::... GYNAECOLOGY - Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea means painful menstruation(periods). A lady gets cramps in lower abdominal area 2 to 3 days just before the period sets in. The pain eases once the period is started. Dysmenorrhoea is common in about 1 out of 10 women and the pain is severe enough to affect day-to-day activities. Some may experience other symptoms like headaches, tiredness, dizziness, breast tenderness and diarrhoea.

The causes are not clear. Dysmenorrhoea is common in teenagers and young adults. Periods tend to become less painful as lady gets older. In some cases, usually in women in 30's or 40's, a disease of the uterus (womb) causes dysmenorrhoea.

An anti-inflammatory painkiller often eases the pain. This is to be taken for 3-4 days. Doctor may advise to start taking the tablets on the day before the period is due. This may prevent the pain from building up. Take the first dose as soon as your pain begins, or as soon as the bleeding starts, whichever comes first.