It is a disorder during the menstrual period characterized by abdominal and/or genital pain of greater intensity than what is considered normal.
It is considered normal if it appears in the first months after the onset of menstruation. If it occurs in women who have already had normal menses, the most frequent causes are: endometriosis, intrauterine devices, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, premenstrual syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases and mood disorders.
Other symptoms that may accompany severe abdominal pain are: low back pain, leg cramps, headache, mood swings, irritability and fainting.
Diagnosis is clinical by questioning and gynecological examination. To determine the cause, a blood test and an imaging test such as ultrasound will be performed.
The aim of treatment is to eliminate the triggering cause and control the pain. Conventional analgesics and hormonal treatment (birth control pills or injections) are used to regulate menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Depending on the cause, surgical intervention may be necessary, for example with fibroids and endometriosis.
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