Dysmenorrhea is defined as pain during the menstrual period. The pain may start a few days before the start of the period in the form of premenstrual syndrome and last for several days afterwards. The pain is in the lower abdomen and back (low back pain). These symptoms are not considered normal, if menstrual pains are frequent during the installation of the hormonal cycle and do not lead to major signs (absenteeism, vomiting, malaise…), they are considered normal only if they are not very intense. These pains are related to the inflammatory nature of the menstrual cycle.
What causes dysmenorrhea?
There are many possible causes of dysmenorrhea:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Fibroid of the uterus: a benign tumour that develops in the uterus
LUNA helps you :
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Intended use
LunaEndoScore® is intended to assist in the screening of endometriosis by calculating a risk score that determines the probability of being affected by endometriosis based on users’ answers to a questionnaire.
What are the possible treatments?
In the case of primary dysmenorrhea, the recommendations are:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (antiprostaglandins), which act against the action of prostaglandins, responsible for uterine contractions. They are used on an ad hoc basis and prescribed for a short period (e.g., ibuprofen).
- Progestogens, which reduce the motility of the uterus (progestogen pill or microdosed progestogen pill, implants, hormonal IUDs, injectable progestogens).
- Estrogen-progestin, which has the same effects with the addition of estrogen necessary for long treatment or in certain patients
In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, treatment will depend on the disease causing the symptoms.
For diseases such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, follow-up by an endometriosis specialist will be necessary.
Conclusion
Dysmenorrhea can be a symptom of several gynecological diseases, the first being endometriosis and adenomyosis. It is necessary to talk to your doctor or gynecologist if they are intense and frequent, in order to determine the cause as soon as possible.
Co-authored and scientifically validated by Dr. Jean-Philippe Estrade
Gynecological and obstetrical surgeon, experts in endometriosis at the Clairval Private Hospital and the Bouchard Clinic in Marseille.