What is the medical term for painful periods?

Medical Term for Painful Periods

The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhea. 1, 2

Definition and Classification

Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful uterine cramping associated with menstruation and represents the most common gynecological condition affecting women of childbearing age. 1, 2

Two Main Types:

• Primary dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation occurring in the absence of pelvic pathology or identifiable organic cause 1, 2, 3

  • Affects 45-95% of menstruating women 4
  • Characterized by overproduction of prostaglandins by the endometrium, causing uterine hypercontractility that results in uterine muscle ischemia, hypoxia, and subsequently pain 2

• Secondary dysmenorrhea: Pelvic pain associated with underlying pelvic pathology or a recognized medical condition 1, 3

  • Endometriosis is the leading cause of secondary dysmenorrhea in adolescents 3
  • Other causes include adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease 5, 6

Clinical Significance

Dysmenorrhea is significantly underdiagnosed, undertreated, and often undervalued by women themselves, who may accept it as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. 2 This represents a critical pitfall in clinical practice, as the condition has major implications for quality of life, including limitation of daily activities, psychological stress, and is one of the main causes of school and work absenteeism. 2, 4

Approximately 10% of women with dysmenorrhea are incapacitated for 1 to 3 days each month. 7