Severe menstrual cramps can affect a woman's mood and her mental well-being. However, a new study reveals a surprising twist: depression may actually trigger severe period pain, with sleep deprivation worsening its severity.
Dysmenorrhea, or severe period pain, affects around 15% of women and typically occurs just before menstruation, and subsides after a few days. If the menstrual cramps occur without any underlying condition, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. This type of period pain is often caused by high levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that increase uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea, however, is caused by medical conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
