What are the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. How can painful periods be diagnosed. What symptoms indicate abnormal menstruation. When should you seek medical attention for menstrual issues. How are heavy and painful periods treated.

Understanding Menorrhagia: Causes and Symptoms of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Menorrhagia, commonly known as heavy menstrual bleeding, is a condition that affects many women and can significantly impact their quality of life. This condition is characterized by excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual flow, often lasting more than seven days.

What exactly constitutes heavy menstrual bleeding? Healthcare professionals typically define it as bleeding that:

• Soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several consecutive hours
• Requires the use of multiple pads to control menstrual flow
• Necessitates changing pads or tampons during the night
• Results in passing blood clots larger than a quarter
• Interferes with daily activities due to heavy flow

The causes of menorrhagia can be diverse and complex. Some common reasons include:

• Hormonal imbalances, often related to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or perimenopause
• Uterine fibroids or polyps
• Adenomyosis, where endometrial tissue grows into the uterine muscle wall
• Endometriosis, involving the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus
• Certain medications, particularly anticoagulants or hormonal treatments
• Bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand’s disease
• In rare cases, uterine or cervical cancer

Dysmenorrhea: Exploring the Causes and Symptoms of Painful Periods

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is another common menstrual disorder that can significantly affect a woman’s daily life. This condition is characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during periods.

What are the typical symptoms of dysmenorrhea? Women experiencing this condition often report:

• Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain that starts before menstruation and intensifies during the period
• Lower back pain
• Nausea and sometimes vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Dysmenorrhea can be classified into two types:

1. Primary dysmenorrhea: This is the most common type, typically beginning during adolescence. It’s caused by natural chemicals in the body called prostaglandins, which cause the uterus to contract.
2. Secondary dysmenorrhea: This type is often due to an underlying reproductive disorder and typically begins later in life. Common causes include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The Impact of Hormonal Imbalances on Menstrual Health

Hormonal imbalances play a crucial role in many menstrual disorders, including both menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. These imbalances can occur due to various factors, including:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders
• Perimenopause and menopause
• Certain medications
• Stress and lifestyle factors

How do hormonal imbalances affect menstruation? When the delicate balance of hormones is disrupted, it can lead to:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Heavy or prolonged bleeding
• Increased menstrual pain
• Mood swings and other premenstrual symptoms

Diagnostic Approaches for Menstrual Disorders

Accurately diagnosing menstrual disorders is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of methods to determine the underlying cause of heavy bleeding or painful periods.

Physical Examination and Medical History

The diagnostic process usually begins with a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed review of the patient’s medical history. What information should patients provide during this stage?

• Details about their menstrual cycle, including length and regularity
• Descriptions of menstrual flow and associated pain
• Any family history of menstrual disorders or reproductive issues
• Current medications and lifestyle factors

Laboratory Tests

Various blood tests may be conducted to assess:

• Hormone levels, including thyroid function tests
• Iron levels to check for anemia
• Clotting factors to rule out bleeding disorders

Imaging Studies

Imaging techniques play a crucial role in visualizing the reproductive organs and identifying any structural abnormalities. Common imaging studies include:

• Ultrasound: This non-invasive technique uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues and can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like adenomyosis

Endometrial Biopsy

In some cases, a small sample of the uterine lining may be taken for microscopic examination. This procedure can help identify:

• Abnormal cell growth
• Hormonal imbalances affecting the endometrium
• Signs of infection or inflammation

Treatment Options for Heavy and Painful Periods

The treatment of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea depends on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s individual needs and preferences. Treatment options can range from conservative management to surgical interventions.

