Dysmenorrhea in the adolescent

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Female reproductive anatomy

Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

Uterus

Periods - painful (adolescent); Adolescent dysmenorrhea; Menstrual pain - adolescent; Painful menstrual periods - adolescent

• Lower abdominal crampy pain -- occurs before the beginning of the menstrual period and lasts 1 or 2 days into the period
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Back pain

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history to determine whether or not the painful periods are due to a medical condition.

Younger females who have not become sexually active may require a pelvic examination (performed through the rectum rather than through the vagina).

Review Date: 05/10/2006
Reviewed By: Melanie N. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.