Dysmenorrhea Causes & Risks

Causes

Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by high levels of prostaglandins in the uterus. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances normally found throughout the body.

Secondary dysmenorrhea can be caused by:

• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the female reproductive organs)
• Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus)
• Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs)
• Scars inside the abdomen from previous surgery
• Tumors
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea include:

• Ovulatory menstrual cycles ( a normal physiologic condition)
• Age: less than 20 years old
• Early onset of menstruation (less than 12 years old)
• Depression or anxiety
• Attempts to lose weight (in women 14-20 years old)
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Nulliparity (never having delivered a baby)
• Smoking

The presence of a known cause of secondary dysmenorrhea (see “Causes”) is a risk factor for developing the condition.