---
title: What causes menstrual pain and how is it treated? | Niyora
description: Menstrual pain occurs when the uterus contracts excessively or blood flow decreases, triggered by substances called prostaglandins released during menstruatio
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/dysmenorrhea-1983/
---

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- What causes menstrual pain and how is it treated?

Study, 1983

# What causes menstrual pain and how is it treated?

Menstrual pain occurs when the uterus contracts excessively or blood flow decreases, triggered by substances called prostaglandins released during menstruation. It is treated with anti-prostaglandin drugs.

 Early or limited evidence

Not applicable - this is a review article

## What they did

This is a review article about menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). It explains the difference between primary pain (with no pelvic abnormalities found on examination) and secondary pain (caused by tissue abnormalities) and discusses causes and treatments.

## What they found

The incidence of dysmenorrhea ranges from 31-92% of the population. Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by increased uterine muscle contraction, decreased uterine blood flow from excessive contractions, or increased sensitivity of pain fibers to mechanical and chemical stimuli. All three mechanisms are triggered by prostaglandins released from the uterine lining during menstruation. Psychological factors may make pain worse or better. Secondary dysmenorrhea has various causes, both present at birth and acquired later.

## What it means for you

Menstrual pain is common and has different causes. Pain without pelvic abnormalities is likely due to prostaglandins and can be treated with anti-prostaglandin drugs. The main limit is that this is a discussion article rather than a study testing specific treatments.

31-92%

Incidence of dysmenorrhea in the population

## About the study

Original title Dysmenorrhea Authors Friederich MA Journal Women & health Year 1983 Study design Study What was tested Not applicable Read the paper [doi.org/10.1300/j013v08n02_05](https://doi.org/10.1300/j013v08n02_05)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Endometriosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-endometriosis/)

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