Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
Painful Menstrual Periods – Overview
Physician's Weekly
June 23, 2023

Painful Menstrual Periods – Overview

The medical term for period pains is dysmenorrhea. Colloquially dysmenorrhea is often referred to as period cramps. Sufferers often describe such pain as moderate to severe and cramping in nature. It generally begins with or just before the period. In 10 per cent of instances, dysmenorrhea is severe enough to disrupt the woman’s lifestyle.

Up to 90 per cent of women experience some pain at the time of menstruation at some point in their lifetime. Dysmenorrhea is often categorized as primary or secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea starts in adolescence, within three years of seeing the first period (menarche), and continues throughout the person’s reproductive life.
Generally, it becomes less painful with age. Primary dysmenorrhea results from severe and abnormal contractions of the womb (uterus). This pain usually last 12-72 hours. It may sometimes be associated with bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, irritability, and headache. This is more common in those who get their first period before the age of 12. Many report a reduction in the intensity of this dysmenorrhea after childbirth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea begins at a later point in life, for example in a woman’s 20s, 30s, and 40s, and is caused by a recently developed medical condition. This pain often lasts for several days, and usually is not associated with bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhoea. This type of dysmenorrhea tends to get worse over time.

Causes of dysmenorrhea

Chemical imbalance in the prostaglandins leading to abnormal contractions of the womb.

  • Endometriosis – This is where the lining of the womb (endometrium) is found inside of the wall of the womb (adenomyosis) or outside the womb.
  • Pelvic infections – (PID/ Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). This is caused by a bacterium – STIs/ STDs.
  • Fibroids.
  • Ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.
  • Cervical stenosis (a narrowed cervical passage).
  • Tumours or polyps of the pelvis.
  • Chron’s disease.
  • Urinary disorders.

Symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea

The patient may experience:

  • Pains and cramping in the abdomen and pelvic area. This pain is often severe.
  • Pressure and or throbbing in the lower abdomen.
  • Pain in the hips, lower back, and inner thighs.
  • Bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
  • Significant fatigue.
  • Light headedness and dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Occasionally constipation.
  • Increased frequency of urination.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Mood changes.

Which women are at the highest risk for dysmenorrhea?

  • Those under the age of 30.
  • Having a family history of painful periods.
  • Those with irregular and or heavy periods.
  • The overweight.
  • Those with pre-menstrual syndrome.
  • Those who started their periods before age 12.
  • Smokers.
  • Those who drink alcohol when having their period.
  • Those who have never been pregnant.
  • History of sexual abuse.
  • Those under stress or suffering from anxiety or depression.

How is dysmenorrhea assessed?

The doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a complete physical and pelvic exam. Tests that may be ordered (if available) include:

  • Pelvic & Abdominal Ultrasound.
  • MRI or CT scan: Either can be used to do a 3D radiological assessment of the pelvis.
  • Laparoscopy of the pelvis: An elongated flexible device with a camera attached is used to directly look, when the patient is anesthetized, at the organs in the pelvic cavity.
  • Hysteroscopy: A specialized scope is used to examine the cavity of the womb.

Treatment options for dysmenorrhea include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac, Voltaren, Naprosyn, Aleve, etc. These inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and can significantly reduce pain, especially if taken shortly before the pain starts.
  • Paracetamol/ Acetaminophen.
  • Oral contraceptive pill.
  • Progesterone (tablets or injections or IUD).
  • Dietary modifications (reducing sugar and caffeine).
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Massages of the lower back and abdomen.
  • Regular exercise.
  • Heating pad across the abdomen.
  • Hot bath or shower.
  • Increasing the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Using Vitamin D and magnesium supplements.
  • Hysterectomy (in extreme cases the surgical removal of the uterus).
  • Anxiety, depression, and stress, if present, should be treated.

When to see the doctor?

  • The pain is preventing you from performing daily tasks or causing you to miss school or work.
  • f the periods are heavy.
  • If there is spotting or bleeding between periods.
  • If there is bleeding after sex.
  • If there is an abnormal vaginal discharge or odour.
  • If sexual intercourse is painful.
  • Associated urinary frequency.
  • The pains are not responding to over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • If there is associated anxiety and or depression.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale, www.familycaresvg.com, clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300 (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Front Page
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    FAMILY MEMBERS of a woman who was killed at Long Wall say they suspect their relative was hacked by a person they all know very well. On Tuesday, Sept...
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Front Page
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE IDEA THAT HOUSING is a right, that every Vincentian has a right to safe and secure housing, and that the government has a role to play in ensuring...
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Front Page
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A POLICE OFFICER, who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend 26 times about her body was remanded even as his lawyer argued that the Royal St Vincent and...
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Front Page
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A NEW UNITY LABOUR PARTY ADMINISTRATION will be rolling out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to embrace its positives and guard against the nega...
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Front Page
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 9,2025 was a memorable day for the staff and students of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, which was marking its 20th anniversary wi...
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    News
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    NON- NATIONALS ARE being hired to fill several jobs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) simply because locals did not have the required skill sets....
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    News
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Montgomery Daniel has sought to clear around rumours that have been circulating relating to his health. Speaking on NBC radio on...
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    News
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    The GOVERNMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign agreements for tourism investment of $1.3 billion on mainland St.Vincent. On Monday, Se...
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    From the Courts, News
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A BARROUALLIE MAN will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to being in illegal possession of a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Demron...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok