According to a study published in 2015 [1] 45 to 95% of menstruating women experience pain during their period. Although the symptoms and consequences of dysmenorrhea are well known, they are often regarded by the medical profession as a natural phenomenon rather than a pathology. The result: dysmenorrhea is often underdiagnosed due to the taboo surrounding menstruation.
"Our mission at Sisters Republic is to break down taboos and help women experience their menstruation better. Here, learn about the different methods to eliminate or alleviate the abdominal pain caused by menstruation."
Dysmenorrhea, what is that?
The etymology of the name "Dysmenorrhea" derives from the Greek terms dys, mên and rheîn. They translate to "disturbance", "monthly", and "flow". Dysmenorrhea refers to the pelvic pain that can occur during the menstrual cycle.
Primary dysmenorrhea occurs during puberty in the months following the first menstruation. The symptoms begin a few hours before the onset of bleeding and can last two to three days.
Secondary dysmenorrhea is referred to when the symptoms persist or occur after puberty at the age of twenty to twenty-five years. The pain often lasts longer and can also occur outside of menstruation.
Recognition of pelvic pain
"During menstruation, abdominal pain in people with this syndrome can take various forms. It is sometimes difficult, to describe the characteristics of menstrual discomfort more precisely. However, women suffering from this disorder must be able to recognize their symptoms accurately in order to address them. In the context of medical care or gynecological consultations, patients can, for example, mention the following symptoms:"
- digestive problems
- cramps
- Vomit.
- Diarrhea
- nausea
- flatulence
- constipation
- abdominal cramps
Why do we have stomach aches? According to a thesis published in 2018, painful abdominal cramps can be explained by a hindrance of blood flow, a malformation, a hormonal imbalance, as well as psychological factors. Girls who enter puberty before the age of eleven have a higher likelihood of developing such disorders. This is also referred to as early puberty. Frequent events that disrupt daily life, as well as stressful family or intimate relationships, can be aggravating factors. Active or passive smoking also affects the intensity of the pain. Obesity, physical strain, and alcohol are also often presented as causes, but their actual influence remains controversial.
Diagnosis and medical treatment
The intensity, frequency, and form of the pain can vary from cycle to cycle. If your symptoms prevent you from engaging in your daily activities, and you even have to stay in bed, you should definitely consult a doctor for advice.
To diagnose dysmenorrhea, a clinical examination must be performed. This is done with the help of a vaginal swab, i.e., a swab that can detect a possible infection and prescribe appropriate treatment. Initially, the patient is offered a symptomatic treatment. The doctor then prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which can be combined with analgesics and/or antispasmodic medications like paracetamol. If the treatment is effective and alleviates the pain, it will be continued for six months and then reassessed.
"If it is insufficient, the doctor will conduct further examinations. An ultrasound can determine the presence of an obstruction or a malformation, such as:"
- A non-torn hymen
- A sealed diaphragm
- A divided uterus
A surgery may be considered in these cases. If the ultrasound image is normal, the patient is recommended to undergo a progestin or estrogen-progestin therapy. These treatments reduce the secretions produced by the endometrium and thus the menstrual bleeding. As a result, the pain also decreases.
Another option is a combined oral contraceptive, i.e. the birth control pill. By continuously taking the pill without breaks and placebo tablets, you can block ovulation and thus stop menstruation and the associated pain. As a reminder: there are four generations of pills. The first two generations have undesirable side effects such as acne or weight gain. However, the pill of the second generation is often recommended. Unfortunately, the combined contraceptives of the third and fourth generation lead to other risks that are incompatible with the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
"If no infection or malformation is found, there may be another 'hidden' condition present, such as endometriosis."
Alternative Therapies
A multidisciplinary approach offers women suffering from menstrual pain more effective relief. In addition to medication therapy, psychological support can be provided by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or sex therapist.
Several home remedies have already proven their effectiveness! A hot bath or a hot water bottle helps to combat uterine contractions. The warmth of hot water in all forms can effectively help many women. It reduces discomfort and alleviates pain in the kidney area. Experience has also shown that tampons should be avoided during menstrual pain. It is even said that sexual intercourse can relieve menstrual pain, as endorphins are released.
"And we at Sisters Republic will never tire of advocating for the use of menstruation panties to ensure that you receive all the comfort, well-being, and safety that every woman deserves!"
"Alternative therapies are often used for women with chronic pain. Although there are only a few studies on the effectiveness of these approaches, the use of certain plants or essential oils is frequently mentioned in lay literature and is generally widespread. These include:"
- Phytotherapy
- Aromatherapy
- Homeopathy
- Acupuncture
- Yoga and relaxation exercises
For menstrual discomfort, you can try evening primrose oil or essential sage oil, for example. It is understandable that some women prefer to use these "natural" methods instead of hormone treatment. However, such applications require certain precautions and must be monitored by a doctor or pharmacist.
[1] Stella Iacovides, Ingrid Avidon, Fiona C. Baker, What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review, Human Reproduction Update, Volume 21, Issue 6, November/December 2015, Pages 762-778,
