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What is it?
Algomenorrhea is painful menstruation that occurs as a result of an incorrect position of the uterus, as well as inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs or increased excitability of the central nervous system. Algomenorrhea usually begins in women of reproductive age, starting from adolescence. It differs from ordinary menstrual pain as it is more intense and interferes with a woman's normal life, even leading to temporary disability during the first "critical" days. The frequency of the disease ranges from 45 to 90%. The inaccuracy of the data is due to the fact that many women, because of unscrupulous doctors, think that painful periods are the norm and that it should be so. However, this is not the case: algomenorrhea has a cause that must be identified and eliminated.
Causes
The mechanism of algomenorrhea development is not fully understood, but it is assumed that it may be associated with high levels of prostaglandin – a substance that causes uterine contractions. An excess of prostaglandins can lead to painful uterine contractions and irritation of its nerve endings, which causes pain.
Algomenorrhea can be of two types:
Primary. Risk factors also include smoking, stress, consumption of caffeine-containing beverages, early menarche, and menorrhagia. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea decreases with age. A family predisposition to it is not excluded. Increased body mass index is associated with an increase in the severity of dysmenorrhea. A key role in the development of primary dysmenorrhea is assigned to prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha. The physiological role of these substances is to ensure the menstrual reaction due to the following effects: contraction of the spiral arterioles, leading to ischemia and shedding of the endometrium, contraction of the muscles of the uterine body, and relaxation of the muscles of the cervix. The formation, release, and utilization of prostaglandins are influenced by numerous factors: nerve stimulation, hypoxia, mechanical stretching of the organ, sex hormone levels, and ecology. The impact of these factors in the case of dysmenorrhea can lead to an increase in prostaglandin levels that are inadequate for the physiological course of menstruation, and consequently to a more severe course of dysmenorrhea.
Secondary. It may appear due to gynecological diseases or pathologies of the pelvic organs. The following causes of algomenorrhea are currently known to science: hyperestrogenism (increased estrogen levels), pathologies of the genital organs (saddle or bicornuate uterus, intrauterine septum, retroverted uterus), endometritis and other inflammatory gynecological diseases, uterine fibroids and polyps, luteal phase insufficiency, magnesium deficiency, intrauterine contraception, systemic connective tissue dysplasia syndrome, pelvic adhesions, early age of menarche, varicose veins of the pelvic organs, ovarian cysts, and tumors of the uterus and adnexa. Endometriosis should be highlighted separately, as this disease is often the cause of algomenorrhea and has a low percentage of early diagnosis. It provokes endometrial cells to leave the confines of the uterus. Consequently, during menstruation, they also menstruate, but not in the "appropriate locations." For example, behind the posterior wall of the intestine, or on the cervix. Endometrial cells in a non-native environment cause an inflammatory process, followed by a severe pain syndrome.
Factors that can aggravate the course of the disease include: an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, frequent alcohol consumption), unstable CNS function, stress, low pain threshold, infectious diseases, underweight, trauma, and surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
Pathogenesis of Algomenorrhea
The basis of primary dysmenorrhea is the contractions of the uterine muscles, which cause local ischemia. During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized after ovulation and pregnancy is absent, the accumulated uterine tissue is not needed and is therefore shed. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are released during menstruation due to the accumulation of omega-6 fatty acids. The release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators in the uterus leads to uterine contraction and can result in systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, headaches, or migraines. Prostaglandins are considered the main factor in primary dysmenorrhea. When the uterine muscles contract, they restrict blood supply to the endometrial tissue, which, in turn, breaks down and dies. These uterine contractions continue as they push the old, dead endometrial tissue through the cervix and out through the vagina. These contractions and the resulting temporary deprivation of oxygen to nearby tissues are believed to be responsible for the pain or cramps that occur during menstruation. Compared to those whose periods are painless, women with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit increased uterine muscle activity with enhanced contractility and an increased frequency of contractions.
Symptoms
In most women, this pathology begins to manifest 2-4 days before the onset of menstruation. Collectively, the symptoms can be active for up to 5 days. But each clinical case is individual. Algomenorrhea is characterized by: severe pain in the abdomen and lower back. It can be of a pulling, cutting, sharp, or cramping nature, weakness, headache, nausea, trembling, chills, increased body temperature, decreased performance, frequent urination, profuse sweating, a feeling of "cotton" legs, decreased work capacity, emotional instability, and excessive excitability. A nervous breakdown may even occur.
