Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea presents as painful periods that start two to three years after menarche. The pain usually begins when the bleeding starts and lasts for 48-32 hours. The cause of menstrual cramps and associated symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea is related to prostaglandin production. In secondary dysmenorrhea, there is documented pelvic pathology that causes the painful menstrual cramps, and treatment is cause related. Available treatments for primary dysmenorrhea--NSAIDS, oral combined contraceptives, beta-blockers, psychotherapeutic methods, and cervical dilatation--are discussed.