What is dysmenorrhea?

Also known as: menstrual pain, menstrual cramps, recurrent menstrual cramps

Dysmenorrhea is another term for what is commonly called severe and frequent menstrual pain or menstrual cramping. It may be primary, where it usually starts with the onset of menstruation and is frequently lifelong; or secondary, where it follows after the development of a medical condition (like inflammation in the pelvis).

It typically occurs a couple of days before a woman’s menstrual period begins and can be accompanied by other symptoms, as well.​

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM