Dysmenorrhea is a Greek word for painful monthly bleeding. 

These menstrual cramps affect about 90 percent of the women. 

It is a serious concern, which is evident from the fact that despite being one of the symptoms of periods, it is studied separately and also has an array of complications like infertility. 

So, it is important to find out what makes periods so painful to seek relief. 

Read this article to find out Dysmenorrhea causes and explore who is at a higher risk of developing these discomforting menstrual cramps. 

What causes Dysmenorrhea?

The cause of Dysmenorrhea depends on its type, which is primary and secondary. 

Primary Dysmenorrhea also known as Spasmodic Dysmenorrhea, means sharp and sudden menstrual cramps. 

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It usually is highest on the first day of the period and resolves in 72 hours.

Some of its symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, thigh, and back pain. 

On the other hand, Secondary Dysmenorrhea, also called Congestive Dysmenorrhea, is a more severe type. 

It is characterized by deep, dull pain, which means the pain lingers for a long time and is not sharp or sudden like Primary Dysmenorrhea. 

So, it also takes longer to resolve and causes heavy periods or pain in the genital area during or after sex.

Primary Dysmenorrhea causes

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are responsible for Primary Dysmenorrhea. 

The natural chemical Prostaglandins causes the uterus muscles to contract. 

Its level is even higher around menstruation to push out the blood and uterine lining that sheds off. 

These contractions cause cramps that resolve in a few days as Prostaglandin levels decrease. 

Primary Dysmenorrhea is not caused by any underlying health condition. 

Fact:
Primary Dysmenorrhea is the most common menstrual problem so far. Unlike Secondary Dysmenorrhea, it usually starts in adolescence and is also a big reason for absenteeism and reduced quality of life among young women.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea causes

pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms
Woman suffering pain due to PID

It is caused by an underlying condition, which can be:

  • Endometriosis: It is the overgrowth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which causes cramps and is the most common of all causes
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): It is the presence of multiple ovarian cysts, which can cause menstrual pain and impact the severity of even Primary Dysmenorrhea
  • Fibroids: These noncancerous growths inside or outside the uterus can also cause severe menstrual cramps
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): It is the infection of female reproductive organs like uterus that causes painful menses
  • Adenomyosis: In this condition, the uterine lining grows into the uterine muscles, which can worsen cramps and bleeding
  • Interstitial Cystitis: It is a chronic condition, also called Painful Bladder Syndrome, which can cause severe menstrual pain
  • Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD): A copper IUD can cause severe menstrual cramps, especially in the starting 3 to 6 months
  • Isthomecele: It is a pouch of tissue in the uterine walls that occurs when the C-section incision does not heal fully. It causes menstrual problems, including pain
Warning:
Severe Dysmenorrhea is associated with an increased rate of suicide attempts. If you also experience severe cramps or fatigue, immediately seek medical attention for diagnosis and needed treatment.

Risk factors of Dysmenorrhea

Certain factors increase the chances of developing Dysmenorrhea, which include:

  • Nulliparity (no children) 
  • Family history of Dysmenorrhea
  • Young age
  • Stress

Some potential risk factors that lack conclusive evidence are:

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Diet
  • Obesity
  • Depression
  • Abuse

Conclusion

Dysmenorrhea or painful periods are caused by many reasons that depend on its types i.e. Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea. 

Primary Dysmenorrhea is caused by increased levels of Prostaglandin around periods, which induces uterine contraction and cramps. 

On the other hand, Secondary Dysmenorrhea is caused by some underlying health condition. 

Some of them are endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). 

Moreover, risk factors like young age, nulliparity, family history of Dysmenorrhea, stress, obesity, and smoking can also increase the likelihood of menstrual cramps. 

If you experience menstrual cramps and severe discomfort or suspect Dysmenorrhea, you should immediately contact a doctor for a diagnosis. 

Awareness and quick actions taken by tracking the menstrual cycle can help ease period symptoms and treat Dysmenorrhea. 

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Citations:
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