Types of Algomenorrhea
Depending on the severity and the symptoms that accompany the woman before and during menstruation, three stages of algomenorrhea are distinguished:
1. Mild. In this case, the disease has started recently, the symptoms are mild, and do not interfere with daily life.
2. Moderate. The patient complains of cyclic severe pain in the lower abdomen or rectum. Work capacity is greatly reduced during this time. Additionally, nausea, headache, or lower back pain may appear.
3. Severe. Abdominal pain is so severe that it may require taking several strong pain relievers. The pain is cramping in nature, during which the woman finds it difficult to stand, so she needs to lie down. Cases of pain in the lower back, heart, joints, and muscles are common. Nausea and a vomiting urge may appear.
Diagnosis
The first stage in the diagnosis of algomenorrhea is a very detailed and thorough anamnesis (medical history) collection by a gynecologist. The specialist should ask you about: the date of the onset of your first period, how it progressed, when the first symptoms indicating algomenorrhea appeared, how your mother experienced her menstrual cycle, what inflammatory, infectious, or sexually transmitted diseases you have had, what kind of lifestyle you lead, etc.
The second stage is a gynecological examination. This is a classic procedure familiar to every woman. The examination allows for the assessment of the state of the external genitalia, noting the presence of neoplasms, ulcers, damage, or defects.
The third stage is ultrasound (US) of the pelvic organs. It is usually performed on the 5th–7th day of the menstrual cycle. US-diagnostics precisely helps establish the primary cause of the disease. With the help of ultrasound, cysts can be seen, the state of the endometrium can be assessed, and signs of various diseases can be noted. If necessary, the doctor will give a referral for MRI or CT.
The fourth stage is smears for flora, oncocytology, and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
The fifth stage is laboratory blood diagnostics. The woman will be asked to take a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, sex hormones, thyroid indicators, and inflammatory markers.
Treatment Methods
Often, it takes several years, from 2 to 10, for a woman to be diagnosed with "Algomenorrhea." Such a long time interval is due to the fact that not all gynecologists possess the knowledge of anti-aging medicine, which allows for a different perspective on the problem, noticing even minor details and drawing conclusions based on many indicators of a woman's health.
Algomenorrhea is commonly treated with oral contraceptives and analgesics. But the specialists at Expert Clinics apply a different, fundamentally opposite approach. During the consultation, you will not hear about the need to take oral contraceptives because suppressing ovarian function will not yield results, but only exacerbate the clinical picture. Instead, the doctor's attention will be focused on finding the primary cause of the disease, including hereditary factors. In the process, the specialist will pay attention to equally important aspects, namely: reducing the impact of oxidative stress and glycation, improving the function of detox phases, and enhancing the quality of mitochondria.
To help the woman feel better, the following may be used to relieve the symptoms of algomenorrhea: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal preparations (referring to progesterone or small doses of T3, T4 when laboratory values are altered), and hepatoprotective agents.
Complications of Algomenorrhea
Intense periodic pain significantly worsens the quality of life. Asthenic syndrome, increased fatigue, impaired cognitive functions, and memory deterioration develop against the background of nervous system exhaustion. Social maladaptation, the formation of neurotic states, psychopathic disorders, and depression are possible. Secondary dysmenorrhea can progress to chronic pelvic pain, meaning it becomes constant rather than periodic. Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) appears, which leads to a decrease in libido, even leading to the refusal of sexual relations. Over time, patients with long-standing primary dysmenorrhea are more likely to develop hyperplastic processes of the reproductive system organs (associated with the proliferation of structural elements of the tissue): endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, and genital endometriosis. If the pathologies that cause secondary dysmenorrhea are ignored, without timely treatment, they can lead to infertility and also increase the risk of developing oncological diseases.
Prevention
Menstrual pain can only be partially prevented. It is normal to feel slight discomfort and general malaise immediately before and during menstruation. However, in general, some recommendations can be followed to minimize menstrual pain.
Lifestyle changes:
• Reduce stress. Psychological tension can increase the risk and severity of menstrual cramps.
• Practice yoga or Pilates. In yoga, the Cat Pose and Cow Pose are especially recommended.
• Study deep relaxation or meditation techniques.
Dietary changes
• During the 14 days preceding menstruation:
o Reduce, or even eliminate, the consumption of salty, spicy, and smoked dishes.
o Increase the intake of foods containing magnesium, such as peas, green vegetables, cocoa, or almonds.
• During menstruation:
o Support your liver with proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
o Avoid foods that interfere with blood clotting, such as citrus fruits, cheeses, fish, carrots, peppers, pumpkin, and pineapple.
o Eat foods rich in fiber to support bacterial flora and avoid dysbiosis (flora imbalance).
