Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as painful menstruation, is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by cramping pain in the lower abdomen that may be accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and headache during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is categorized into primary and secondary types: primary dysmenorrhea occurs without underlying pelvic pathology, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

The pathogenesis primarily involves excessive production of prostaglandins, leading to uterine hypercontractility, ischemia, and pain. This article explores the physiological mechanisms, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of dysmenorrhea and reviews modern therapeutic and preventive approaches. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal contraceptives, lifestyle modification, and non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise, diet regulation, and stress management play crucial roles in management. Preventive measures emphasize early education, healthy habits, and timely medical evaluation to minimize complications and improve women’s quality of life.

Dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, prostaglandins, endometriosis, hormonal therapy, NSAIDs, lifestyle modification, exercise, prevention, women’s health.

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