It was a humid Thursday morning, and my clinic was already bustling with activity. I noticed Nimali’s name on my appointment list. She was a 19-year-old university student I had seen a few times before. Her mother, Mrs. Perera, usually accompanied her, but today she came alone. As she walked in, her face looked pale, and she clutched her abdomen tightly.
“Dr. Priya,” she whispered with a strained smile. “It’s happening again. The cramps are unbearable, and sometimes I can’t even get out of bed.”
I guided her gently to the chair, offering her a glass of water. “Let’s talk about it, Nimali. You’re not alone in this.”
What is Dysmenorrhoea?
I explained to her that what she was experiencing is called dysmenorrhoea—a medical term for painful periods.
- Primary Dysmenorrhoea: Pain caused by natural hormone activity, without any underlying disease.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhoea: Pain caused by a condition in the uterus, such as fibroids or an infection.
“This isn’t something you have to silently suffer through,” I reassured her. “There are ways we can manage it.”
What Causes Primary Dysmenorrhoea?
Dysmenorrhoea is caused by high levels of substances called prostaglandins. These are chemicals produced by the lining of the uterus. During menstruation, prostaglandins cause the uterine muscles to contract tightly, resulting in cramping pain.
“When your period starts, the prostaglandins are at their peak, which is why the first couple of days can be the hardest,” I explained to Nimali.
Common Symptoms of Dysmenorrhoea
I handed Nimali a small chart listing the symptoms. “Do these sound familiar?” I asked.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdominal Pain | Dull, dragging pain in the lower abdomen or back. |
| Severe Cramps | Intense cramping that can radiate to the thighs. |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Feeling sick or actually throwing up. |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired or weak. |
| Headache | Persistent headaches during menstruation. |
| Dizziness | Feeling lightheaded or fainting. |
Nimali nodded, tears welling up. “Sometimes the pain starts even before my period begins, and I get headaches too.”
When Should You See a Doctor?
“It’s important to know when to seek help,” I said gently. “If your period pain interferes with your daily life or if you’ve had pain-free periods for years and suddenly develop severe cramps, it’s time to see a doctor.”
Signs to watch out for include:
- Pain lasting more than 2-3 days.
- Pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication.
- Heavier-than-usual bleeding.
- New or worsening pain after years of mild periods.
What are the Risks of Dysmenorrhoea?
I assured Nimali that most cases of dysmenorrhoea are not dangerous. However, if pain is due to an underlying condition like fibroids or pelvic infections, it’s essential to get it diagnosed and treated.
“If left unchecked, these conditions can sometimes cause more serious problems like infertility,” I explained.
Treatment Options for Painful Periods
“Let’s talk about what we can do to help you feel better,” I suggested. There are several options for managing dysmenorrhoea.
1. Self-Help Methods
- Stay Warm: Use a hot water bottle or a warm compress on your abdomen.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas.
- Exercise: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can help reduce cramps.
- Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises.
2. Medications
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Taking 100 mg daily may reduce pain.
- Contraceptive Pills: These can reduce prostaglandin production and alleviate cramps.
3. Lifestyle Changes
- Regular Exercise: Helps improve blood flow and reduce stress.
- Healthy Diet: Reduce intake of processed foods, caffeine, and sugary snacks.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can worsen symptoms.
Practical Tips for Managing Period Pain
I gave Nimali a checklist to help her manage her symptoms:
- ✅ Apply a hot water bottle to your abdomen.
- ✅ Take painkillers before the pain becomes severe.
- ✅ Drink herbal teas like ginger or peppermint.
- ✅ Stretch and do light exercises.
- ✅ Practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress.
FAQs About Dysmenorrhoea
1. Can period pain get worse over time?
Yes, especially if it’s due to secondary dysmenorrhoea caused by conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. It’s best to get evaluated by a doctor.
2. Is it normal to have nausea during my period?
Yes, prostaglandins can affect your digestive system, causing nausea or even vomiting.
3. Will having a baby stop my period pain?
For some women, giving birth reduces period pain, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone.
4. How long does period pain usually last?
It typically lasts 24-48 hours but can sometimes extend to 3 days.
5. Are there natural remedies for dysmenorrhoea?
Yes, remedies like ginger tea, turmeric milk, and magnesium supplements can help.
Nimali’s Path to Relief
After our conversation, Nimali looked more hopeful. “I didn’t know there were so many ways to manage this,” she said. “I thought I just had to suffer through it.”
“We’ll work together to find what helps you best,” I reassured her. “Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.”
As she left the clinic, a small smile replaced her earlier pain. That’s why I love what I do – helping young women like Nimali take charge of their health.
Take control of your period pain. Don’t let it control you. Early management and understanding can make all the difference.