What is the proper term for painful menstruation?

Dysmenorrhea is the proper term for painful menstruation. It describes the cramping and discomfort that some individuals experience before or during their menstrual period. This condition can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or headaches. Understanding dysmenorrhea is important in a medical context as it helps healthcare providers assess and manage menstrual health effectively.

Menorrhagia refers to excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while amenorrhea indicates the absence of menstruation altogether. Oligomenorrhea describes infrequent menstrual periods or cycles that are significantly longer than the typical range. Each of these terms relates to different aspects of menstrual health but does not address the pain associated specifically with menstruation.