Patient's question:
I got married last year. Recently, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain, especially during my period. I'm very worried it might affect my fertility, and I'm also extremely sensitive to cold and coldness. What are the causes of dysmenorrhea?Doctor's answer:
The mechanism of dysmenorrhea is related to prostaglandin activity. The level of prostaglandins in patients with dysmenorrhea is higher than in those without dysmenorrhea.Increased prostaglandin (PG) release: Abnormally elevated levels of PGF2a in the secretory endometrium and blood induce uterine muscle contraction/spasmodic pain; at the same time, it can cause gastrointestinal reactions.
Oxytocin is currently known as the most potent uterine contractile agent. Through the coupling of oxytocin with its receptor and G protein, phospholipase C is activated. Via the intracellular inositol phosphate signaling system, it induces an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, leading to strong uterine contractions during childbirth.
Additionally, oxytocin may act on the uterine arteries. Recent studies have shown that oxytocin may play an important role in the contraction of uterine arteries. In addition to regulating normal uterine function, oxytocin can cause temporary uterine ischemia, and this mechanism may also be involved in the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea.