Dysmenorrhea Painful Discomfort during Menstruation, Why do we get

Last Updated on Wednesday, 5 October 2011 07:28 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 5 October 2011 07:28

Health Information about Dysmenorrhea Painful Discomfort during Menstruation, Why do we get

Dysmenorrhea meaning difficult, painful or abnormal. It is true that the discomfort during menstruation are relatively common, but the intensity is such that from leading a normal life. In these cases it is necessary to go to the doctor to know the source of the problem and determine appropriate treatment.

Pain or difficult flow during menstruation, called dysmenorrhea, is one of the most common complaints in women during gynecological consultation. On occasions it can generate such discomfort that disrupts not only personal, but is due to absenteeism and thus, economic losses in many countries, which has been deemed as a public health problem.

Primary or secondary?
The specialist explains that dysmenorrhea is classified as primary or spasmodic, and secondary failure.
Primary. Menstrual pain that occurs when there is no pelvic disease. It usually occurs in the first years after menarche (first menstruation) and affects approximately 50% of women after puberty.
Secondary. It is defined as menstrual pain as a result of a pathology (disease) or pelvic anatomy, such as endometriosis (abnormal growth of endometrial tissue lining the uterus) or pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs). This condition is commonly seen in females 30 to 45 years old.

Painful manifestation
It is possible to distinguish between dysmenorrhea and another for its particular characteristics. In the case of primary or spasmodic, almost invariably occurs in ovulatory cycles and in general, appears a year after menarche. Pain is the classic that begins with the onset of menstruation (or earlier) and persists for 1 to 2 days. The pain is described as cramping and constant lower abdominal pain that radiates to the back or thigh.

The general symptoms that are associated with this problem are malaise, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower back pain and headaches. Also presented dizziness, nervousness and even collapse (fainting).

For this part, or congestive secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with abdominal distension, heaviness, pelvic and back pain, plus it is not limited to the onset of menstruation. Usually, the pain gradually increases during the luteal phase (which occurs after ovulation and lasts 14 days) until it reaches its maximum almost simultaneously appears menstruation.

Why do I get?
Although the causes of dysmenorrhea have not been fully defined, we can talk some.

With respect to primary dysmenorrhea, current evidence suggests that the pathogenesis (origin or evolution) is due to the hormone prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), a potent myometrial stimulant and vasoconstrictor (which narrows the uterine muscle) originated in the secretor endometrium (tissue lining the uterus). Favorable response to PGF2 alpha inhibitors in patients with dysmenorrhea supports.

 Other reasons are prolonged uterine contractions and decreased blood flow to the myometrium (uterine muscle). Furthermore, the presence of a certain substance called vasopressin (brain hormone) involved in myometrial sensitivity, inadequate uterine blood flow and pain. Not forgetting that this type of dysmenorrhea has also been attributed to behavioral and psychological factors, although this has not been demonstrated with certainty.

As for secondary dysmenorrhea, gynecologist states that various pelvic disease can lead to this condition such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, tumors and cysts (lump that contains fluid or semisolid material) ovary.

Importance of care
In principle, the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea is aimed at providing relief of pelvic pain (cramps) and associated symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often accompany or precede the onset of menstrual flow.

Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea include correction of the disease that cause it, which usually means undergoing surgery. It is also indicated for use as secondary treatment analgesic agents.

They are also good alternative, along with medication or surgery, carry low-fat diet, using supplements of fish oil and, when needed, helped by psychotherapy.

In any case, the treatment of dysmenorrhea provides better outcomes through early detection and proper diagnosis of the problem. It is therefore essential that women go to the gynecologist at the first manifestations of the problem rather than hide or downplay for thinking that the discomfort related to menstrual cycle are normal.

Risk Factors
Factors associated with greater propensity to suffer dysmenorrhea include:
    Early menarche (between 9 and 11 years).
    Long periods.
    Heavy menstrual flow.
    Smoking.
    Family history.

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