While some people experience little to no symptoms, for others their monthly cycle puts a huge damper on their lives and overall well-being. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).more than half of menstruating women experience some pain during their period that lasts at least one to two days a month.
The medical term for period pain is dysmenorrhea. There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary. Understanding these different types can help you better understand where your pain may be coming from, what you can do about it, and give you more information so you can advocate for yourself in medical settings.
What is the difference between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea? We’re here to explain.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
People usually associate cramps with period pain. For those who experience dysmenorrhoea, it often does not stop with cramps. Painful periods can also be accompanied by a whole host of other symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Backache
- Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
- Motion sickness
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain radiating down the legs
- Fatigue
- faint
Experiencing severe pain and unpleasant symptoms for many days a month can also have a serious impact on one’s mental health. Many people with dysmenorrhea may also experience symptoms PMS or PMDDalong with the anxiety or despair of being in so much pain every month.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Cramping that occurs before or during your period is what is called primary dysmenorrhea.
They can happen before or during your period and are caused by the hormone-like substance prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins help with a wide range of bodily functions such as blood flow and childbirth. They also cause the muscles and blood vessels in the uterus to contract during menstruation. This helps release the endometrium (lining of the uterus) from your uterus, also known as your period.
Prostaglandin levels tend to be highest at the beginning of your period and decrease towards the end. Therefore, many people experience more pain at the beginning of their period, which tends to subside after a few days.
Primary dysmenorrhoea usually begins within six to twelve months of the onset of menarche (a teenager’s first period) and can often improve with age.
Secondary dysmenorrhea
Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand is period pain caused by a reproductive health disorder, pelvic pathology, or other medical condition. This type of period pain can start a few days before a period starts, can get worse with each cycle, and can even continue at the end of each period.
This type of period pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities for several days a month. Endometriosis is the most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea.
Secondary dysmenorrhea can also be caused by:
- Fibroids
- Congenital abnormalities in the reproductive organs
- Tumor, infection or polyps in the pelvic area or reproductive organs
- Adenomyosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS
- Miscarriage, pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy
Although less common, teenagers can have secondary dysmenorrhea. Endometriosis in teenagers can be difficult to diagnose because the lesions can be clear or red and harder to recognize than those in an adult.
Treatment of dysmenorrhea
Treatment for dysmenorrhea depends on the underlying cause of the pain and whether it is primary or secondary. Your OB-GYN will likely do a pelvic exam, followed by blood tests and possibly an ultrasound.
For cases that require further diagnosis, a laparoscopy may be performed. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a small incision near the belly button to allow a laparoscope, or a thinly lit camera, to enter the abdomen to explore what’s going on inside.
Primary dysmenorrhea can often be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, as well as using a heating pad when you have pain. Some people may find relief through dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as taking certain supplements such as magnesium.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is more complicated because it can be caused by a wide range of disorders. Depending on the root cause of your pain, you may be advised to take certain medications such as hormonal birth controlundergo surgery or make certain lifestyle changes;
Many people find some relief from any type of dysmenorrhea by seeing a holistic health care provider such as acupuncturist the naturopathic doctor.
You advocate for yourself
Period pain may be common, but it is not necessarily normal. We hope that you can find medical providers who are supportive and understanding of your needs, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Being able to advocate for yourself can help you gain more access to tests, scans and procedures to understand what’s going on in your body. This is particularly important in reproductive health care, an area where women’s bodily autonomy is so often stifled.
If you’re dealing with period pain (or just want better healthcare), here are some tips to better support yourself:
- Track your symptoms, energy levels, and anything else that might be related to what you’re experiencing.
- Do your research beforehand. It shouldn’t be all up to you, but being prepared helps you know what your options are.
- Come with a list of questions. It’s easy to forget them when you’re being rushed to an appointment, so having a list will help you cover all your bases.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up. Medical care is a service that you pay for either with your taxes or out of pocket, you deserve the best care possible, even if that means looking for a different provider.
Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and at ease in their bodies, even during your period. If period pain is seriously (or minimally) affecting your life, we urge you to explore your options.
