Frequently Asked Questions

Period pain, also known as menstrual pain or by its medical terminology, dysmenorrhea, describes the painful sensations experienced by individuals during menstruation. It is a frequently occurring condition characterized by lower abdominal or pelvic pain that can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping.

Dysmenorrhea is sub-divided into two categories; primary, where pain occurs without any underlying medical condition, and secondary, resulting from an underlying condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. The pain typically occurs shortly before or during menstruation and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, headache, and fatigue.

The detailed mechanisms of dysmenorrhea are not fully understood. It is becoming apparent that abnormal production and activity of a tissue hormone called prostaglandins are at the center of the disease. For menstruating persons who experience dysmenorrhea, hormonal changes reflected by the drop in progesterone shortly before menstruation, leads to increased production of inflammatory substances, mainly prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause the blood vessels in the uterus to constrict, resulting in reduced blood flow and tissue damage, which leads to pain. Prostaglandins also directly contribute to the signaling of pain. While factors like childbirth history, diet, and physical activity can influence the signaling of prostaglandins in the uterus and the generation of pain, the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea is likely determined by congenital and genetic factors.

Dysmenorrhea and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) are both related to the menstrual cycle but differ in timing and symptoms. Dysmenorrhea involves painful menstrual cramps occurring during menstruation and can include lower back pain, nausea, and headaches. It can be primary (natural) or secondary (caused by other medical conditions). PMS, on the other hand, manifests in the one to two weeks before menstruation and includes a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. While dysmenorrhea focuses on menstrual pain, PMS involves broader pre-menstrual symptoms due to hormonal changes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% out of 190 million women and girls of reproductive age worldwide are affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis is currently defined as a chronic condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. This condition leads to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue primarily in the pelvic region. Due to the irritated nerves caused by the inflammation, individuals suffer from severe pain in this area. The pain experienced, especially during menstruation, significantly impacts daily activities and quality of life. While a long-term cure for endometriosis is lacking, symptom management through surgical interventions or medical treatments is common. However, these treatments either involve hormones or pain medications, which can lead to significant side effects due to the high dosage required for adequate symptom management.

Adenomyosis is a medical condition where endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This can cause symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain, and an enlarged uterus.