Therapeutic Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecologic disorder. Dysmenorrheic pain normally has an onset of from 2-12 hours before the start of menses and tapers over the next one to two days. Although the exact etiology is unknown, this condition is associated with an increase in prostaglandin F2 alpha. In the past, nonspecific treatments such as heat and exercise were tried, with poor results. Little relief was offered by antispasmodics or low-dose aspirin. Currently, effective therapy for primary dysmenorrhea includes oral contraceptives and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. Oral contraceptives should be prescribed only for women who desire contraception and who are candidates for this type of therapy. Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors can be given to women who do not desire oral contraceptives or those who do not respond to hormonal therapy. Secondary dysmenorrhea should be suspected in women who do not respond to either treatment modality.

Selection and efficacy of self‐management strategies for dysmenorrhea in young Taiwanese women

“…Dysmenorrhea is directly related to elevated level of prostaglandin F 2 (PGF 2 ) and is typically treated with drugs that inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins in the USA (Wenzloff & Shimp 1984). In Taiwan, paracetamol (panadol/acetaminophen) is one of the popular over-the-counter Western medicines and it is known as an analgesic as are the NSAIDs.…”

What we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review

“…While 47-70% of university students use analgesics for pain relief (Cronje and Kritzinger, 1991;Polat et al, 2009;Ortiz, 2010), 30% of adolescents do not use over-the-counter medications to treat their menstrual pain and only 18% use prescription medication (Wenzloff and Shimp, 1984;Campbell and McGrath, 1997;O'Connell et al, 2006), although the perceived effectiveness of pharmacological methods in the treatment of menstrual discomfort is superior to that of nonpharmacologic methods. In a questionnaire-based study of 289 female adolescents, 98% reported using no less than one non-pharmacologic method to control menstrual discomfort.…”

Management of perimenstrual symptoms among young Taiwanese nursing students

“…Dysmenorrhoea is directly related to elevations in prostaglandin F2 (PGF2). It is typically treated with drugs that inhibit prostaglandins in the USA (Wenzloff & Shimp 1984). In Taiwanese culture, less emphasis is placed on western medications than on age-old cultural treatments, i.e., TCMs.…”