Symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea include pulsating abdominal pain, cramps, lower back and leg pain, distended abdomen, and stool change. The symptoms can be caused by excess hormone production; pressure built up from inflammation or constricted blood flow, and aggravated tissue around reproductive organs. The extra chemicals released during your body's preparation for menstruation can also cause distention or swelling of the abdomen. You may also notice a change in your stool when experiencing secondary dysmenorrhea. Some women have constipation, while others have looser stools or diarrhea.
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