Natural and Phytotherapeutic Remedies:
• Calendula has emmenagogic (stimulates blood flow to the uterus), calming, and antispasmodic effects. Taken as a tincture for 10 days before the start of menstruation.
• Sage, a plant with menstruation-stimulating and antispasmodic properties, also has an estrogenic effect. Taken as an infusion 15 days before menstruation.
• Yarrow has a regulating effect on the hormonal system and an antispasmodic effect on the uterus.
• Chamomile is a plant used as a natural remedy for painful periods (as well as an anti-inflammatory agent) due to its antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus.
• Raspberry, in the form of a bud extract, is used for imbalances in the female hormonal system.
Aromatherapy using essential oil:
• Lavender. Has an antispasmodic effect, soothes pain and cramps in the abdomen.
• Rose. Especially indicated for disorders caused by hormonal imbalance.
• Chamomile. Relaxes tense muscles due to nervousness, spasms, and cramps.
Supplements:
• Magnesium is a mineral that coordinates many enzymatic functions directly or indirectly related to the menstrual cycle. It helps reduce pain, improve the feeling of swelling, relieving irritability, spasms, and fatigue.
• Vitamin E helps reduce pain.
• Zinc acts as a normalizer of the endocrine system, helping with hormonal imbalance.
IMPORTANT: Dietary supplements are recommended to be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Benefits of Treatment at Expert Clinics
Treatment of dysmenorrhea at the Expert Clinics has a number of advantages:
• Doctors can offer individually tailored treatment plans, taking into account the unique symptoms and medical history of each woman.
• The use of modern technologies and diagnostic methods allows for an accurate determination of the causes of algomenorrhea, which contributes to more effective treatment.
• Expert Clinics can offer a multi-level approach to treatment, including drug therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support, and alternative treatment methods.
• The clinic employs experienced doctors who are proficient in modern techniques and have experience in treating dysmenorrhea.
• Women receive support and consultation at all stages of treatment, which helps improve the quality of life and reduce stress levels.
• Expert Clinics provide the most comfortable conditions for patients, which is also important for their psycho-emotional state.
Before starting treatment, it is recommended to consult a specialist to receive the most suitable and safe solution for your condition.
Algomenorrhea is painful menstruation that occurs as a result of an incorrect position of the uterus, as well as inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs or increased excitability of the central nervous system. Algomenorrhea usually begins in women of reproductive age, starting from adolescence. It differs from ordinary menstrual pain as it is more intense and interferes with a woman's normal life, even leading to temporary disability during the first "critical" days. The frequency of the disease ranges from 45 to 90%. The inaccuracy of the data is due to the fact that many women, because of unscrupulous doctors, think that painful periods are the norm and that it should be so. However, this is not the case: algomenorrhea has a cause that must be identified and eliminated.
Causes
The mechanism of algomenorrhea development is not fully understood, but it is assumed that it may be associated with high levels of prostaglandin – a substance that causes uterine contractions. An excess of prostaglandins can lead to painful uterine contractions and irritation of its nerve endings, which causes pain.
Algomenorrhea can be of two types:
Primary. Risk factors also include smoking, stress, consumption of caffeine-containing beverages, early menarche, and menorrhagia. The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea decreases with age. A family predisposition to it is not excluded. Increased body mass index is associated with an increase in the severity of dysmenorrhea. A key role in the development of primary dysmenorrhea is assigned to prostaglandins E2 and F2-alpha. The physiological role of these substances is to ensure the menstrual reaction due to the following effects: contraction of the spiral arterioles, leading to ischemia and shedding of the endometrium, contraction of the muscles of the uterine body, and relaxation of the muscles of the cervix. The formation, release, and utilization of prostaglandins are influenced by numerous factors: nerve stimulation, hypoxia, mechanical stretching of the organ, sex hormone levels, and ecology. The impact of these factors in the case of dysmenorrhea can lead to an increase in prostaglandin levels that are inadequate for the physiological course of menstruation, and consequently to a more severe course of dysmenorrhea.
Secondary. It may appear due to gynecological diseases or pathologies of the pelvic organs. The following causes of algomenorrhea are currently known to science: hyperestrogenism (increased estrogen levels), pathologies of the genital organs (saddle or bicornuate uterus, intrauterine septum, retroverted uterus), endometritis and other inflammatory gynecological diseases, uterine fibroids and polyps, luteal phase insufficiency, magnesium deficiency, intrauterine contraception, systemic connective tissue dysplasia syndrome, pelvic adhesions, early age of menarche, varicose veins of the pelvic organs, ovarian cysts, and tumors of the uterus and adnexa. Endometriosis should be highlighted separately, as this disease is often the cause of algomenorrhea and has a low percentage of early diagnosis. It provokes endometrial cells to leave the confines of the uterus. Consequently, during menstruation, they also menstruate, but not in the "appropriate locations." For example, behind the posterior wall of the intestine, or on the cervix. Endometrial cells in a non-native environment cause an inflammatory process, followed by a severe pain syndrome.
