Conditions and symptoms
What Is Dysmenorrhea? Painful Periods
Dysmenorrhea · say it: dis-men-uh-REE-uhAlso written: dysmenorrhoea, period pain, menstrual cramps, painful periods, primary dysmenorrhea
Short answer
Dysmenorrhea is the medical word for painful periods, usually cramping pain in the lower tummy before or during menstruation.
What it means
Dysmenorrhea means painful menstrual periods. It usually causes cramping pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back or thighs, and can come with nausea, headache or loose stools. Primary dysmenorrhea is common period pain with no underlying disease; it is linked to chemicals called prostaglandins that make the womb contract. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by a condition such as endometriosis or fibroids.
The word appears on NSAID labels, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, under 'Indications' or 'Uses', because these medicines reduce prostaglandins and are approved for period pain. The same labels carry the usual NSAID warnings about stomach bleeding, kidneys and heart risk. Some hormonal contraceptive labels also mention it.
Dysmenorrhea is about pain. Menorrhagia means heavy periods, and amenorrhea means absent periods. Premenstrual symptoms come before the period starts and include mood and physical changes.
Where you may see it
- The 'Indications' section of NSAID labels ('primary dysmenorrhea')
- Over-the-counter painkiller packaging ('menstrual cramps')
- Gynaecology clinic letters
📄 How it looks on a report
Indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Painful periods are common, but pain that stops normal life is not something to just accept; it should be checked.
- Primary dysmenorrhea does not mean anything is wrong with the womb.
- Being approved for period pain does not mean an NSAID is suitable for everyone; the usual warnings still apply.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Dysmenorrhea”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Acetaminophen
A pain reliever and fever reducer
- Ibuprofen
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a type of medicine that reduces pain, swelling, and fever
- Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol
a combination birth control pill that contains a progestin and an estrogen
- Naproxen
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is a medicine that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Dysmenorrhea” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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