The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhoea. You may describe it as pain, discomfort, or cramps around the time of menstruation. There are 2 types of dysmenorrhoea: primary and secondary.
Painful Periods
Painful Periods
The medical term for painful periods is dysmenorrhoea. You may describe it as pain, discomfort, or cramps around the time of menstruation. There are 2 types of dysmenorrhoea: primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhoea
This generally occurs soon after a woman starts her periods. It is very common and may occur in as many as 50% of adolescents. Most of the time your symptoms will start in the heavy part of menstruation, and last for a few days only.
Causes
It is caused by prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions.
Treatment
Hormonal contraception is often an effective treatment.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
This is when there is an underlying cause for the painful periods.
Causes
Common causes are endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain with periods we recommend review by an experienced practitioner in this area. It may be a trial of hormonal therapy is a reasonable first step before more intensive options are considered such as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
We can help
If you are experiencing painful periods and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.
This generally occurs soon after a woman starts her periods. It is very common and may occur in as many as 50% of adolescents. Most of the time your symptoms will start in the heavy part of menstruation, and last for a few days only.
Causes
It is caused by prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions.
Treatment
Hormonal contraception is often an effective treatment.
This is when there is an underlying cause for the painful periods.
Causes
Common causes are endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain with periods we recommend review by an experienced practitioner in this area. It may be a trial of hormonal therapy is a reasonable first step before more intensive options are considered such as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
If you are experiencing painful periods and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.
Related Conditions & Treatments
Related Conditions & Treatments
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