Dysmenorrhea

Overview

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) is lower abdominal pain before, during, or after menstruation; it is a symptom rather than a specific disease. Associated symptoms may include headache, back pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating that can affect daily life. It usually begins with menstruation and typically lasts less than three days. In older women, dysmenorrhea is often related to uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.

Symptoms

• Lower abdominal pain
• Lower back soreness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Cold sweats

Treatment

Mild cases benefit from warmth and rest; for significant pain, analgesics may be taken under medical guidance, while secondary dysmenorrhea requires identifying the underlying cause.

Dietary advice

Eat warm foods during menstruation, avoid raw and cold foods, and drink warm brown sugar ginger tea in moderation.