Written by Mansi Patel
It can be argued that, in part under the influence of patriarchy, women may have felt the need to suppress their emotions and behave according to accepted gender norms (1,2). For instance, women may tend to default to an assumption that their level of menstrual pain is average and expected (2). This may limit the potential for women to benefit from helpful diagnoses and treatments to alleviate menstrual pain (1).
The diagnosis of dysmenorrhea is based on severe and frequent pain in the lower abdomen that may radiate to the inner thighs and back during the menstrual cycle (3). Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and even fainting (3). There is evidence that most women fitting these characteristics (up to 86%) in the U.S. do not seek care (1).
Reasons to consider seeking care include the potential for correctable pathophysiologies such as secondary dysmenorrhea or treatable associated conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts (4). Endometrial ablation, destruction of the uterine lining, or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be available treatment options to prevent further complications of any underlying conditions (3).
Given that most menstrual pain is not pathological, it can also be helpful for women to be aware of simple techniques they can use to alleviate menstrual pain. For instance, numerous randomized trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of relaxation exercises for alleviation of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, mostly within four weeks, compared to control groups receiving no intervention or regular care (5).Nonsteroidal medications can also help alleviate symptoms (3,5).
Accommodation and personal health agency are effective health strategies that are helpful no matter the diagnosis identified, and treatment selected. Women can be aware of the option of medical care to be sure specific treatable pathophysiologies are not overlooked. Beneath what may appear to be part of an expected monthly cycle that women accommodate, there is the option to seek care or try treatments at home. Before assuming nothing can be done for strong menstrual pain, think twice!
References:
1. Chen CX, Shieh C, Draucker CB, Carpenter JS. Reasons women do not seek health care for dysmenorrhea. J Clin Nurs. 2018; 27: e301–e308. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13946
2. Getahun, S. B., Berhe, S., Mekonnen, B., & Melaku, G. (2023). Reasons for Not Seeking Healthcare Among Students with Dysmenorrhea: A Qualitative Study. International journal of women’s health, 15, 1733–1744. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S437233
3. John Hopkins Medicine. “Dysmenorrhea” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
4. Coco A. S. (1999). Primary dysmenorrhea. American family physician, 60(2), 489–496.
5. Tsai, I. C., Hsu, C. W., Chang, C. H., Lei, W. T., Tseng, P. T., & Chang, K. V. (2024). Comparative Effectiveness of Different Exercises for Reducing Pain Intensity in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sports medicine – open, 10(1), 63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-024-00718-4