How is dysmenorrhea caused by adenomyosis treated?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Adenomyosis is a condition in which active endometrial tissue invades the muscular layer of the uterus. The main symptom of adenomyosis is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. When symptoms are mild, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, or pain relief medication can be adopted. However, if the symptoms are severe and conservative treatments fail to alleviate the dysmenorrhea, surgical options may be considered. There are several surgical methods available: one is presacral neurectomy for pain relief, and another, for patients who do not require fertility, is total hysterectomy.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

What causes menstrual cramps?

Dysmenorrhea is divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs without organic lesions in the uterus. It is caused by the increase of prostaglandin levels in the body during menstruation, which stimulates uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by organic pathological changes in the uterus itself, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, which stimulate uterine contractions and lead to lower abdominal pain during menstruation.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can I take painkillers for menstrual cramps?

Patients with dysmenorrhea usually take painkillers when the pain is severe. Dysmenorrhea is generally treated with painkillers which relieve symptoms but do not address the root cause. If the pain during menstruation does not alleviate, it's not advisable to continually use painkillers. Therefore, before taking painkillers again, it is crucial to undergo relevant examinations to identify the cause of the dysmenorrhea. If the pain is caused by a cold uterus, it is advisable to take medicine that warms the meridians, dispels cold, and relieves pain, and to manage the condition regularly. If the dysmenorrhea is caused by stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, one can take medicine that activates blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain before the onset of the next menstruation to properly manage the symptoms. Thus, severe pain can be managed with painkillers. For minor abdominal discomfort, observing the situation generally suffices. If dysmenorrhea gradually worsens, it is essential to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to check for endometriosis. Painkillers can be used during painful episodes of dysmenorrhea, but other times should be managed with appropriate medicines. (Please take medications under the guidance of a physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

Dysmenorrhea is divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation without organic lesions in the reproductive organs. It is mainly caused by an increase in chemicals during menstruation that stimulate uterine contractions and enhance vascular spasms, leading to uterine ischemia and hypoxia. This condition is not a disease, and relieving excessive tension can effectively alleviate the pain. However, if the pain is severe and unbearable, oral analgesics can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is caused by organic lesions in the reproductive organs and is considered a disease.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

Obvious and severe dysmenorrhea is also considered a disease. Even if physical examinations do not reveal any abnormalities, simple cold uterus or straightforward dysmenorrhea are recognized as diseases. It is advisable to routinely undergo physical examinations to identify causes related to dysmenorrhea. For instance, some people suffer from dysmenorrhea due to pelvic inflammation, others due to complications with intrauterine devices, and some can be diagnosed with conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis, which cause progressive dysmenorrhea symptoms.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of dysmenorrhea

If you usually have regular periods and experience dysmenorrhea during menstruation, you should first compare it with your usual state. If the symptoms have worsened, you should consider whether this is caused by inflammation. Some people have adenomyosis and also often experience progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. In others, dysmenorrhea symptoms occur along with delayed menstruation, which is often related to pregnancy. Some experience dysmenorrhea symptoms related to exposure to cold or consuming cold foods. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an examination to clarify the situation.