Article Translations: (Spanish)
May also be called: Painful Period; Difficult Period
"Dysmenorrhea" (dis-men-uh-REE-uh) means difficult or painful periods.
Prostaglandins (chemicals that make the muscles of the uterus contract) are the cause of the cramps that some girls have during their periods. Cramps are more common in girls with heavy menstrual flow.
Cramps for a day or two during a period are normal, but severe pain can get in the way of school, studying, or sleeping. Some girls also have diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and/or dizziness.
Girls with dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed with:
Some girls have no pain during their periods, but others experience painful cramps in the abdomen and lower back. Medications usually can help manage this pain successfully.
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