Medications

Various medications can be used to manage heavy bleeding and menstrual pain:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and blood flow
• Hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, and intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Tranexamic acid to promote blood clotting and reduce bleeding
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists for temporary relief of symptoms

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For cases that don’t respond to medication, minimally invasive procedures may be considered:

• Endometrial ablation: Destroys the uterine lining to reduce menstrual flow
• Uterine artery embolization: Blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus

Surgical Options

In severe cases or when other treatments have failed, surgical interventions may be necessary:

• Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, which permanently stops menstrual bleeding
• Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: Removes endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies for Menstrual Disorders

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage the symptoms of heavy and painful periods:

• Regular exercise: Helps improve circulation and reduce menstrual cramps
• Dietary changes: Increasing iron-rich foods to combat anemia associated with heavy bleeding
• Stress reduction techniques: Such as yoga or meditation to alleviate menstrual discomfort
• Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad to the lower abdomen can help relieve cramps
• Herbal supplements: Some women find relief with supplements like ginger or chasteberry, though scientific evidence is limited

How effective are these lifestyle modifications? While individual responses may vary, many women report significant improvement in their symptoms when combining these approaches with medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Menstrual Issues

While some variation in menstrual patterns is normal, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. Women should consult a healthcare provider if they experience:

• Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
• Extremely heavy flow that soaks through pads or tampons every hour
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse
• Sudden changes in menstrual patterns
• Any vaginal bleeding after menopause

Why is it crucial to seek timely medical advice for these symptoms? Early intervention can:

• Prevent complications such as severe anemia
• Identify and treat underlying conditions
• Improve overall quality of life by managing symptoms effectively

The Role of Specialized Care in Managing Menstrual Disorders

For complex cases of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea, specialized care from gynecologists or reproductive endocrinologists may be necessary. These specialists can offer:

• Advanced diagnostic techniques
• Expertise in managing rare causes of menstrual disorders
• Access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials
• Comprehensive care for associated reproductive issues

How does specialized care improve outcomes for women with menstrual disorders? By providing:

• More accurate diagnoses
• Tailored treatment plans
• Better management of complex cases
• Improved long-term reproductive health outcomes

In conclusion, menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea are common but often overlooked menstrual disorders that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate medical care are crucial steps in managing these conditions effectively. With the right combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and specialized care when necessary, most women can find relief from heavy and painful periods, allowing them to lead healthier, more comfortable lives.

Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding | Condition

UT Southwestern specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing the causes of irregular menstrual bleeding. For women who experience heavy bleeding and painful periods, our specially trained gynecologists can determine if there is a cause for concern.

Expert Management for Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding

For most women, menstrual cycles occur about every 28 days, and periods last four to seven days. Abnormal menstruation includes problems such as heavy bleeding, known as menorrhagia, irregular menstrual bleeding, and pain during periods, known as dysmenorrhea.

UT Southwestern gynecologic surgeons, specialists, and their teams are nationally recognized for their expertise in women’s health care. We participate in research to improve diagnosis, management, and treatment for heavy, irregular, painful periods. Our specialists are also faculty members, dedicated to educating future women’s health doctors and other care providers.

Causes of Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding

Some common reasons for irregular, heavy, and painful periods include:

• Adenomyosis: Endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows into the muscle wall of the uterus
• Bleeding disorders: Certain inherited bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand’s disease, which prevents blood from clotting properly, can cause abnormal bleeding
• Cancer: Cervical cancer and uterine cancer can cause heavy menstrual bleeding
• Endometriosis: Endometrial-like tissue grows on the outside of the uterus or on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other nearby organs
• Medications: Certain anticoagulants (blood thinners), anti-inflammatory medications, or hormonal medications can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, to develop in the ovaries, causing irregular periods
• Pregnancy complications: A miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can cause heavy bleeding
• Premature ovarian failure: This condition occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, leading to irregular periods and possible infertility
• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous tumors made up of muscle tissue can grow in the walls of the uterus, the lining inside the uterus (endometrial cavity), or on the outside of the uterus
• Uterine polyps: Overgrowth of endometrial tissue can form growths called polyps inside the uterus
• Hormonal imbalances: Can be due to PCOS or is often related to the perimenopausal period when normal cycles in monthly hormones become out of balance

Symptoms of Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding

Signs and symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding include:

• Bleeding for more than seven days
• Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons or pads every hour for several hours in a row
• Need to use multiple pads to control menstrual flow
• Need to change pads or tampons during the night
• Menstrual flow with blood clots larger than a quarter
• Flooding of clothing and bedsheets with menstrual bleeding
• Symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath

