An Overview on Dysmenorrhea ; Review Article

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cramps that occur just before or during menstruation and is one of the most common gynecological complaints among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. It is generally classified into primary dysmenorrhea, which occurs in the absence of any identifiable pelvic pathology and is mainly attributed to increased uterine prostaglandin production leading to uterine contractions and ischemia; and secondary dysmenorrhea, which results from underlying pelvic disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms typically include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may radiate to the lower back and thighs, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and headaches. Dysmenorrhea can significantly affect daily activities, school or work attendance, and overall quality of life. Early recognition and appropriate management — including lifestyle modifications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal therapy, and treatment of any underlying pathology — are essential to reducing symptoms and improving functional outcomes.