How Is Secondary Dysmenorrhea Treated?

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Treating secondary dysmenorrhea involves identifying and treating the underlying medical condition— Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, PCOS or Uterine Fibroids—through a combination of specialised medication, hormonal therapy, or sometimes surgery.

Because this pain is caused by a physical issue in your reproductive system, gynaecologists prescribed NSAISs often aren’t enough. Here is how doctors typically treat secondary dysmenorrhea:

For Endometriosis

  • Hormonal Treatment: Medications like birth control pills or hormonal IUDs are used to thin the uterine lining and stop the growth of the misplaced tissue.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure where a doctor removes the endometrial tissue growths and scar tissue to provide long-term pain relief.

For Adenomyosis

  • Hormonal Treatment: The first-line therapy for managing the symptoms of adenomyosis is usually hormonal contraceptives. These help thin the uterine lining and reduce the heavy, painful cramping during your cycle.
  • Hysterectomy: The only way to fully stop adenomyosis is with a hysterectomy—a surgery to remove the uterus. This is usually considered a final option for those who have severe symptoms and do not plan on future pregnancies.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS affects everyone differently, so getting an accurate medical diagnosis is the first step. The most common ways to treat PCOS are:

  • Hormonal Regulation: Oral contraceptives are often used to regulate the cycle and prevent the formation of new cysts.
  • Medications to block androgens: Some medications can block the effects of androgens (male hormones), which helps control symptoms like acne or unwanted hair growth.
  • Lifestyle changes: Changes in diet and reduction of weight are recommended, especially for overweight women.

For Uterine Fibroids

  • Medication: Drugs used to temporarily shrink the fibroids by blocking the hormones that make them grow.
  • Non-Invasive Procedures: Using MRI-guided ultrasound waves to break down the fibroid tissue without surgery.
  • Myomectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, which significantly stops the “heavy” cramping sensation.
An educational health graphic titled “How Is Secondary Dysmenorrhea Treated?” explaining secondary dysmenorrhea treatment options and chronic menstrual pain management. The text explains that treatment focuses on identifying and managing the underlying cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or Uterine Fibroids, which are common causes of severe period pain. It states that treatment may involve a combination of specialised medication, hormonal therapy for period pain, and, in some cases, surgical treatment for gynecological conditions. The graphic notes that hormonal treatment is often the first step because hormones can worsen endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and PCOS by acting as fuel for symptoms. If medication is not effective, surgical procedures such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, or laparoscopy may be used to directly treat the root cause of pelvic pain. For individuals with PCOS, the text highlights the importance of daily lifestyle habits, particularly diet and weight management for hormone balance, in helping restore hormonal health and reduce symptoms. The graphic portraits the campaign message "STOP The Period Pain." Which is a knowledge initiative campaign by Blue Cross Laboratories the makers of meftal spas

Your Journey to #StopThePeriodPain Starts Here

Every month, millions of Indian girls & women suffer in silence, told that their severe period pain (dysmenorrhea) is “normal.” Our mission is to break that silence. #StopThePeriodPain campaign is here to empower you with 3 simple truths:

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References:

  1. Mayo Clinic – Endometriosis
  2. John Hopkins Medicine – Adenomyosis
  3. Cleveland Clinic – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  4. NIH – What are the treatments for PCOS?
  5. NIH – Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids
  6. Mayo Clinic – Uterine Fibroids

Don’t Take Period Pain Lightly.

Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is a real medical issue.
Visit a gynaecologist and #StopThePeriodPain

Don't take period pain lightly