Dysmenorrhea in the adolescent

Alternative Names

Periods - painful (adolescent); Adolescent dysmenorrhea; Menstrual pain - adolescent; Painful menstrual periods - adolescent

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relief pain. Medicines may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (available over-the-counter or in prescription strengths)
• Prescription-only medications such as indomethacin

In some severe cases and disorders such as endometriosis, oral contraceptives can be helpful. They are used to regulate the hormone levels in the body (they may be prescribed even for girls who are not sexually active).

Women who continue to have severe dysmenorrhea despite the use of NSAIDS or oral contraceptives may require a surgical procedure called laparoscopy to investigate the problem of the pain.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Mild pain killers usually work to relief painful periods. Oral contraceptives generally control severe cases. Dysmenorrhea associated with a disease gets better when the underlying problem is treated. 

Possible Complications

There are no complications from primary dysmenorrhea. Complications may develop from secondary dysmenorrhea, depending on the disease or condition present.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you (or your daughter) experience painful menstrual periods and the pain disrupts your life, occurs frequently, or is not relieved by over-the-counter medications, see your primary health care provider or gynecologist.

References

Stenchever A. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:1065-1070.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:325.