Dysmenorrhea

2 medicines

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstrual cramping, treated first with anti-inflammatory medicines like mefenamic acid and, where hormones are involved, progestogens.

Duphaston

Dydrogesterone

10mg

Duphaston is a womens health medication containing Dydrogesterone, available as 10mg tablets.

from $2.13 / tablet View

Ponstel

Mefenamic acid

250/500mg

Ponstel is a painkillers medication containing Mefenamic acid, available as 250/500mg tablets.

from $0.36 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods: cramping in the lower abdomen that typically starts a day or two before bleeding and lasts through the first days of a cycle.
  • Primary dysmenorrhea, the common form, happens when the uterus produces high levels of prostaglandins that trigger muscle contractions and reduce blood flow.
  • Secondary dysmenorrhea has an underlying cause such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis, and tends to worsen over time rather than ease.
  • Mefenamic acid is a first-line anti-inflammatory treatment; a progestogen such as dydrogesterone can help when hormonal irregularity or endometriosis is involved.

What drives the pain

Primary dysmenorrhea occurs when the uterus produces high levels of prostaglandins during menstruation. These chemicals trigger muscle contractions and reduce blood flow, causing the cramping sensation. The pain can radiate to the lower back and thighs and may come with nausea, headache, or fatigue. It typically appears within the first year or two of periods starting and often eases somewhat with age or after childbirth. Secondary dysmenorrhea has an underlying cause, such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis, and tends to worsen over time rather than easing with age; it can also start later in life, after years of relatively pain-free periods.

Managing menstrual pain

Anti-inflammatory medicines that block prostaglandin production are the most effective first-line approach. Mefenamic acid works in exactly this way. For women whose dysmenorrhea is linked to hormonal irregularity or a condition such as endometriosis, a progestogen like dydrogesterone may help regulate the cycle and reduce cramping. Both options sit within women's health and pain relief care. Alongside medicine, heat applied to the lower abdomen, gentle movement, and staying well-hydrated can ease milder symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Severe pain that interrupts daily life, or pain that keeps worsening cycle by cycle, warrants a medical review to rule out secondary causes.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.