women that have reach puberty and when they start to menstruate. However, not all women experiences menstrual pain. As me, myself, i'm starting experiences this dysmenorrhoea a few months after my first period. The pain started a few days before you menstruate. But the most painful day is the first day of menstruate. First of all, it feels like crampy pain in my lower abdomen especially in my stomach. then, the pain getting worst till i can't bear it at all. Cold sweat, shaking are my best friend when the dysmenorrhoea started. the best way to reduce the pain is taking pain killer or any medicine contain paracetamol. (usually we call it as panadol)
However, there are two types of dysmenorrhoea which is primary dysmenorrhoea and secondary dysmenorrhoea. and here are some about dysmenorrhoea . =) have a nice, happy reading
TYPE OF DYSMENORRHOEA
Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in otherwise healthywomen. The pain is fluctuating, spasmodic or ‘labour-like’ cramp. This type of pain is not related to any specific problems with the uterus or other female reproductive organs. Symptoms begin with or shortly (6months) after the first menstrual period (menarche). It begins a few hours before or with menses and is most intense during the first 24-36 hours. It lasts for 2-3 days. The pain generally occurs in the lower abdominal region and may spread to thighs and back. There could be associated nausea, vomiting, dizziness or diarrhea.
Second dysmenorrhoea or congestive dysmenorrhoea is menstrual pain that is attributed to some underlying disease or structural abnormality either within or outside the uterus (eg. pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids, endometriosis, adhesions, adenomyosis, uterine displacement or a retroverted uterus). Symptoms begin at a later age, approximately 2 or more years after the first period. The pain begins more than a few hours before menses. There could be a history of IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) or repeated pelvic infection or presence of a pelvic disease or structural abnormality after examination.
WHAT CAUSES THE PAIN OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHOEA?
The cause is not clear. The uterus is normal. What is thought to happen is that normal body chemicals called prostaglandins build up in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins help the uterus to squeeze (contract) and shed the lining of the uterus during a period. In women with period pain there seems to be a build-up of too much prostaglandins, or the uterus may be extra sensitive to the prostaglandins. This may cause the uterus to contract too hard, which reduces the blood supply to the uterus. This can lead to pain.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHOEA?
The main symptom is crampy pain in your lower abdomen. Often, the first few periods that you have are painless. Period pains may only develop 6-12 months after you have started your periods. The pain:
- May spread to your lower back, or to the top of your legs.
- Usually starts as the bleeding starts, but it may start up to a day before.
- Usually lasts 12-24 hours, but lasts 2-3 days in some cases.
- Can vary with each period. Some periods are worse than others.
- Tends to become less severe as you get older or after having a baby.
In some women, other symptoms occur during a period in addition to pain. For example: headaches, tiredness, faintness, breast tenderness, feeling sick, bloating, diarrhoea and feeling emotional or tearful.
HOW IS DYSMENORRHOEA TREATED?
Lifestyle modification:Take plenty of fluids like water, fruit juices, coconut water, etc. before your periods.
Exercise: Exercising regularly can make one feel better. Aerobic workouts such as walking, jogging, biking or swimming help produce chemicals that block pain.
Apply heat: A warm bath or a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen can be soothing.
Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep before and during your period to help cope with any discomfort.
Relax: Medicate or practice yoga which can help cope with pain.
MEDICATION
Treatment may also include medications called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that prevent the formation of prostaglandins thus making cramps less severe. NSAIDs work best if taken at the first sign of your period or pain. They should usually be taken for only 1or 2 days and alcohol should be avoided during this time. Women with bleeding disorders, liver damage, stomach disorders, or ulcers should not take NSAIDs.
Other medications are those that relax the muscles of the uterus. In some cases, a mix of treatments works best. The doctor might prescribe birth control pills. These medicines can make your periods less painful.
If the cause of dysmenorrhoea is found, the treatment will focus on removing or reducing the problem.
