- Differences between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea
- Symptoms and diagnosis of dysmenorrhea
- How to treat dysmenorrhea to end the pain
- Medicines
- Natural treatment
Dysmenorrhea is characterized by a very intense colic during menstruation, which prevents even women from studying and working, from 1 to 3 days, every month. It is more common in adolescence, although it can affect women over 40 or girls who have not started menstruating.
Despite being very intense, and bringing disorders to a woman's life, this colic can be controlled with drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and the birth control pill. Therefore, in case of suspicion, one should go to the gynecologist to investigate if it really is dysmenorrhea, and which remedies are most suitable.
Differences between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea
There are two types of dysmenorrhea, the primary and the secondary, and the differences between them are related to the origin of colic:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: prostaglandins, which are substances produced by the uterus, are responsible for intense menstrual cramps. In this case, the pain exists without any type of disease involved, and begins 6 to 12 months after the first menstruation, and may cease or reduce around the age of 20, but in some cases only after pregnancy. Secondary dysmenorrhea: it is related to diseases such as endometriosis, this being the main cause, or in the case of myoma, cyst in the ovary, use of IUD, pelvic inflammatory disease or abnormalities in the uterus or vagina, which the doctor finds when performing tests.
Knowing whether the woman has primary or secondary dysmenorrhea is essential to start the most appropriate treatment for each case. The table below indicates the main differences:
| Primary dysmenorrhea | Secondary dysmenorrhea |
| Symptoms begin a few months after menarche | Symptoms begin years after menarche, especially after age 25 |
| Pain starts before or on the 1st day of menstruation and lasts from 8 hours to 3 days | Pain can appear at any stage of menstruation, the intensity can vary from day to day |
| Nausea, vomiting, headache are present | Bleeding and Pain during or after intercourse, in addition to heavy menstruation may be present |
| No exam changes | Tests show pelvic diseases |
| Normal family history, with no relevant changes in the woman | Family history of endometriosis, STD previously detected, use of IUD, tampon or pelvic surgery already performed |
In addition, in primary dysmenorrhea it is common for symptoms to be controlled by taking anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives, while in secondary dysmenorrhea there are no signs of improvement with this type of medication.
Symptoms and diagnosis of dysmenorrhea
Severe menstrual cramps can appear a few hours before the onset of menstruation, and other symptoms of dysmenorrhea are also present, such as:
- Nausea; Vomiting; Diarrhea; Fatigue; Pain in the back; Nervousness; Dizziness; Severe headache.
The psychological factor also appears to increase levels of pain and discomfort, even compromising the effect of pain relief drugs.
The most suitable doctor to make the diagnosis is the gynecologist after listening to the woman's complaints, and the intense colic in the pelvic region during menstruation is especially valued.
To confirm the doctor usually palpates the uterine region, to check if the uterus is enlarged and to order tests such as abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound, to discover diseases that may be causing these symptoms, which is essential to determine if it is a primary or secondary dysmenorrhea, in order to indicate the appropriate treatment for each case.
How to treat dysmenorrhea to end the pain
Medicines
To treat primary dysmenorrhea, it is recommended to use analgesic and antispasmodic drugs, such as Atroveran compound and Buscopan, under the recommendation of the gynecologist.
In the case of secondary dysmenorrhea, the gynecologist may recommend taking analgesic or non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, piroxicam, ibuprofen, naproxen for pain relief, as well as drugs that decrease menstrual flow such as Meloxicam, Celecoxib or Rofecoxib.
Find out more details of the Treatment for dysmenorrhea.
Natural treatment
Some women benefit from placing a thermal bag of warm gel on the belly. Relaxing, taking a warm bath, relaxing massages, exercising 3 to 5 times a week, and not wearing tight clothes are some other suggestions that usually bring pain relief.
Decreasing salt consumption from 7 to 10 days before menstruation also helps to combat pain by decreasing fluid retention.
