| If an individual fails to recover within the expected maximum duration period, the reader may wish to consider the following questions to better understand the specifics of an individual's medical case. Regarding diagnosis:
- Does individual have symptoms of dysmenorrhea such as cramping labor-like pain in the lower abdomen that begins just prior to or at the start of the menstrual period?
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Does individual report pain that comes and goes in waves?
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Do nausea, vomiting, and a dull, lower backache accompany abdominal cramps?
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Does primary dysmenorrhea respond to pain relievers and other treatments?
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If not, was possibility of secondary dysmenorrhea and underlying causes investigated?
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Does individual lose 3 ounces or more of blood during an average menstrual period?
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Was diagnosis of the specific menstrual disorder confirmed through pelvic exam and diagnostic testing (i.e., pregnancy test, Pap smear, or urine and cervical cultures)?
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Were conditions such as congenital abnormalities, pregnancy, and ovarian disorders ruled out?
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Were endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or fibroid tumors of the uterus ruled out?
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Was individual’s menstrual disorder diagnosed as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, or metrorrhagia?
Regarding treatment:
- Was underlying condition identified? Is it responding to treatment?
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Has treatment included making any pertinent lifestyle modifications, as well as correcting any hormonal imbalance?
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Do symptoms warrant a more aggressive treatment, such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy?
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Was hospitalization required?
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If underlying cause was cancer, was it diagnosed and treated before it metastasized?
Regarding prognosis:
- Is underlying condition responding to treatment?
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Is the disorder expected to recur?
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Does individual have a coexisting condition that may complicate treatment or affect recovery?
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Has individual experienced complications related to the menstrual disorder, such as endocrine disorder, hormonal imbalance, congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract, emotional disorders, ovarian tumors or cysts, or anemia?
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If symptoms persist despite treatment, would individual benefit from consultation with a specialist (gynecologist, endocrinologist)?
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Source: Medical Disability Advisor