Some women experience excessive pain during their periods while some do not. The pain is usually greater at the beginning of the period, and in rare cases can be accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. Menstrual pain can vary from a dull pain in the back or abdomen to severe cramping and lower abdominal pain.

Menstrual pain is a result of uterine cramping which is caused due to Prostaglandin production. This is not associated with a gynecological disease and is not a problem. However the cause of alarm is Endometriosis, which, occurs when fragments of the endometrium (the tissue that lines the uterus) grows outside the uterus in places such as the lining of the pelvic cavity, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the intestinal tract, or, less commonly, in the vagina. This causes an irritation of the lining of the cavity, which can be painful. Another result of endometriosis is the formation of scar tissue, which can distort the normal pelvic anatomy. Endometriosis of the ovary can lead to the development of endometriotic or "chocolate" cysts.

Treatment of endometriosis includes painkillers, hormonal medications and/or surgery. Exercise also helps. Thus if you think that you have dysmenorrhea, please see your doctor.

The contents of this Web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for medical advice. You should consult your physician or family doctor immediately with any problem about which you are concerned.