Know Dysmenorrhea Better
June 12, 2009
Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition in which the women experiences unbearable pain during periods. The pain is so severe and medication is required to reduce the pain. The pain becomes better as menses start to clear up. This disease is often accompanied by heavy loss of blood (menorrhagia). Nausea and vomiting may be experienced.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea is diagnosed due to some underlying disease of the uterus or of any other organ. Primary dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the reason is something else.
In primarily dysmenorrhea, prostaglandins may be a possible cause for the trouble. Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators which cause uterus to contract during period when the endometrium collapses. The uterine contraction causes the dead endometrium to be removed from body through vagina. During these contractions, there is temporary oxygen deprivation to the tissues. This is responsible for cramps and pain.
Women suffering from dysmenorrhea suffer form sever lower back pain. The pain radiates to the things and they feel very dull. Nausea, vomiting, fainting and headaches are another common sign during dysmenorrhea.
Sexual abuse, smoking and early onset of menarche are some factors that trigger dysmenorrhea in women. Those women who are already suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) are at much higher risk of developing dysmenorrhea.
Drug therapies used in treatment for dysmenorrhea may include NSAIDS and hormonal contraceptives. Nutritional supplementation with vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin B1 and zinc helps in decreasing amount of omega-6 Fatty acid in cell membranes and thus aids in reversing symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are helpful in relieving pain and there is a controversy about side effects caused by them. Hormonal contraceptives are helpful but the too have mood swings and weight gain as side effects. Non-drug therapies like acupressure and chiropractic care are safe methods but make take time to get complete relief.
Diagnosis of this disease is done using MRI.
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