Menstrual Pain
Secondary Dysmenorrhea
Related terms · Secondary menstrual pain
Secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that occurs in association with other causes such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is secondary dysmenorrhea?
Lower abdominal cramps occurring just before or at the start of menstruation may spread to the lower back and thighs, and may be accompanied by digestive or neurological symptoms. Secondary menstrual paindysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain that appears in connection with other causes, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids.
- Easily confused terms
- Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, which remains consistent from the first period, we check whether the pain has newly intensified or if pain occurs outside of the menstrual period.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- We do not group all symptoms under the single term 'constitution' (chejil). We determine the direction of treatment by observing actual recurring symptoms and lifestyle changes.
- What to record for your visit
- Please record the following with dates and show them during your consultation: the start time, peak intensity, duration of pain, and amount of bleeding for the last 3 cycles; the name of painkillers used, time of intake, effectiveness, and gastrointestinal discomfort; history of hormone therapy; pain during intercourse, bowel movements, or urination; pain outside of menstruation; and any missed periods.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.DysmenorrheaDysmenorrhea is pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occurs before and after menstruation; it is categorized into primary pain and secondary pain caused by other medical conditions.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.
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.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat are the differences between menstrual cramps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids?Pain that occurs around the start of menstruation and is controlled with pain medication is common, but if the pain worsens every year, continues outside of menstruation, or occurs during intercourse or bowel movements, endometriosis is checked. Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, or an enlarged uterus, can appear in adenomyosis; while a feeling of pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding can appear in fibroids. We do not distinguish these by symptoms alone but tailor the necessary tests, such as physical examinations and ultrasounds.→
- 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.
- ACOG: DysmenorrheaPrimary and secondary dysmenorrhea and medical evaluation criteria