Medical Term for Painful Periods
The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhea. 1
Definition and Classification
Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful uterine cramping associated with menstruation and is classified into two distinct categories 2, 3:
- Primary dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation in the absence of pelvic pathology, occurring without an underlying organic cause 4, 3, 5
- Secondary dysmenorrhea: Pelvic pain associated with an underlying pelvic pathology (such as endometriosis or adenomyosis), with pain commencing before the onset of the menstrual cycle 1
Prevalence and Impact
Dysmenorrhea is extremely common, affecting 71.3% of menstruating women worldwide, with primary dysmenorrhea affecting approximately 73% of women 6. The condition affects between 45% and 95% of menstruating women depending on the population studied 5.
This condition significantly impacts quality of life and is the main reason for absenteeism from school or work among young females 3. Despite its high prevalence, dysmenorrhea is often poorly treated and even disregarded by health professionals, pain researchers, and women themselves, who may accept it as a normal part of the menstrual cycle 5.
Clinical Characteristics
The pain is characterized by 3:
- Painful cramps in the lower abdomen that start shortly before or at the onset of menses
- Duration typically lasting up to 3 days 3
- Associated symptoms including headache, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, mood disturbances, and sleep disturbances 3
Important Clinical Note
Women with dysmenorrhea demonstrate greater sensitivity to experimental pain both within and outside areas of referred menstrual pain, even during pain-free phases of the menstrual cycle 5. This enhanced pain sensitivity may increase susceptibility to other chronic pain conditions in later life, as dysmenorrhea is a risk factor for fibromyalgia 5.