Terms used to describe pain
Dysmenorrhea
Related terms: Menstrual pain, lower abdominal pain during menstruation
Dysmenorrhea is lower abdominal or back pain that occurs before or after menstruation; we distinguish between primary pain and secondary pain caused by other diseases.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
Meaning and Distinctions
What is menstrual pain?
We check the age of onset, the trend of worsening, pain occurring outside of menstruation, and the response to painkillers. Menstrual pain refers to pain in the lower abdomen and lower back occurring before and after menstruation, and we distinguish between primary pain and secondary pain caused by other diseases.
- Easily confused terms
- If the pain has newly worsened or is accompanied by dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), pain during bowel movements, or excessive bleeding, Endometriosis· we check for conditions such as adenomyosis.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- This is important for determining the sequence and goals of examinations and herbal medicine treatment.
- What to record for your visit
- If you experience sudden one-sided pain along with the possibility of pregnancy, please seek a medical evaluation immediately.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause inflammation and pain.AdenomyosisAdenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows within the muscular wall of the uterus, which can cause menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.Chronic Pelvic PainChronic pelvic pain is a condition where pain in the pelvic area persists for a long time or recurs, affecting daily life.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideMenstrual CrampsPrimary menstrual pain usually manifests as a squeezing pain in the lower abdomen just before or around the start of menstruation, which may spread to the lower back and thighs; it may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or dizziness. On the other hand, if pain occurs that was not present before, gradually worsens, lasts long before menstruation starts or remains after it ends, or overlaps with excessive/irregular bleeding, dyspareunia, dysuria (pain during urination), or pain during bowel movements, secondary causes such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease must be checked. If there is a possibility of pregnancy and you experience severe one-sided pain, bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting, do not assume it is menstrual pain and seek an immediate evaluation.→
- Condition GuideEndometriosisThe exact cause of endometriosis is not yet known. Research suggests it may involve retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood and tissue flow through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis; a process where the immune system fails to remove similar tissues outside the uterus; and genetic predisposition and hormonal influences. However, none of these explain every case or can confirm an individual's specific cause. A family history of endometriosis, early menarche, short cycles, or long menstrual periods are contexts that may increase risk, but they are not diagnoses themselves. If you experience recurring menstrual pain, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving, please seek an evaluation from an obstetrics and gynecology clinic rather than blaming yourself for the cause.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when menstrual pain and bleeding change?First, check if the pain is more severe than usual, if bleeding has increased or occurred between periods, or if there is a possibility of pregnancy. If you experience bleeding that requires changing menstrual products every hour, dizziness as if you might faint, shortness of breath, or if you have one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder pain, and bleeding along with a possibility of pregnancy, you must be evaluated immediately without waiting for your next appointment. If it is not an urgent situation, please record not only the pain level but also any preceding changes, such as a feeling of blockage in the solar plexus, constipation, or cravings for sweets before menstruation, to help narrow down the treatment questions more quickly.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhen pain that only occurred during menstruation persists even on normal days, what has changed?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.