Wikipedia defines Dysmenorrhea as…

…cramps or painful menstruation, involves menstrual periods that are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen.

I am currently experiencing the dull, aching pain type of dysmenorrhea. I would like to think my dysmenorrhea is classified as primary because secondary dysmenorrhea is usually due to some other illness. NOHOOO!

Wikipedia also says that…

An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of women experience monthly menstrual pain severe enough to prevent normal daily function at school, work, or home.

I have been experiencing dysmenorrhea ever since I started getting my menstrual period. There were times when the pain was intense enough to make me cry. Most of the time, I would have to go to the school clinic to lie down and rest. The school nurse would usually give me pain killers such as mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

In 2003, I suddenly developed an allergic reaction to mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, and even aspirin which would lead to itchy and unsightly bumps around my eyes like this.

EW!

So I contented myself with taking paracetamol everytime I would experience dysmenorrhea. Until… I also developed an allergic reaction to paracetamol a few months ago.

So now every month, I suffer intolerable menstrual cramps, usually coupled with a headache… and I can’t take any medicines to alleviate the pain.

ANG SAYA DIBA? RAWRRR!