The comorbidities of dysmenorrhea: a clinical survey comparing symptom profile in women with and without endometriosis
Evans, Susan F., Brooks, Tiffany A., Esterman, Adrian J., Hull, M. Louise, and Rolan, Paul E. (2018) The comorbidities of dysmenorrhea: a clinical survey comparing symptom profile in women with and without endometriosis. Journal of Pain Research, 11. pp. 3181-3194.
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Abstract
Purpose: Dysmenorrhea is a common disorder that substantially disrupts the lives of young women. The frequency of 14 associated symptoms both within and outside the pelvis was determined.
Patients and methods: Symptom questionnaires were completed by 168 women with dysmenorrhea, allocated to three groups based on their diagnostic status for endometriosis confirmed (Endo+), endometriosis excluded (Endo−), or endometriosis diagnosis unknown (No Lap). Those with endometriosis confirmed were further divided into current users (Endo+ Hx+) and non-users of hormonal treatments (Endo+ Hx–). Users of hormonal treatments were further divided into users (Endo+ Hx+ LIUCD+) and non-users (Endo+ Hx+ LIUCD–) of a levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine contraceptive device (LIUCD). The frequency and number of symptoms within groups and the effect of previous distressing sexual events were sought.
Results: Women with and without endometriosis lesions had similar symptom profiles, with a mean of 8.5 symptoms per woman. Only 0.6% of women reported dysmenorrhea alone. The presence of stabbing pelvic pains was associated with more severe dysmenorrhea (P=0.006), more days per month of dysmenorrhea (P=0.003), more days per month of pelvic pain (P=0.016), and a diagnosis of migraine (P=0.054). The symptom profiles of the Endo+ Hx+ and Endo+ Hx– groups were similar. A history of distressing sexual events was associated with an increased number of pain symptoms (P=0.003).
Conclusion: Additional symptoms are common in women with dysmenorrhea, and do not correlate with the presence or absence of endometriosis lesions. Our study supports the role of central sensitization in the pain of dysmenorrhea. The presence of stabbing pelvic pains was associated with increased severity of dysmenorrhea, days per month of dysmenorrhea, days per month of pelvic pain, and a diagnosis of migraine headache. A past history of distressing sexual events is associated with an increased number of pain symptoms.
| Item ID: | 57353 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1178-7090 |
| Keywords: | dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, headache, bladder pain syndrome, chronic pain, pelvic pain, levonorgestrel-releasing intra-uterine device, stabbing pain |
| Copyright Information: | This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms. |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Mar 2019 06:02 |
| FoR Codes: | 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3202 Clinical sciences > 320299 Clinical sciences not elsewhere classified @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920203 Diagnostic Methods @ 100% |
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