PAIN PROFILE OF WOMEN WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AT DIFFERENT MOMENTS OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is characterized by intense pain with cramping characteristics in the lower abdomen that occurs during or immediately before menstruation. In Brazil, this condition has a high prevalence, with numbers reaching 90.7% during the most recent menstrual cycle. Furthermore, PD can impact the social, academic and professional lives of affected individuals. It is hypothesized that women with PD have greater sensitivity to pain, due to persistent changes in its processing. However, little is known about the pain profile in women with PD involving different moments of the menstrual cycle. Objective: To analyze the pain profile in women with PD at times with and without cramps, specifically on the 1st day of menstruation and between the 6th and 9th days. Methodology: This is an observational study with women aged 18 to 45 years with PD. Data will be collected through the application of questionnaires, such as the Central Sensitization Inventory and the Body Pain Map. Furthermore, the functionality of the pain modulating pathways will be assessed using the Conditioned Pain Modulation test and Temporal Summation at the two established moments. An analysis will be carried out using simple frequency and numerical percentages, in addition to the paired t test or Wilcoxon test to compare ST and MDC in moments with colic and without colic using the SPSS 22.0 program. To analyze the body maps, ImageJ software will be used. Expected results: It is expected to obtain a more accurate understanding of the implications of colic on pain processing in women with PD at different times of the menstrual cycle.