Symptoms of menstrual pain include:

• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Lower back pain
• Nausea
• Pain that starts a few days before the period, worsens during the period, and lasts two to three days after the period ends
• Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen that can be intense
• Lower back pain during menses

Patients should see their doctors if:

• Their periods stop for more than 60 days
• Their periods become erratic
• Their periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
• They bleed between periods
• They bleed after sex
• They have any vaginal bleeding after menopause
• They suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons

Diagnosis of Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding

UT Southwestern’s experienced gynecologists conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes a:

• Physical exam
• Review of personal medical history, including details of the patient’s menstrual cycle
• Discussion of symptoms

Patients should bring information about the dates and lengths of their last several periods. For sexually active patients, a pelvic exam will be performed to check for infections and to examine the cervix.

To diagnose heavy bleeding and painful periods, our doctors usually recommend one or more tests, such as:

• Blood tests to look for signs of iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, or blood-clotting abnormalities
• Ultrasound: Diagnostic tools that use sound waves to produce images of the pelvic organs. Used to look for any abnormalities  
• Pap smear: Sample of cells from the cervix that are examined under a microscope for infection or changes that can lead to cancer or already are cancerous
• Endometrial biopsy: A test that samples a small amount of endometrial tissue for examination under a microscope
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: Equipment that uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of pelvic organs

Based on the results of these tests, we might recommend further testing, such as:

• Hysteroscopy: Examination of the inside of the uterus using a hysteroscope, a slender, lighted device inserted through the vagina and cervix. This allows direct visualization of the inside of the uterus
• Sonohysterography: Test that involves injecting fluid into the uterus via a thin tube through the vagina and cervix and then taking ultrasound images of the uterus

Treatment for Painful Periods and Heavy Bleeding

Painful Periods

If the painful periods are not relieved with over-the-counter medications or start to interfere with daily activities, our physicians might be able to offer relief.

Our doctors might recommend:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) don’t relieve symptoms, prescription NSAIDs might be prescribed.
• Hormonal birth control. Birth control prescriptions contain hormones that can help regulate hormone levels throughout the month and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. In addition to pills, these hormones also can be delivered by an injection, a patch, an implant placed under the skin of the arm, or a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. Another good option, even in teens, is an intrauterine device (IUD) that contains a hormone called progesterone. These methods can be very effective in managing symptoms, even if patients are not sexually active.
• Surgery. If painful periods are caused by polyps or fibroids, surgical removal of the abnormal tissue can help reduce the symptoms. Many uterine-sparing, fertility-sparing, and definitive surgical options exist to help with these symptoms.

Heavy Bleeding

Our treatment for heavy bleeding is based on the amount of bleeding. Many approaches involve hormone therapy and other nonhormonal medical therapies. If there is a reason estrogen should not be prescribed, an oral progestin might be recommended. Over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen can help decrease the amount of bleeding and pain, as well.

Clinical Trials

As one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, UT Southwestern offers a number of clinical trials aimed at improving screening, diagnosis, and treatment of painful periods and heavy bleeding.

Clinical trials often give patients access to leading-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Eligible patients who choose to participate in one of UT Southwestern’s clinical trials might receive treatments years before they are available to the public.

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Heavy periods – NHS

Heavy periods (also called menorrhagia) are common and may just be normal for you. Treatment can help if they’re affecting your daily life.

Check if you have heavy periods

You may have heavy periods if you:

• need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
• need to use 2 types of sanitary product together, such as a pad and a tampon
• have periods lasting more than 7 days
• pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm (the size of a 10p coin)
• bleed through to your clothes or bedding
• avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
• feel tired or short of breath a lot

Causes of heavy periods

It can be normal to have heavy periods.

They can sometimes be heavy at different times, like when you first start your periods, after pregnancy or during menopause.

