Menstrual pain, which is thought to 'pass', can be considered a symptom of a disease.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Talip Karaçor stated that menstrual pain is a common condition in women, but severe and persistent pain may be a sign of another underlying disease.

"THIS PAIN IS NOT NORMAL"

Karaçor, addressing the characteristics of menstrual pain that are considered normal, said, "While some women experience no menstrual pain at all, most experience mild or moderate pain. Pain that begins 1-2 days before menstruation, subsides after menstruation, feels like cramps in the groin and lower back, and is relieved with painkillers is considered normal. However, pain that persists after menstruation, does not respond to painkillers, and negatively impacts a person's work, school, and social life is not normal."

"IT MAY ALSO CAUSE DISTURBANCES IN THE INTESTINAL REGULATION"

Noting that severe menstrual pain is closely related to endometriosis, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karaçor provided the following information:

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disease. Therefore, the pain intensifies with hormonal changes during menstruation. Recurring and increasing pain with each menstrual period is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. It can also cause pain during sexual intercourse and disrupt bowel movements. Menstrual pain is usually confined to the groin and lower back area, ends at the end of the period, and is relieved with painkillers. Endometriosis pain, on the other hand, begins before menstruation and can persist after. Beyond the groin and lower back, it can spread to the anus, legs, and abdomen. It often persists even with painkillers.

"FAMILY HISTORY IS A RISK FACTOR"

Talip Karaçor, who stated that endometriosis is common in women of reproductive age, especially between the ages of 18 and 50, said, "Family history is also an important risk factor. Women with a history of endometriosis in their mothers, siblings, or close relatives such as aunts and paternal aunts are at higher risk."

Karaçor stated that there can be delays in diagnosis because severe pain is thought to be normal menstrual cramps, and that a definitive diagnosis is made through laparoscopy (closed surgery) following the patient's history, gynecological examination, ultrasound and MRI.

"MUST BE EVALUATED BY A GYNECOLOGIST"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karaçor noted that treatment is planned according to the patient's age, desire to have children, and complaints, and concluded his remarks as follows:

Medication reduces pain and improves quality of life in many patients. However, surgical treatment may be necessary for conditions such as chocolate cysts. Laparoscopy is used to remove endometriosis foci and release adhesions. Severe pain that does not respond to painkillers, heavy bleeding with clots, and conditions that negatively impact social life should be evaluated by a gynecologist.