Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is pain during periods, usually cramping low in the abdomen. Mild period pain is common. Pain that keeps you from everyday activities, worsens over time or begins later in life may have a cause, such as endometriosis, that a doctor should look for.
Key points
- Dysmenorrhea means cramping pain in the lower abdomen around the time of a period.
- Heat, anti-inflammatory painkillers and hormonal contraception are common first approaches for some people.
- Endometriosis is one condition that can cause painful periods.
Causes and symptoms
Much period pain has no identifiable cause. Severe pain, pain that progresses cycle by cycle, or pain that appears later in life may be linked to a condition such as endometriosis. The usual symptom is lower abdominal cramping during menstruation.
Treatment
Anti-inflammatory pain relief is often tried first. Ibuprofen is sold as Motrin tablets in 200mg, 400mg and 600mg strengths (ibuprofen). Heat and, for some people, hormonal contraception are other options. Dydrogesterone (Duphaston) 10mg tablets are used for some menstrual disorders, including painful periods associated with endometriosis; a doctor can advise whether it suits you once the cause is known (dydrogesterone). Further options sit under pain management and women’s health. Orders reach Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if period pain keeps you from everyday activities, becomes more severe over time, or begins later in life. Identifying a cause such as endometriosis guides which treatment is appropriate.
Further reading
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