Dysmenorrhea

Excerpt

Dysmenorrhea is a Greek term for "painful monthly bleeding." Dysmenorrhea can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is recurrent lower abdominal pain that happens during the menstrual cycle and is not associated with other diseases or underlying pathology. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. In contrast, secondary dysmenorrhea is associated with suspected or clinically identifiable pathology. Dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among menstruating patients during their reproductive years. Dysmenorrhea may be associated with significant negative emotional, psychological, and functional health impacts.

Primary dysmenorrhea classically begins within about 2 years of menarche or once ovulatory cycles have been established. It is more often a diagnosis made in adolescents and young adults. The cyclic pain starts within a few hours of the onset of menses and usually resolves within 72 hours. The pain is located midline in the pelvis and may radiate to the lumbar area of the back or upper legs. It may be crampy and episodic and is usually similar in each menstrual cycle. Concomitant symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and sleep difficulties.