Sign and symptoms of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea
Answers
The biggest indicator of dysmenorrhea is pain that results from menstruation. This pain can occur in the lower abdomen, lower back, hips, or thighs, and typically starts shortly before or during the period cycle and improves after a couple of days. The pain can be dull or throbbing, and sometimes other symptoms are present, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and achiness. The pain that develops usually peaks within the first day or two of the period. Some women may also feel the need to urinate more frequently.
Signs that the dysmenorrhea you are experiencing is secondary dysmenorrhea can include the time of onset as well as response to treatment. Dysmenorrhea that begins after the age of 25, as well as having no history of previous menstrual pain, can be an indicator. Also, pelvic abnormality upon physical examination points to secondary dysmenorrhea. Having no response to treatments with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or oral contraceptives is an indication there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated