Dysmenorrhea

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Dysmenorrhea: Definition & Types - Period Pain Primer

  • Definition: Painful menstruation, typically cramping in the lower abdomen, occurring just before or during menses.
  • Types:
    • Primary: No underlying pelvic pathology. Common in adolescents.

      ⭐ Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins 6-12 months after menarche, coinciding with the onset of ovulatory cycles.

    • Secondary: Due to underlying pelvic pathology (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, PID). More common in women aged >25 years.
  • Prevalence: Affects up to 90% of adolescent girls and 25-50% of reproductive-age women globally; a leading cause of recurrent short-term school/work absenteeism.

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Pathophys & Features - Prostaglandin Party Poopers

  • Pathophysiology:
    • ↑ Prostaglandins (esp. $PGF_{2\alpha}$, $PGE_2$) & leukotrienes released from shedding endometrium during menses.
    • Causes intense uterine hypercontractility, ↓ uterine blood flow & myometrial ischemia → colicky pain.
  • Clinical Features:
    • Crampy, spasmodic, midline lower abdominal/suprapubic pain.
    • Often radiates to the lower back or inner thighs.
    • Onset: Usually a few hours prior to or with menses; lasts 1-3 days, typically peaks at 24-48 hrs.
    • Associated symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness. Prostaglandin synthesis and action in dysmenorrhea

⭐ Increased levels of $PGF_{2\alpha}$ in menstrual fluid are directly correlated with the severity of primary dysmenorrhea.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Causes & Clues - Underlying Culprits Unmasked

CauseOnset AgePain FeaturesKey Associations
EndometriosisReproProgressive, cyclical; deep dyspareuniaInfertility, cyclical sx (bowel/bladder), endometrioma
Adenomyosis>30 yrsMenorrhagia; boggy, tender, ↑uterusDyspareunia; AUB (📌 PALM-COEIN)
FibroidsReproAUB, pressure; pain if degenAsymm. ↑uterus (firm); AUB (📌 PALM-COEIN)
PIDReproAcute/chronic bilateral pelvic painFever, discharge, CMT, adnexal tender
Cervical StenosisPost-procCramping post scant/absent flowHx cervical surgery
Ovarian CystsAnyUnilateral; acute if torsion/ruptureAdnexal mass
Congenital Anom.AdolescenceCyclical, severe; outflow obstructionHematocolpos/hematometra

Endometriosis vs. Adenomyosis Locations

Dysmenorrhea: Diagnosis & Workup - Detective Work

  • History: Detailed pain characteristics (onset, duration, severity, cycle relation, impact), associated symptoms, menstrual history, sexual history.
  • Red Flags: New onset after age 25, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB), infertility, deep dyspareunia, failure to respond to NSAIDs/OCPs.
  • Examination: General, abdominal, and pelvic (bimanual for uterine/adnexal assessment, speculum for cervical/vaginal view).
  • Investigations:
    • Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS): Initial imaging of choice.
    • MRI or Hysteroscopy: For complex cases or if TVS is non-diagnostic.
    • Laparoscopy: Gold standard for endometriosis or pelvic adhesions.

⭐ New onset dysmenorrhea after the age of 25 years strongly suggests a secondary cause.

Dysmenorrhea: Management Strategies - Pain Relief Playbook

  • Primary Dysmenorrhea:
    • NSAIDs: Mefenamic acid (500mg TDS), Ibuprofen (400-600mg TDS). Start 1-2 days before menses.
    • COCs, Progestogens (DMPA, LNG-IUS).
    • Non-pharmacological: Heat, exercise, TENS.
  • Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Treat underlying cause.
    • Endometriosis: GnRH agonists, surgery.
    • Fibroids: Myomectomy.
    • PID: Antibiotics.
    • Hysterectomy (last resort).

⭐ NSAIDs are first-line for primary dysmenorrhea, most effective when started 1-2 days before menses and continued for 2-3 days of bleeding.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Primary dysmenorrhea: Excess prostaglandins; onset 6-12 months post-menarche with ovulatory cycles.
  • Secondary dysmenorrhea: Due to pelvic pathology (endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, PID).
  • NSAIDs are first-line treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, inhibiting prostaglandins.
  • Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) reduce pain by inhibiting ovulation and endometrial growth.
  • Endometriosis: Common cause of progressive dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, infertility.
  • Adenomyosis: Presents with dysmenorrhea & menorrhagia; uterus symmetrically enlarged.
  • Laparoscopy: Gold standard to diagnose endometriosis or pelvic adhesions causing secondary dysmenorrhea.

Practice Questions: Dysmenorrhea

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following statements accurately describes adenomyosis?

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Flashcards: Dysmenorrhea

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Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) refers to acyclical pelvic pain of more than _____ months duration.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) refers to acyclical pelvic pain of more than _____ months duration.

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