The meaning of dysmenorrhea is difficulty in monthly flow. This medical condition refers to cramping and severe pain in the lower abdomen and the pelvic area before or during menstruation. The cramping may be also in the lower back, legs and thighs. Some of the most common symptoms of dysmenorrhea are nausea, weakness, bloating, vomiting and headache.

Some females who have extreme pain in lower abdomen may also have very heavy menstruation on the first day. Sometimes these symptoms last for 3-4 days and sometimes they go away in a day. The sharp stabbing sensation and extreme pelvic discomfort may also lead to weakness. Some females experience mild symptoms where as a few have moderate pain and discomfort.

Females who have severe dysmenorrhea may have the symptoms even till seven days along with gastrointestinal problems and extreme headache. In case of 5 to 15 percent of women the symptoms are intense. And the problem may begin in the late teenage. This will disrupt the normal routine and work for those few days. Some productive modifications in lifestyle, diet and medication therapy can bring this problem under control. It is therefore important to take advice of the health expert when such symptoms are seen.