Primary
dysmenorrhea
Menstrual symptoms vary widely amongst
individuals, but some suffer more severely than others. Primary dysmenorrhoea
occurs almost exclusively in ovulatory cycles.It is severe, disabling cramps
without underlying illness. Symptoms may include backache, leg pain, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. This kind of dysmenorrhea usually
affects young woman within two years of the onset of menstruation and lasts one
or two days each month. Primary dysmenorrhea may affect up to 75 percent of
women at some time, and 5-6 percent may have incapacitating pain. The frequency
of cases increases up to age 20 and then decreases with age.
Causes:-
• Prostaglandin production
• Increased myometrial contractility
• Decreased endometrial blood flow
• Leukotrienes
« Vasopressin
Secondary
dysmenorrhea
This develops after menarche and there may
be identifiable underlying patholog. It is cramps caused by another medical
problem(s) such as endometriosis (abnormalities in the lining of the uterus),
adenomyosis (nonmalignant growth of the endometrium into the muscular layer of
the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, cervical narrowing,
uterine malposition, pelvic tumors or an IUD (intra-uterine device). This
condition usually occurs in older women.
Treatment is dependent on the cause.
Investigation may include thorough examination, ultrasound scan and
laparoscopy. Although psychological factors are quoted as being involved in
both primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea, the evidence for physical factors is
strong. Recurring, debilitating pain may well cause depression and anxiety,
rather than depression initiating the pain.
Causes:-
·
Idiopathic
·
Endometriosis
·
Adenomyosis
·
Pelvic inflammatory disease
·
Pelvic venous congestion
·
Cervical stenosis
·
Intrauterine device
Why does it pain on menstruation?
When the menstrual
cycle begins, prostaglandins (chemical substances that are made by cells in the
lining of the uterus) are released by the endometrial cells as they are shed
from the uterine lining, causing the uterine muscles to contract. If excessive
prostaglandin is present, the normal contraction response can become a strong
and painful spasm. As it spasms, the blood flow is cut off temporarily,
depriving the uterine muscle of oxygen and thus causing a "cramp."
The cramps themselves help push out the menstrual discharge.
Excessive
prostaglandin release is also responsible for contraction of the smooth muscle
in the intestinal tract; hence the diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Headache and
dizziness may also be the result of high prostaglandin levels.
Self
Care
For relief of painful
menstrual cramps and their associated discomforts, start with a hot bath. The
water helps relax the uterus and other tensions that may be contributing to the
problem.
Place a heating
pad on your abdomen. The flow of heat can provide soothing, temporary pain
relief.
Exercise
regularly. Aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, running, bicycling, and
aerobic dance may diminish cramping symptoms. For some women, exercise may
inhibit prostaglandins or help release endorphins, the brain's natural
painkillers.
Home Remedies for Dysmenorrhea
1. Use a heating
pad to the lower abdomen. Take warm showers or baths. Drink warm beverages.
2. Do light
circular massage with your fingertips around the lower abdomen. Walk or
exercise daily.
3. Yoga stretches
during your period can also help.
4. Seeds of
chicory are prepared into a reduction to treat problems of obstructed
menstruation.
5. Lemon grass is
used in painful and complicated menstruation. It can be taken in the form of a
tea.
6. Fish is a good
dietary indication for painful periods.
7. Fry asafetida
in ghee and add a teaspoonful of it to buttermilk. Have this once a day in case
of dysmenorrhea.
Source
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/80/main.html
http://www.aafp.org/
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