Therapeutic management of primary dysmenorrhea

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.