Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, typically starting a day or two before bleeding and lasting through the first days of a cycle, is how most women experience it. It is one of the most common gynaecological complaints in Southeast and East Asia, with surveys in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea finding that over 70 percent of adolescent and young adult women are affected.
Medicines used to treat Dysmenorrhea
What drives the pain
Primary dysmenorrhea, the most common form, occurs when the uterus produces high levels of prostaglandins during menstruation. These chemicals trigger muscle contractions and reduce blood flow, causing the cramping sensation. The pain can radiate to the lower back and thighs and may come with nausea, headache, or fatigue.
Secondary dysmenorrhea has an underlying cause, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis, and tends to worsen over time rather than easing with age.
Managing menstrual pain
Anti-inflammatory medicines that block prostaglandin production are the most effective first-line approach. Mefenamic acid works in exactly this way and is widely used across Asia for period pain. For women whose dysmenorrhea is linked to hormonal irregularity or conditions such as endometriosis, a progestogen like dydrogesterone may help regulate the cycle and reduce cramping. Both options sit within women’s health and pain management care.
Alongside medicines, heat applied to the lower abdomen, gentle movement, and staying well-hydrated can ease milder symptoms. Severe pain that interrupts daily life, or pain that is worsening cycle by cycle, warrants a medical review to rule out secondary causes.