dysmenorrhoea Flashcards
(8 cards)
what is dysmenorrhoea?
excessive pain during the menstrual period
what can dysmenorrhoea be divided into?
primary and secondary
what is primary dysmenorrhoea?
no underlying pelvic pathology
affects 50% of menstruating women
usually appears within 1-2 years of menarche
excessive endometrial prostaglandin production is thought to be partially responsible
what are the features of primary dysmenorrhoea?
- pain starts just before/within a few hrs of period starting
- suprapubic cramping pains, may radiate to back or down thigh
how is primary dysmenorrhoea managed?
1st line: NSAIDs e.g. mefenamic acid and ibuprofen (inhibits prostaglandin production)
2nd line: COCP
what is secondary dysmenorrhoea?
develops many years after menarche, the result of an underlying pathology
what is the feature of secondary dysmenorrhoea?
pain usually starts 3-4 days before onset of period
what are the causes of secondary dysmenorrhoea?
- endometriosis
- adenomyosis
- PID
- IUD* (normal copper coils)
- fibroids
*N.B. intrauterine system (Mirena) may help dysmenorrhoea