Sometimes, they can be caused by:

• conditions affecting your womb, ovaries or hormones, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease
• some medicines and treatments, including some anticoagulant medicines and chemotherapy medicines
• stress and depression

Rarely, heavy periods can be a sign of womb cancer.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• heavy periods are affecting your life
• you’ve had heavy periods for some time
• you have severe pain during your periods
• you bleed between periods or after sex
• you have heavy periods and other symptoms such as pain when peeing, pooing or having sex

What we mean by severe pain

Severe pain:

• always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
• you cannot sleep
• it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress

Moderate pain:

• always there
• makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
• you can manage to get up, wash or dress

Mild pain:

• comes and goes
• is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Treatment for heavy periods

Heavy periods do not always need to be treated. But there are treatments that can help if they’re affecting your daily life.

Treatments from a GP include:

• some types of contraception, such as an intrauterine system (IUS) or the combined contraceptive pill
• medicine to help reduce the bleeding, such as tranexamic acid
• prescription-only anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as mefenamic acid or naproxen

You should have a blood test to check if you have iron deficiency anaemia.

If these treatments do not work or a GP thinks a condition may be causing your heavy periods, they’ll usually refer you for tests or to see a specialist.

Page last reviewed: 03 November 2021
Next review due: 03 November 2024

How to get through hard times and not break down

09/27/2022 at 17:11

Society

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How can we survive in difficult times? This is the main question that people are asking now. Psychologists say we can rewire our brains to stay calm and collected just by remembering things that life is grateful for. Now being collected is no longer a choice – it is a necessity. Whoever can stay positive wins. It’s hard now, tomorrow, perhaps, it will also be difficult, but the day after tomorrow everything will definitely get better.

Whether you’re facing a global crisis, a personal crisis, or a combination of the two, these tips will help you find your way out.

Photo: Global Look Press

The world has been moving from one crisis to another lately, for many of us this is a time of unprecedented struggle and upheaval. We have survived a global pandemic, dramatic changes in our daily lives, economic, political and social upheavals, as well as many natural disasters. In addition, there are personal traumas that people also face, such as the loss of a loved one, deteriorating health, unemployment, divorce, violent crime, and tragic accidents.

Experiencing difficult times can seriously affect your mood, health and outlook, making you feel helpless and overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with many complex, conflicting emotions and you do not know how to move on with your life. You may even feel like your life is completely out of control and you are powerless to influence what might happen next.

While there is no way to avoid the sadness, hardship and suffering of life, there are ways to regain a sense of control over the situation. Control is the ability to deal with change and trauma, which has always been an integral part of life.

Building your resilience

Building your resilience will help you adapt to life-changing events, cope with difficult times, and recover from tragedy.

If you are sensitive to emotional stress and find it difficult to cope with adversity, it is important not to think of it as some kind of character flaw. Resilience is not a permanent quality, it is an ongoing process that requires effort to build and maintain. If you have not experienced major adversity in your life before, it is unlikely that you have had the opportunity to develop the quality of resilience. However, using resonant past experiences can help you deal with the challenges you face today. If you have tried to cope with some negativity in the past, then at least you will weed out ways that do not help, for example, trying to muffle your feelings with alcohol. While it’s hard to get something positive out of a traumatic experience, try to find the positive in the difficulties you’ve had in the past. It can lead you to important actions, strengthen your resolve, deepen your empathy, and set you on the right path.

To develop resilience, stay focused, flexible, less afraid of new experiences or an uncertain future. Try to manage strong emotions, even those that you would rather avoid, such as anger. Strengthen your relationships with loved ones and develop communication skills, especially under pressure. Rest assured that you will eventually find a solution to the problem, even if it is not immediately obvious.

Spend time with family

An Irish proverb says that parents are the very first teachers. They are role models, they are your first company in this life. In situations where everyone turns away, as a rule, the family always remains on our side.

Photo: Global Look Press

In difficult times, we need to remember the importance of family, relatives and friends, because it is they who help us get through difficult times, support us, even when we ourselves give up. It is the family that inspires us.

Communication with parents, even if they are elderly, will make you stronger mentally and emotionally more stable, because they lived their lives following the morality that their family and society taught them, believed in love, relationships and better times. This is what everyone is missing today. Their life experience was not easy, but they survived and raised their children – you. It is in the family that the true morals and values ​​are revealed, which help to maintain a positive attitude, give strength to believe that the best is ahead of you.

