Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea may be classified as primary or secondary.
- Primary Dysmenorrhea is classified as recurrent, crampy, lower abdominal pain that occurs during menstruation in the absence of other medical problems. The pain usually occurs form days 1-2 before onset of menses to days 2-3 of menstruation. It is the most common gynecologic complaint in adolescent females.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation caused by a gynecologic abnormality. This is more common in adults in their fourth and fifth decades of life.
