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What is dysmenorrhea?

2026-09-09 11:38:23

Overview and content structure of dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea refers to the lower abdominal pain that women experience during or around menstruation, which can be divided intoprimary dysmenorrhea(no organic disease) andsecondary dysmenorrhea(Caused by diseases such as endometriosis, etc.).This article will start from the definition, classification, common causes, relief methods and precautions, focusing on analyzing the physiological mechanism and coping strategies of dysmenorrhea to help women scientifically understand and manage this problem.

Definition and Classification of Dysmenorrhea

What is dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is pain that accompanies the menstrual cycle. It is mainly manifested as spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the lower back. Some women are accompanied by symptoms such as headache and nausea.primary dysmenorrheaAccounting for more than 90%, it is related to excessive uterine contraction caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins;secondary dysmenorrheaPelvic diseases such as adenomyosis or ovarian cysts need to be investigated.Most adolescents have primary disease, but adult women need to be alert to secondary causes if it suddenly worsens.

Common causes of dysmenorrhea

The core cause of primary dysmenorrhea isincreased prostaglandin levels, causing uterine ischemia and pain; secondary pain is usually associated withendometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and other diseases related.In addition, symptoms may be exacerbated by stress, cold stimulation, or physical weakness.Studies have shown that women who lack exercise or do not consume enough vitamin E have a higher incidence of dysmenorrhea (see Table 1 for data).

risk factorsIncidence of dysmenorrhea
Sedentary35% higher than those who exercise regularly
Vitamin E deficiencyIncrease pain intensity by 28%

Mitigation methods and precautions

Mild dysmenorrhea can passHot compress(Hot compress on the abdomen at around 40℃ for 15 minutes) ormoderate exercise(such as yoga) to relieve; moderate to severe pain can be used as directed by a doctorIbuprofenand other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Avoid eating raw or cold foods during menstruation and maintain a regular schedule.If the pain continues to worsen or is accompanied by abnormal bleeding, timely medical treatment is required to rule out organic diseases.

Summary and scientific understanding

Dysmenorrhea is a common health problem that cannot be ignored, and correctly distinguishing the type is key.Primary dysmenorrhea can be improved through lifestyle adjustments, while secondary dysmenorrhea requires treatment based on the cause.It is recommended that women record menstrual cycle symptoms to provide reference for diagnosis and treatment.Treat dysmenorrhea scientifically, avoid blindly using folk remedies, and seek professional medical help when necessary.

Citing sources

1. "Obstetrics and Gynecology" (People's Medical Publishing House, 9th Edition)
2. World Health Organization (WHO) report on female reproductive health
3. Well-known gynecologist Lin Qiaozhi’s discussion on the mechanism of dysmenorrhea
4. Common painkiller manufacturers:
- Ibuprofen: Pfizer (trade name: Advil), Bayer (trade name: Nurofen)
- Acetaminophen: Johnson & Johnson (trade name: Tylenol)

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