Factors that can aggravate the course of the disease include: an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, frequent alcohol consumption), unstable CNS function, stress, low pain threshold, infectious diseases, underweight, trauma, and surgical interventions on the pelvic organs.
Pathogenesis of Algomenorrhea
The basis of primary dysmenorrhea is the contractions of the uterine muscles, which cause local ischemia. During the menstrual cycle, the endometrium thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized after ovulation and pregnancy is absent, the accumulated uterine tissue is not needed and is therefore shed. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are released during menstruation due to the accumulation of omega-6 fatty acids. The release of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators in the uterus leads to uterine contraction and can result in systemic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, headaches, or migraines. Prostaglandins are considered the main factor in primary dysmenorrhea. When the uterine muscles contract, they restrict blood supply to the endometrial tissue, which, in turn, breaks down and dies. These uterine contractions continue as they push the old, dead endometrial tissue through the cervix and out through the vagina. These contractions and the resulting temporary deprivation of oxygen to nearby tissues are believed to be responsible for the pain or cramps that occur during menstruation. Compared to those whose periods are painless, women with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit increased uterine muscle activity with enhanced contractility and an increased frequency of contractions.
Symptoms
In most women, this pathology begins to manifest 2-4 days before the onset of menstruation. Collectively, the symptoms can be active for up to 5 days. But each clinical case is individual. Algomenorrhea is characterized by: severe pain in the abdomen and lower back. It can be of a pulling, cutting, sharp, or cramping nature, weakness, headache, nausea, trembling, chills, increased body temperature, decreased performance, frequent urination, profuse sweating, a feeling of "cotton" legs, decreased work capacity, emotional instability, and excessive excitability. A nervous breakdown may even occur.
Types of Algomenorrhea
Depending on the severity and the symptoms that accompany the woman before and during menstruation, three stages of algomenorrhea are distinguished:
1. Mild. In this case, the disease has started recently, the symptoms are mild, and do not interfere with daily life.
2. Moderate. The patient complains of cyclic severe pain in the lower abdomen or rectum. Work capacity is greatly reduced during this time. Additionally, nausea, headache, or lower back pain may appear.
3. Severe. Abdominal pain is so severe that it may require taking several strong pain relievers. The pain is cramping in nature, during which the woman finds it difficult to stand, so she needs to lie down. Cases of pain in the lower back, heart, joints, and muscles are common. Nausea and a vomiting urge may appear.
Diagnosis
The first stage in the diagnosis of algomenorrhea is a very detailed and thorough anamnesis (medical history) collection by a gynecologist. The specialist should ask you about: the date of the onset of your first period, how it progressed, when the first symptoms indicating algomenorrhea appeared, how your mother experienced her menstrual cycle, what inflammatory, infectious, or sexually transmitted diseases you have had, what kind of lifestyle you lead, etc.
The second stage is a gynecological examination. This is a classic procedure familiar to every woman. The examination allows for the assessment of the state of the external genitalia, noting the presence of neoplasms, ulcers, damage, or defects.
The third stage is ultrasound (US) of the pelvic organs. It is usually performed on the 5th–7th day of the menstrual cycle. US-diagnostics precisely helps establish the primary cause of the disease. With the help of ultrasound, cysts can be seen, the state of the endometrium can be assessed, and signs of various diseases can be noted. If necessary, the doctor will give a referral for MRI or CT.
The fourth stage is smears for flora, oncocytology, and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
The fifth stage is laboratory blood diagnostics. The woman will be asked to take a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, sex hormones, thyroid indicators, and inflammatory markers.
Treatment Methods
Often, it takes several years, from 2 to 10, for a woman to be diagnosed with "Algomenorrhea." Such a long time interval is due to the fact that not all gynecologists possess the knowledge of anti-aging medicine, which allows for a different perspective on the problem, noticing even minor details and drawing conclusions based on many indicators of a woman's health.
