What Causes Painful Periods?Experiencing discomfort during your menstrual cycle is incredibly common, but if you are facing regular and severe pain that interrupts your daily activities, then it could be an indication of an underlying condition that needs attention. Period pain, or dysmenorrhea as it is known medically, is categorised into two types. The first is primary dysmenorrhea, which is the most common and not associated with any specific medical condition. It usually begins within a few years of the first menstrual period and tends to decrease with age and after childbirth. The pain is caused by natural chemicals in the body being released during menstruation, causing the uterus to contract. On the other hand, secondary dysmenorrhea is related to underlying health issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. | Symptoms can vary between women, but they typically include a cramping pain in the lower abdomen that often radiates to the lower back and thighs, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and fatigue. To treat these, your medical professional might recommend:
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