Common Misconceptions About Dysmenorrhea

We tackle some of the most common misconceptions about Dysmenorrhea and how to manage them.

Misconception 1: Severe menstrual pain is normal.

Fact: Most women experience some amount of discomfort during periods. However, severe menstrual pain is NOT normal.

Science: Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used to describe moderate to severe menstrual pain which has negative effects on a woman’s daily activities, productivity, quality of sleep, and mood. In some cases, dysmenorrhea may occur due to an underlying pathological condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Misconception 2: Only older women experience dysmenorrhea.

Fact: Primary dysmenorrhea (dysmenorrhea without pathological condition) begins soon after menarche (first period). It is more common in women under the age of 30.

Science: Period pain, which is sudden in older women, may indicate secondary dysmenorrhea, associated with underlying pathology.

Misconception 3: Exercise during menstruation makes dysmenorrhea worse.

Fact: Low intensity exercise, such as yoga, and moderate intensity exercise, such as aerobics, are recommended as treatment options for dysmenorrhea.

Science: Exercise helps in relaxing abdominal muscles, improves blood circulation, and releases endorphins, which can reduce the intensity of period pain.

Misconception 4: Using birth control to skip periods will worsen dysmenorrhea.

Fact: On the contrary, the use of birth control pills reduces the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Science: Combined oral contraceptives (COC) suppresses ovulation and endometrial tissue growth and helps in hormone regulation (estrogen and progesterone). This leads to decreased menstrual blood volume. Prostaglandin secretion also decreases.

Misconception 5: Dysmenorrhea is just about physical pain.

Fact: Women with dysmenorrhea may experience mood disturbances such as anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and bloating.

Misconception 6: Over-the-counter pain relievers are the only effective treatment.

Fact: Dysmenorrhea can be managed at home with lifestyle interventions such as abdominal heat application, stretching exercise, yoga, and dietary supplements (ginger, magnesium, vitamin D, and E).