Algomenorrhea is commonly treated with oral contraceptives and analgesics. But the specialists at Expert Clinics apply a different, fundamentally opposite approach. During the consultation, you will not hear about the need to take oral contraceptives because suppressing ovarian function will not yield results, but only exacerbate the clinical picture. Instead, the doctor's attention will be focused on finding the primary cause of the disease, including hereditary factors. In the process, the specialist will pay attention to equally important aspects, namely: reducing the impact of oxidative stress and glycation, improving the function of detox phases, and enhancing the quality of mitochondria.
To help the woman feel better, the following may be used to relieve the symptoms of algomenorrhea: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal preparations (referring to progesterone or small doses of T3, T4 when laboratory values are altered), and hepatoprotective agents.
Complications of Algomenorrhea
Intense periodic pain significantly worsens the quality of life. Asthenic syndrome, increased fatigue, impaired cognitive functions, and memory deterioration develop against the background of nervous system exhaustion. Social maladaptation, the formation of neurotic states, psychopathic disorders, and depression are possible. Secondary dysmenorrhea can progress to chronic pelvic pain, meaning it becomes constant rather than periodic. Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) appears, which leads to a decrease in libido, even leading to the refusal of sexual relations. Over time, patients with long-standing primary dysmenorrhea are more likely to develop hyperplastic processes of the reproductive system organs (associated with the proliferation of structural elements of the tissue): endometrial hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, and genital endometriosis. If the pathologies that cause secondary dysmenorrhea are ignored, without timely treatment, they can lead to infertility and also increase the risk of developing oncological diseases.
Prevention
Menstrual pain can only be partially prevented. It is normal to feel slight discomfort and general malaise immediately before and during menstruation. However, in general, some recommendations can be followed to minimize menstrual pain.
Lifestyle changes:
• Reduce stress. Psychological tension can increase the risk and severity of menstrual cramps.
• Practice yoga or Pilates. In yoga, the Cat Pose and Cow Pose are especially recommended.
• Study deep relaxation or meditation techniques.
Dietary changes
• During the 14 days preceding menstruation:
o Reduce, or even eliminate, the consumption of salty, spicy, and smoked dishes.
o Increase the intake of foods containing magnesium, such as peas, green vegetables, cocoa, or almonds.
• During menstruation:
o Support your liver with proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
o Avoid foods that interfere with blood clotting, such as citrus fruits, cheeses, fish, carrots, peppers, pumpkin, and pineapple.
o Eat foods rich in fiber to support bacterial flora and avoid dysbiosis (flora imbalance).
Natural and Phytotherapeutic Remedies:
• Calendula has emmenagogic (stimulates blood flow to the uterus), calming, and antispasmodic effects. Taken as a tincture for 10 days before the start of menstruation.
• Sage, a plant with menstruation-stimulating and antispasmodic properties, also has an estrogenic effect. Taken as an infusion 15 days before menstruation.
• Yarrow has a regulating effect on the hormonal system and an antispasmodic effect on the uterus.
• Chamomile is a plant used as a natural remedy for painful periods (as well as an anti-inflammatory agent) due to its antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus.
• Raspberry, in the form of a bud extract, is used for imbalances in the female hormonal system.
Aromatherapy using essential oil:
• Lavender. Has an antispasmodic effect, soothes pain and cramps in the abdomen.
• Rose. Especially indicated for disorders caused by hormonal imbalance.
• Chamomile. Relaxes tense muscles due to nervousness, spasms, and cramps.
Supplements:
• Magnesium is a mineral that coordinates many enzymatic functions directly or indirectly related to the menstrual cycle. It helps reduce pain, improve the feeling of swelling, relieving irritability, spasms, and fatigue.
• Vitamin E helps reduce pain.
• Zinc acts as a normalizer of the endocrine system, helping with hormonal imbalance.
IMPORTANT: Dietary supplements are recommended to be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Benefits of Treatment at Expert Clinics
Treatment of dysmenorrhea at the Expert Clinics has a number of advantages:
• Doctors can offer individually tailored treatment plans, taking into account the unique symptoms and medical history of each woman.
• The use of modern technologies and diagnostic methods allows for an accurate determination of the causes of algomenorrhea, which contributes to more effective treatment.
• Expert Clinics can offer a multi-level approach to treatment, including drug therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support, and alternative treatment methods.
• The clinic employs experienced doctors who are proficient in modern techniques and have experience in treating dysmenorrhea.
• Women receive support and consultation at all stages of treatment, which helps improve the quality of life and reduce stress levels.
• Expert Clinics provide the most comfortable conditions for patients, which is also important for their psycho-emotional state.
Before starting treatment, it is recommended to consult a specialist to receive the most suitable and safe solution for your condition.