Researchers in Taiwan found out that dysmenorrhea can increase the risk of chronic pain in different parts of the body and even brain damage. 

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus that squeeze nearby blood vessels, momentarily cutting off its oxygen supply. 

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A team of researchers and doctors from Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University studied more than 200 women aged 20 to 30 years old who are suffering from severe dysmenorrhea. The women's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were compared to women who do not experience dysmenorrhea. 

Lead researcher Hsieh Jen-chuen, a doctor and professor at the university's Institute of Brain Science, said that the women who experince long-term dysmenorrhea can have changes in their cerebral gray matter which affects the brain's "pain modulatory systems." They are also like to experience functional pain disorder when they become older. 

"The changes in the brain structure can also lead to fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines and chronic pain in the lower back," said Hsieh. 

The structural changes are seen as the cause for middle-aged women's chronic functional pains. 

"Women with dysmenorrhea should not worry, because changes in the brain might also occur in normal people, but added that those who suffer from severe pain during dysmenorrhea should see a doctor as soon as possible and receive treatment to avoid possible brain damage," Hsieh said. 

According to Chang Hsiang-tai, director of the hospital's gynecology department, one-third of female students in Taiwanese universities have dysmenorrhea. One-sixth of them are in so much pain that they cannot attend their classes. 

Tagsdysmenorrhea, study on uterus, menstrual cramps, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, study on menstrual cramps