Overview
Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is one of the most common gynaecological complaints and mainly affects young women. Typical symptoms are cramping pains in the lower abdomen that begin shortly before or with the onset of bleeding and can last one to three days. Back pain, nausea, headaches and exhaustion frequently occur as well. Other menstrual cycle complaints such as mood swings, breast tenderness or irregular bleeding can also noticeably affect everyday life. In the OpenClinic24 video consultation, you discuss your symptoms discreetly and without a waiting room with a doctor. Following a medical assessment, a private prescription for suitable pain therapy may be issued, for example for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or antispasmodic medication. Billing is carried out according to the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) for privately insured and self-paying patients. Further information on the menstrual cycle, contraception and preventive care can be found in our women's health section.
Common causes
In primary dysmenorrhea, there is no underlying organic disease. The pain is caused by the body's own messenger substances (prostaglandins), which make the uterine muscles contract; this is by far the most common form in young women. In secondary dysmenorrhea, by contrast, the symptoms are the result of an underlying condition. Possible causes include endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, inflammation in the pelvis or an intrauterine contraceptive device. Stress, lack of sleep, smoking and lack of exercise can also intensify period pain. If severe pain occurs for the first time after the age of 25, increases over several cycles or is also present outside of menstruation, this rather suggests a secondary cause that should be investigated by a gynaecologist.
When to see a doctor
Have your symptoms medically assessed if the pain is so severe that you regularly miss school, university or work, if usual measures such as heat are no longer sufficient, or if your pain changes over time. Warning signs that require a prompt gynaecological examination are unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding, bleeding between periods, pain during sexual intercourse, pain outside of menstruation, and fever or abnormal discharge. Sudden, extremely severe lower abdominal pain, especially together with fainting, circulatory weakness, very heavy bleeding or high fever, may indicate an emergency such as an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian torsion; in this case, call the emergency number 112 immediately. The video consultation is particularly suitable for advice and pain therapy for known, uncomplicated period pain.