Women's Health Medicine
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 10-13, May 2005

Dysmenorrhoea

  • Manish Gupta

      Affiliations

    • Manish Gupta is a Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He graduated from St. Mary's Hospital, London and the University of Bristol, and has trained in London and at King George V Memorial Hospital in Sydney.
    • ,
  • Kirsten Duckitt

      Affiliations

    • Kirsten Duckitt is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist currently practising in Northern British Columbia, Canada. She qualified from Cambridge University and UCH/Middlesex Hospital, London. Until October 2004 she was a Consultant Obstetrican at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Her interests include guideline development and systematic reviews.

Abstract 

Dysmenorrhoea, or heavy periods, affects many women and can disrupt their work and schooling. Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs in the absence of underlying disease whereas secondary dysmenorrhoea is usually due to underling pathology. Uterine hyperactivity and increased prostaglandin levels are found in primary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea is best treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or with a combined oral contraceptive pill. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and locally applied heat are also effective. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is treated by finding and treating the associated underlying pathology (e.g. endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease). This will usually require referral to a hospital specialist.

Keywords:  menorrhagia and other menstrual problems , dysmenorrhoea , pelvic pain , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

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PII: S1744-1870(06)00052-7

doi:10.1383/wohm.2.3.10.67169

Women's Health Medicine
Volume 2, Issue 3 , Pages 10-13, May 2005

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