Family advice can solve many of your problems. And remember that your children, in turn, also need a sense of belonging and security, because they need to know that they have someone to lean on. Family time spent together contributes to the development of a deep and strong bond that helps all generations of the same family in difficult times.

That is why it is so important to set aside time for family discussions, when you can present the problems that have arisen to everyone, and then discuss them with your parents and children, getting their opinion. This will help you better understand what exactly needs to be done. And daily intra-family rituals or little things help create a sense of satisfaction and inner security, as opposed to the constantly changing outside world.

Look for sources of spirituality

When a person goes through hard times, when it seems to him that life is going nowhere, special spiritual energy and willpower are needed. Here it is worth remembering that life is not only about making good money and raising children. Many turn to God, who helps us to believe that no matter what happens, everything will work out in the end. However, in order to walk this path and not get lost in the lies that the idea of ​​God is often shrouded in society, you need to look for the divine spark in your soul, and not go to the so-called gurus, mentors, etc. Each religion has Holy Books that indicate the path of a person in earthly life, and it is better to draw support from them in order to gain your own spiritual experience.

And don’t forget the Indian proverb: “Religion is for those who are afraid of hell, and spirituality is for those who have already been there.” Being spiritual does not automatically mean becoming free of negative thoughts, it means that we simply quiet our mind whenever a negative thought comes and let it “pass by” without thinking about it and thereby harming our mental health. Also in India they say: “The gods are before you, and you must choose one. ” This means that everyone has the right to choose their own sources of spiritual energy.

Avoid toxic people and ideas

The word “toxic” means poisonous. There are a lot of things around us today that are “poisonous” to our mental, emotional and physical health. But if certain things we cannot avoid, then we can refuse to associate with toxic people. Often it is these people who exacerbate negative perceptions, carry psychosis and play the role of either the executioner or the victim.

Therefore, it is very important who you deal with every day. People who increase your anxiety will in no way contribute to your survival in difficult times, rather the opposite. Therefore, there is one good piece of advice: when talking with such a person, mentally imagine that you are communicating with him through some kind of glass. This is not a joke or protection from the “evil eye” – it’s just that this option has an important psychological point. It lies in the fact that by putting up such an imaginary defense, you subconsciously stop taking what was said too close to your heart.

Also take a break from IT and spend some time in the real world. But not in terms of solving everyday problems and buying rolls of toilet paper, along with kilograms of buckwheat, but just go out into the courtyard of your house and see how the sun shines brightly, how blue clouds float across the sky, neighbor children laugh and play. For what? Then, it is precisely such moments that are the main evidence that no matter what bad things happen, life goes on as usual and sooner or later everything will return to normal.

Use introspection

Every person in today’s realities has a combination of positive and negative thoughts. And these thoughts are only your choice. The world will continue to shower you with negativity, and it is up to you to transform it into positivity. Whenever you feel really bad, you should calm down and do introspection in order to understand whether the negative is caused by a real problem presented to you by life or invented, if not by you, but still.

Photo: Global Look Press

The application of introspection involves creating a quiet space around oneself so that one can mentally ask oneself questions. It’s even better if you take little notes about your daily life. It was not for nothing that the nobles in the 19th century decided to keep a diary – this made it possible to analyze creatively and find the right solutions. So you stay creative – write down your thoughts, study history, read religious books or autobiographies of famous people. Many of them have had very difficult episodes in their lives, and you will most likely find something that will be similar to the current situation.

Remember that the most important work you have to do is simply to live in harmony with yourself, accepting life with reasonable enthusiasm. Nobody is eternal, people come into this world and leave it, but it is better to deal with negativity in a fruitful way than being constantly in tension.

And we should not forget the main thing – difficult times do not last forever. Good comes to those who do good, and evil comes to those who do evil. All our actions are the end result of our thoughts, so it is very important to keep our thoughts in harmony. And no matter how difficult the time may seem, we must remember that bright days will definitely come.

Opinion

Olga Mazur, psychologist:

– It is naive to believe that the best way to get through difficult times is to ignore painful emotions by putting on a “brave face”. Unpleasant emotions exist whether you acknowledge them or not. Trying not to let your emotions surface will only increase stress, delay acceptance of the new situation, and prevent you from moving on.

