dysmenorrhea

noun

dys·​men·​or·​rhea (ˌ)dis-ˌme-nə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce dysmenorrhea (audio)
: painful menstruation
dysmenorrheic
(ˌ)dis-ˌme-nə-ˈrē-ik How to pronounce dysmenorrhea (audio)
adjective

Examples of dysmenorrhea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In primary dysmenorrhea, those contractions are more intense and more frequent, cutting off blood flow and causing pain that sends millions of women reaching for ibuprofen every month. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The research team also found that sleeplessness, experienced by some people with depression, may worsen the link between depression and dysmenorrhea. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 Health Conditions Primary dysmenorrhea refers to period pain caused by normal menstruation. — Wendy Wisner, Health, 19 Jan. 2025 May Ease Menstrual Cramps and Joint Pain Ginger has been found to be helpful for managing dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and reducing menstrual pain. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dysmenorrhea

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from dys- dys- + menorrhea, menorrhoea "menstrual flow," from meno- meno- + -rrhea, rrhoea -rrhea

First Known Use

circa 1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysmenorrhea was circa 1810

Rhymes for dysmenorrhea

See All Rhymes for dysmenorrhea

Browse Nearby Words

dysluite
dysmenorrhea
dysmenorrhoea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dysmenorrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysmenorrhea. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dysmenorrhea

noun
dys·​men·​or·​rhea
variants or chiefly British dysmenorrhoea
(ˌ)dis-ˌmen-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce dysmenorrhea (audio)
: painful menstruation see spasmodic dysmenorrhea
dysmenorrheic adjective
or chiefly British dysmenorrhoeic
-ˈrē-ik How to pronounce dysmenorrhea (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on dysmenorrhea

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dysmenorrhea

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