Current Status of the Etiology and Management of Dysmenorrhea in Adolescence

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is a major epidemiologic problem representing the leading cause of school absenteeism in female adolescents. An etiologic relationship between uterine contractility, uterine prostaglandin production, and dysmenorrhea has recently been proposed. Although further research is needed, this hypothesis has facilitated the development of an effective and noninvasive therapy with antiprostaglandin synthetase drugs. It is believed that these drugs will considerably enhance the pediatrician's ability to treat this prevalent problem of adolescence.