The degree of dysmenorrhea may vary according to general health or mental state. While emotional or psychological factors don't cause the pain, they can worsen it or cause some women to be less responsive to treatment. Family history of dysmenorrhea. Treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms improve with age and with childbirth.
Symptoms are rare in postmenopausal women.
Infertility from underlying cause. Initial treatment aims are to relieve pain. Long term goals of treatment involve treating any underlying cause with medication, counseling or possibly surgery. Heat helps relieve pain. Use a heating pad or hot-water bottle on the abdomen or back, or take hot baths.