Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
Primary dysmenorrhea is a normal cramping of the lower abdomen caused by hormone-induced uterine contractions before the period. Secondary dysmenorrhea may be caused by abnormal conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Unless one of these potentially serious conditions is present, the treatment for painful periods is pain relief. If a hormone imbalance is detected, birth control pills may restore the proper hormone levels.
Related Images
• Female Reproductive Anatomy
• Normal Uterine Anatomy (Cut Section)
• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
• Relieving PMS
• Uterus
Related Articles
• Dysmenorrhea in the Adolescent
• Menstruation - Painful
Review Date : 9/18/2000
Reviewed By : J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; G. Eric Morgan, MS3; RxRemedy
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