By allowing yourself to feel your emotions, you will find that even the strongest, most upsetting feelings will pass, the trauma will begin to fade, and you will be able to find your way forward. Talk to someone you trust about what you are experiencing. And remember that hard times don’t always involve some sort of loss. And if the loss did occur, it is important to give yourself the opportunity to grieve. Only by coming face to face with your grief, acknowledging your losses, can you be healed and, ultimately, move on with your life.

Talking to friends and family when you are going through difficult times can help relieve stress, lift your spirits, and make sense of change. You can draw strength from others. The people you are talking to need to be willing to just listen to you without judgment. In fact, what is being said or the words used are often irrelevant. It’s the human connection—eye contact, smile, or hug—that can make all the difference to how you feel after a conversation. Nothing is more beneficial than being with a caring and empathetic person.

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  Olga Shemetova

India

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Painful periods: causes, treatment, prevention

The article was checked by the doctor: Sokolova Marina Olegovna

Degrees of pain

Pain during menstruation is called dysmenorrhea (outdated names – algomenorrhea and algomenorrhea). According to statistics, approximately 80% of women suffer from menstrual pain of varying severity.

Usually, discomfort develops within the first 4 hours after the onset of menstruation and lasts for 1-2 days. However, in severe cases, pain can occur a few days before the onset of menstruation and continue for several days or until the very end of menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea has 3 degrees:

1. Mild – such pains are insignificant, are observed only on the first day of menstruation, are not accompanied by other symptoms and do not interfere with the usual way of life.
2. Moderate – pain can last up to 2-3 days of menstruation, there are also other signs of malaise (nausea, weakness, headache), and although unpleasant sensations bring discord into the usual rhythm of life, the patient does not lose her ability to work and can go to work or study.
3. Severe – pain develops even before the onset of menstruation and can continue until it ends, the ability to work is significantly reduced or completely lost, the accompanying symptoms are also pronounced.

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Associated symptoms

Painful periods may be accompanied by other manifestations:

• Deterioration of vascular function: manifested by swelling of the face, numbness of the extremities, arrhythmias, headaches and dizziness.
• Emotional and mental disorders: insomnia, drowsiness, irritability, sensitivity to smells, changes in eating habits, depression, bulimia, anxiety.
• Symptoms of disorders of the autonomic nervous system: digestive disorders, bloating, dry mouth, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, belching, frequent urination, increased sweating, fainting.
• Signs of metabolic disorders: itching, weakness, feeling of cottony legs, edema of different localization.

Classification and causes of dysmenorrhea

Get expert advice:

• Gynecologist
• Pediatric gynecologist

Why menstruation is painful depends on the type of dysmenorrhea. She may be:

1. Primary (spastic functional) – developing without previous pathological changes in the pelvic organs.
2. Secondary (organic) – due to congenital or acquired diseases.

Primary dysmenorrhea often affects adolescents and young women. After giving birth, she is able to disappear. For many patients, the pain subsides after the age of 25. As a rule, primary dysmenorrhea develops 1.5–2 years after the onset of the first menstruation, when the menstrual cycle is established.

The causes of primary dysmenorrhea were established only in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Previously, they adhered to the version expressed by Hippocrates. He believed that the pains were caused by a pathological narrowing of the cervical (cervical) canal, which disrupted the outflow of menstrual blood. However, in the 20th century it was proved that the surgical expansion of the cervical canal does not affect either the presence or the intensity of painful sensations. Then there was a theory that dysmenorrhea occurs against the background of psychosomatic disorders.

And only in the 50s of the last century it was found that the development of pain is associated with the process of rejection of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) during menstruation. Normally, the inner mucous layer of the uterus is replaced by a new one every month. The old one comes out with menstrual blood. The uterus contracts to shed the endometrium.

