Bush Beats Mother Vol-11, No-1, 2026

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is defined as painful, cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation without any identifiable pelvic pathology. The pain usually begins before or at the onset of menses and follows a cyclic pattern, being most severe on the first day and lasting up to 72 hours.

The worldwide prevalence of dysmenorrhea ranges from 45% to 95% among women of reproductive age, with 2% to 29% reporting severe pain. Despite its high prevalence, PD remains underdiagnosed and inadequately treated.

Vitamin D, or the "sunshine Vitamin," is a fat-soluble hormone precursor derived from both skin synthesis and dietary sources. About 80% is produced in the skin via UVB-induced conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to pre-Vitamin D3, while the rest comes from food and supplements. Both D2 and D3 are inactive and require hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys to form the active metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D.

Serum 25(OH)D is the best indicator of Vitamin D status, with optimal levels between 75–125 nmol/L for PTH suppression and calcium absorption; levels below 50 nmol/L indicate deficiency.