Dysmenorrhea

Overview

Dysmenorrhea is a frequent secondary symptom of a variety of gynecological illnesses, but it is also present in the majority of women as a main form of sickness. The pain associated with dysmenorrhea is produced by prostaglandin hypersecretion and increased uterine contractility. Primary dysmenorrhea is relatively common in young women and has a reasonable prognosis, despite being linked with a bad quality of life.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is connected with endometriosis and adenomyosis and may be the primary symptom. The diagnosis is suspected based on the clinical history and physical examination and can be verified by ultrasonography, which is particularly valuable in ruling out some secondary causes of dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can be used alone or in combination with oral contraceptives or progestins.