What is it about ?
Painful periods or periods (dysmenorrhea) may begin just before the onset of menstruation and / or during. Pain and cramps in the lower abdomen may be accompanied by other symptoms like back pain, headache, pain in the breasts, bloating, etc.
A distinction is made between the primary form and the secondary form. We speak of primary form when complaints arrive in the year following the very first period. We speak of secondary form when the rules are painful when they were not before. It can be caused by very heavy bleeding, infection, endometriosis, IUD, etc.
What is their frequency?
Almost all women have occasional painful periods (menstruation). About 1 in 10 women complain of severe pain. The first symptoms can already appear in young girls in the first year after the start of their period. The problem can persist until menopause. Painful secondary periods occur mainly in women between the ages of 30 and 40.
How to recognize them?
In addition to pain and cramps in the lower abdomen, a multitude of other complaints can also arise: nausea and vomiting, fatigue, lower back pain, dizziness, diarrhea and headaches.
How is the diagnosis made?
A discussion with the doctor is usually enough to make a diagnosis when complaints start within a year of having your first period.
If the painful period comes later for the first time, the doctor will do an internal exam to rule out a possible cause. A smear and swab may be done to check for cervical abnormalities and infections.
A blood test is not helpful in determining the hormone level. If further examinations are necessary, the doctor can refer you to a gynecologist.
What can you do ?
Exercise and a source of heat on the painful area (such as a hot water bottle on the stomach) can alleviate the symptoms. An anti-inflammatory type pain reliever can also give you relief, for example 400 mg ibuprofen, if needed every 6 hours.
What can the doctor do?
In case of painful periods, anti-inflammatory drugs work well: ibuprofen or naproxen. Hormonal treatments may also be prescribed. This will usually be the contraceptive pill (which therefore also serves as a contraceptive). The hormonal intrauterine device (IUD or IUD) is a good alternative.
In the event of secondary painful menstruation, the cause will be taken care of, if possible: treatment of an infection, removal of an IUD or removal of a tumor.
Want to know more?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Ibuprofen – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Naproxen – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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