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What causes period pain?


what causes period pain?Period pain is thought to be caused by contractions of the uterus that occur when the blood supply to its lining (endometrium) is reduced. Another theory suggests that menstrual cramps are related to hormone-like substances that can cause muscles in the uterus to go into spasm. There are two types of period pain, or dysmenorrhea, to give it it’s technical term:

Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is usually suffered by girls who have just begun to menstruate. Medical experts believe that this type of period pain disappears or becomes less severe after a woman leaves her teens or gives birth. However, it is also thought that the this type of pain occurs only at the completion of an 'ovulatory' menstrual cycle, ie one during which an egg was released. It does not occur after an 'anovulatory' cycle during which no egg was released. As women leave their teens, and/or give birth, they tend to use the contraceptive pill. In many cases, this causes them to have 'anovulatory' cycles, which don’t cause period pain. Oral contraceptives reduce painful periods in 70 to 80 per cent of women.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

This type of period pain is due to common gynaecological conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), especially if you've never been pregnant, can also cause period pain. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is diagnosed in only one-quarter of women with dysmenorrhoea. Oral contraceptives do not reduce painful periods in the case of secondary dysmenorrhea.

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