Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea, also spelt dysmenorrhea, is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. It usually causes cramping in the lower abdomen that may spread to the back and thighs, sometimes with nausea or headache. Primary dysmenorrhoea is common period pain with no underlying disease. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by a condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, and needs investigation.