What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

Do you suffer from menstrual cramps right before and during your period?

Menstrual cramps can range from a dull, throbbing ache in your lower abdomen, to sharp, intense pains that can last for a minute or more before subsiding.

And the severity of menstrual cramps varies from one woman to the next. For some, menstrual cramps are so mild, they amount to little more than an occasional twinge that can easily be ignored. For others, menstrual pain is so severe, it is debilitating.

If you have to deal with the discomfort of menstrual cramps every month, you have probably tried all sorts of remedies for the pain. But, sometimes, menstrual cramps can't be remedied by the traditional, at-home remedies, especially if you are suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea.

The Two Types of Dysmenorrhea

The medical name for menstrual cramps is dysmenorrhea. And there are two types of dysmenorrhea.

For those with primary dysmenorrhea, painful menstrual cramps are a completely natural and normal part of their monthly menstrual cycle. Fortunately, primary dysmenorrhea can be alleviated by at-home treatments, like exercise, dietary changes, over-the-counter medications, and even herbal remedies.

For those with secondary dysmenorrhea, there is an underlying medical condition, like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, that is either causing or contributing to the severity of their monthly menstrual cramps.

While women with secondary dysmenorrhea can benefit from home remedies, receiving the proper treatment for the underlying condition can go a long way towards alleviating, or even eliminating, their monthly menstrual pain.

Which Type of Dysmenorrhea Do You Have?

A doctor can tell you whether you have primary or secondary dysmenorrhea by doing a physical examination, and asking a series of questions about your symptoms. However, there are certain factors that might indicate you are suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea. Some of them are:

1. Your painful menstrual cramps began later in life.

2. You had menstrual cramps when you were younger, they stopped for several years, and then you started suffering from menstrual cramps again.

3. Your menstrual cramps started or became more severe after you started using an intrauterine device (IUD).

All of the above could be indications that you are suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea. See a doctor for diagnosis and possible treatment.

For some, painful menstrual cramps are a natural and normal part of the menstrual cycle, and there are dozens of home remedies that can help them find pain relief. But, for others, seeking medical treatment could mean dramatically decreasing their menstrual cramp pain, or even putting an end to menstrual pain altogether.