Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as period pain, is cramplike lower abdominal pain just before or during a menstrual period, sometimes accompanied by lower back pain.
There are two types: primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea has no obvious cause. It typically begins 2 to 3 years after menstruation starts and often disappears by about the age of 30.
Secondary dysmenorrhea most commonly affects women aged 30 to 45 and is due to an underlying disorder, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Primary dysmenorrhea can often be relieved by pain relievers. In severe cases, hormonal treatments may relieve symptoms. Treatment of secondary dysmenorrhea depends on the cause