Study to Understand How Period Pain in Girls Aged 11-20 May Lead to Chronic Pain Later

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand whether changes seen in adult women with period pain also occur in adolescent girls within the first few years of having periods. It focuses on how quickly these changes happen and how period pain might contribute to other chronic pain types. This observational clinical cohort study explores these questions to help inform clinical practice and potentially develop prevention strategies. Participants are divided into two groups based on their reported period pain intensity those with pain rated 4 or higher out of 10 and those with pain rated 3 or lower out of 10, with no other chronic pain conditions. No treatments are given during the study. Data collection occurs during specific menstrual cycle phases days 1-3 and days 10-12 and includes questionnaires, nerve function tests, stress response assessments, brain imaging, and bladder sensitivity evaluations. During the study, participants complete detailed questionnaires and undergo tests such as Quantitative Sensory Testing, heart rate monitoring, bladder sensitivity measurement, salivary cortisol profiling, and brain scans. These assessments occur at specified menstrual phases to measure pain sensitivity, stress response, and brain function. The study helps researchers understand the progression of changes related to period pain and its link to chronic pain development over time.

Adolescent Dysmenorrhoea as a Risk Factor for Chronic Pain: Clinical Cohort Study