Menstrual Pain and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Menstrual pain doesn't happen to every woman and the pain isn't the same with each woman either. Some women may feel discomfort and other women feel pain. The severe pain is more common in women ages 20 to 24 years old. Though it has been reported that severe cramps after a woman has had her tubes tied is very common, the cramps usually happen right before the period starts. Cramps in the lower back and even in the lower abdomen are common. Headaches, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and lightheadedness may occur as well.

What happens is the lining of the uterus secretes a hormone called prostaglandin and this hormone can cause the uterus to contract resulting in pain. Women who experience a lot of pain produce higher than normal amounts of the hormone and they may be more sensitive to the effects of the hormone.

The cycle of menstruation is often accompanied by some condition unpleasant to women. Even before the onset of menstruation, most women feel certain conditions. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that occur before the menses and subside with the onset of menstrual flow. The cause is unknown, but serotonin regulation is currently the most plausible theory. Other hormones may also be involved. Dietary factors may play a role because carbohydrates may affect serotonin. Severe symptoms have been labeled as premenstrual dysphonic disorder. This severe form PMS, which interferes with woman's schoolwork, job, or social or family life, is uncommon.

Major symptoms of PMS include headache, fatigue, low back pain, painful breasts, and feeling of abdominal fullness. General irritability, mood swings, fear of losing control, binge eating, and crying spells may occur. Symptoms vary widely from one woman to another and from one cycle to the next in the same person. Great variability is found in the degree of symptoms. Many women are affected to some degree, but few are severely affected. Many women are not bothered at all, whereas some experience severe and disabling symptoms.

Generally, stressful life and problematic relationships may be related to the intensity of physical symptoms. Some women report moderate to severe life disruption secondary to PMS that negatively affects their interpersonal relationships. PMS may also be a factor in reduced productivity, work-related accidents, and absenteeism.

Identifying the time when these symptoms occur helps in determining the diagnosis. Symptoms recur regularly at the same phase of each menstrual cycle, usually 1 week to a few days before menses, and subside once the menstrual flow starts.