Then prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) E2 and F2a were discovered. They are produced by the endometrium and are needed for the contractile activity of the uterus. However, in women with dysmenorrhea, these prostaglandins are found in the endometrium, myometrium (the muscular wall of the uterus) and menstrual blood in high amounts or a change in their ratio. An increase in their level entails an increase in myometrial contractions, and a change in the ratio of E2 and F2a causes vascular spasms and impaired local blood circulation, which leads to oxygen starvation of cells and the activity of nerve endings. This contributes to the development of pain. It was found that in women with dysmenorrhea, the frequency of contractions of the myometrium and intrauterine pressure is at least 2 times higher than in patients who do not experience menstrual pain.

Why the production of prostaglandins rises is still not exactly established. The most popular version is that the cause of this process is an increase in the amount of female sex hormones progesterone and estradiol (estrogen). Estrogen levels rise during ovulation, and progesterone levels rise after it.

There is a risk group that includes women with an increased likelihood of developing primary dysmenorrhea:

• Professional athletes, representatives of professions associated with hard physical labor (this type of activity also affects the intensity of pain).
• Patients with a genetic predisposition: if the mother or grandmother suffers from menstrual pain, the risk of dysmenorrhea increases to 30%.
• Nulliparous women.
• Overweight patients.

Also, the development of primary dysmenorrhea can provoke:

• Infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted infections).
• Hypothermia or overheating of the body.
• Stress.
• Emotional and mental overload.

Secondary dysmenorrhea develops against the background of diseases: more often gynecological. These include:

• Congenital anomalies of the uterus: underdevelopment, pathological location (bend).
• Inflammatory processes in the internal genital organs (eg, inflammation of the appendages).
• Endometriosis and adenomyosis – proliferation of cells of the inner lining of the uterus.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Polyps, uterine fibroids – benign neoplasms.
• Stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs.

Dysmenorrhea can also be caused by non-gynecological diseases:

• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (most often – irritable bowel syndrome).
• Inflammatory processes in the organs of the urinary system.

Help! Pain during menstruation can also develop after pelvic surgery or after insertion of an intrauterine device.

Diagnosis of dysmenorrhea

You should consult a doctor if the pain during menstruation is severe and significantly reduces the quality of your life. And you should immediately make an appointment in the following cases:

• You have developed dysmenorrhea for the first time.
• Pain lasts more than a week.
• The pain syndrome is unbearable.
• Dysmenorrhea is accompanied by an increase in body temperature or an increase in the amount of menstrual flow.

The gynecologist will collect an anamnesis, conduct an examination and prescribe additional studies, which may include:

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
• Tests for sexually transmitted infections.
• Pregnancy test.
• Hysteroscopy (if neoplasms are suspected) – examination of the cervical canal and uterine cavity from the inside using optical equipment.

Based on the examination and the results of the research, the doctor will find out why the menstruation is painful and prescribe the appropriate therapy.

Treatment of dysmenorrhea

If dysmenorrhea is secondary, that is, caused by other pathologies, then these diseases are treated. With primary dysmenorrhea, complex therapy is carried out. Appointed:

• Medications.
• Therapeutic exercise.
• Reflexology.
• Diet (with excessive body weight).

The main drugs used in the treatment of dysmenorrhea can be divided into 5 groups:

1. Progestogens are synthetic analogs of female sex hormones: they help get rid of hormonal fluctuations and reduce the contractile activity of the myometrium.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – reduce the level of prostaglandins and reduce pain.
3. Oral hormonal contraceptives – reduce the amount of menstrual flow and uterine contractions.
4. Analgesics – pain relievers.
5. Antispasmodics – eliminate spasms of blood vessels and smooth muscles.

Also, the patient may be prescribed hypnotics and tranquilizers to eliminate signs of emotional and mental disorders.

Prevention of period pain

Moderate menstrual pain that occurs in a healthy woman can be prevented with preventive measures. These include:

• Diet – 15 days before the onset of menstruation, it is necessary to give up salty, excessively fatty, spicy foods and carbonated drinks, and a few days – from coffee; the diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and seafood (they contain omega-3 acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect).
• Taking NSAIDs 2-4 days before your period (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.) – these help lower prostaglandin levels, but you should always consult your doctor about taking them, as they can have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa, and in some diseases they should not be used or should be used with caution.