Medical Term for Menstrual Cycle Pain
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cycle pain or painful menstruation. 1, 2
Types of Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is classified into two main categories:
Primary Dysmenorrhea
- Painful menstruation without underlying pelvic pathology
- Most common form, affecting 45-95% of menstruating women 3
- Typically begins during adolescence, within 1-2 years after menarche
- Characterized by cramping pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the back or thighs
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
- Menstrual pain associated with an identifiable underlying pelvic pathology
- Common causes include:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Congenital uterine anomalies
Pathophysiology
The primary mechanism behind dysmenorrhea involves prostaglandins:
- During menstruation, the endometrium releases prostaglandins, particularly PGF2α and PGE2
- These prostaglandins cause:
- Increased myometrial contractions
- Vasoconstriction of small endometrial blood vessels
- Tissue ischemia
- Stimulation of pain receptors 4
- Women with dysmenorrhea have higher levels of prostaglandins in menstrual fluid compared to women without pain
- The pain typically begins with the onset of menstrual flow and lasts 48-72 hours
Clinical Presentation
Typical symptoms of dysmenorrhea include:
- Cramping or colicky pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain that may radiate to the lower back and thighs
- Pain that typically begins just before or at the onset of menstrual flow
- Associated symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Impact on Quality of Life
Dysmenorrhea significantly impacts quality of life:
- Women with dysmenorrhea have reduced quality of life during menstruation
- Poorer mood and sleep quality during menstrual periods 3
- May lead to school or work absenteeism
- Can interfere with daily activities and social functioning
- Enhanced pain sensitivity may persist even outside menstruation periods
- May increase susceptibility to other chronic pain conditions later in life 3
Differential Diagnosis
When evaluating menstrual pain, it's important to distinguish between:
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Secondary dysmenorrhea (particularly endometriosis)
- Other causes of cyclic pelvic pain:
- Mittelschmerz (ovulation pain)
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Adenomyosis 5
The timing of pain in relation to the menstrual cycle is a key diagnostic feature, with dysmenorrhea typically occurring just before or during menstruation.
Understanding the correct medical terminology and underlying mechanisms of menstrual pain is essential for proper diagnosis and effective management of this common but often undertreated condition.