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Dysmenorrhea
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Dysmenorrhea is the medical name for painful menstruation. It comes in two forms. In primary dysmenorrhea, the pain is not associated with another disease, a variation in the shape of the organs or any other underlying pathology. In secondary dysmenorrhea, by contrast, there is an underlying cause: an anatomic abnormality or a pathology, whether suspected or identifiable.
In primary dysmenorrhea, the story begins in the endometrium, the layer that lines the inside of the uterus. At the onset of menstruation, its cells release prostaglandins, substances that stimulate uterine contractions. And the amount matters: the intensity of the cramps is proportional to how many prostaglandins are released. It works like the volume knob on a radio: the more prostaglandins released, the stronger the cramps.
These uterine contractions cause hypoxia and ischemia, meaning a lack of oxygen and a lack of blood flow. That produces the pain, and sometimes nausea and diarrhea as well.
In brief
Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation: primary when it is not associated with another disease, anatomic variant or underlying pathology; secondary when there is an anatomic abnormality or a suspected or identifiable pathology.
In primary dysmenorrhea, at the onset of menstruation, endometrial cells release prostaglandins, which stimulate uterine contractions; cramp intensity is proportional to the amount released.
Like a volume knob: more prostaglandins, stronger cramps.
These contractions cause hypoxia and ischemia, which produce pain and sometimes nausea and diarrhea.
Sources (2)
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of MedicinePeriod Pain, MedlinePlus
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingDysmenorrhea, StatPearls
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated