Causes of Painful Menstruation or Dysmenorrhea

Very painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, are not something that should be ignored and may require some medical attention.

Dysmenorrhea, or extreme painful cramping sensation of the lower abdomen and/or back that comes and goes much like a contraction or a constant generalized pain, affects many women in their teens and their twenties to the degree that they are unable to perform daily routine tasks.

It is generally understood that the hormone prostaglandin is responsible for the uterus contracting during menses so that the higher the degree of the hormone produced, the higher the degree of contraction and consequently pain.

Primary dysmenorrhea can occur in otherwise healthy women, without there being any particular problem relating to the reproductive organs.


Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to excessive menstrual pain that may be caused by a disorder, infection or other illness or a structural abnormality in or outside the uterus.

Causes for very painful periods may range from Endometriosis to Fibroids, or Ovarian cysts or Pelvic inflammatory disease. The underlying cause could be Sexually transmitted diseases or even something as common place as stress and anxiety. A newly inserted Intrauterine Device (IUD) could also be responsible.


The following steps may allow you to avoid prescription medications for Primary Dysmenorrhea;

Apply a heating pad to your lower belly area, below your belly button. Never fall asleep with the heating pad on.
Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower belly area.
Drink warm beverages.
Eat light but frequent meals.
Follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but low in salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Keep your legs raised while lying down, or lie on your side with your knees bent.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. Start taking it the day before your period is expected to start, and continue taking it regularly for the first few days of your period.
Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements, especially if your pain is from PMS.
Take warm showers or baths.
Walk or exercise regularly, including pelvic rocking exercises.
Lose weight if you are overweight. Get regular, aerobic exercise.

Call your doctor right away if you notice:

Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Fever and pelvic pain
Sudden or severe pain, especially if your period is more than one week late and you have been sexually active.
Your pain occurs at times 5 days before your period, or continues after your period is over.