Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
dysmenorrhea
Pronunciation: dis-men-oh-REE-ah
Painful menstrual periods that may interfere with daily activities in adolescents.
Full Definition
Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual periods characterized by cramping pelvic pain that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headache. Primary dysmenorrhea results from increased prostaglandin production without underlying pathology, while secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts. In adolescents, primary dysmenorrhea is most common and typically responds to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraception.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between primary and secondary dysmenorrhea in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The adolescent's dysmenorrhea significantly impacted school attendance and required treatment." — Gynecology consultation
- "Primary dysmenorrhea was managed with NSAIDs and lifestyle modifications." — Treatment plan documentation
Also known as
painful periods
menstrual cramps
Don't confuse with
oligomenorrhea
amenorrhea
endometriosis