PAINFUL PERIODS

 Joseph Hazan,M.D.,FACOG

This problem, also known as

DYSMENORRHEA is the most

 common female health issue.

70% of teenagers have this problem.

15% of those have severe symptoms.

10 % of women with severe symptoms

have pelvic abnormalities

( e.g. endometriosis).

We will address this topic separately.

These are the primary reasons for

painful periods:

1) Smoking

2) Heavy periods

3) Low fish intake

4) Depression and anxiety

5) Sexual abuse

The following are secondary causes:

1) Pelvic inflammatory disease

2) Endometriosis

3) Fibroids

4)  IUD’s that do not

contain medication

5) Polyps of the uterus

6) Stenotic cervix ( narrow

cervical opening)

7) Adhesions

Treatment depends on the cause.

RESOURCES

http://www.acog.org