Dysmenorrhea: definition and meaning
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. Primary dysmenorrhea is cramping caused by prostaglandins with no underlying disease, usually starting in the teen years. Secondary dysmenorrhea is period pain caused by a condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, and often starts later or gets worse over time.
Primary vs secondary
| Primary | Secondary | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Prostaglandins making the uterus contract | A condition like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or PID |
| Usually starts | Within a year or two of the first period | Later, often after 25 |
| Timing | First 1 to 3 days of bleeding | Can start days before and last longer |
| Over time | Often eases with age | Often gets worse |
Why it matters
Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons for missed school and work. Pain is draining, and it often lands alongside the end-of-cycle mood dip, so a hard day can feel twice as hard. Painful periods are common, but severe pain is not something you just have to put up with.
What helps
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, started early
- Heat, gentle exercise and rest
- Hormonal contraception, which reduces pain for many people
- For secondary dysmenorrhea, treating the cause
More in menstrual cramps, the full period cramps guide and when period pain isn't normal.
See a doctor if pain stops you doing daily things, isn't helped by ibuprofen, is getting worse, comes with heavy bleeding or pain during sex, or started for the first time later in life.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main cause of dysmenorrhea?
In primary dysmenorrhea, high levels of prostaglandins that make the uterus contract strongly. In secondary, an underlying condition.
Can dysmenorrhea affect mood?
Yes. Ongoing pain is linked with low mood, irritability and poor sleep, and it can add to premenstrual mood symptoms.
Sources
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
Menstrual cramps: definition and meaningMenstrual cramps are throbbing pains in the lower belly before and during a period. What causes them, what helps, and when cramps need a doctor.Period cramps: why they happen and what actually helpsPeriod cramps explained kindly: why your uterus cramps, how long it lasts, what really helps (timing matters) and the signs that need a doctor.
When is period pain not normal?Period pain is not normal when it stops your life, ignores painkillers or keeps getting worse. Red flags for endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids.Endometriosis: definition and meaningEndometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. A clear definition, common symptoms, and when to see a doctor.Prostaglandins: definition and meaningProstaglandins are hormone-like chemicals that make the uterus contract during a period. Their link to cramps, diarrhea and headaches, and what helps.