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Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy Oct 2008Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic complaint among adolescent and young adult females. Dysmenorrhea is usually primary and is associated with normal ovulatory... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic complaint among adolescent and young adult females. Dysmenorrhea is usually primary and is associated with normal ovulatory cycles and with no pelvic pathology. In approximately 10% of females with severe dysmenorrhea symptoms, pelvic abnormalities such as endometriosis or uterine anomalies may be found.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of dysmenorrhea, as well as review pharmacological treatments and strategies for management of dysmenorrhea in adolescent and young adult females.
METHODS
Review of original articles on dysmenorrhea that have been published in the medical literature.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
Potent prostaglandins and potent leukotrienes play an important role in generating primary dysmenorrhea symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common pharmacologic treatment for dysmenorrhea. A loading dose of NSAIDs (typically twice the regular dose) should be used as initial treatment for dysmenorrhea, followed by a regular dose until symptoms abate. Adolescents and young adults with symptoms that do not respond to treatment with NSAIDs for three menstrual periods should be offered hormonal treatment such as combined estrogen/progestin oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for three menstrual cycles. If dysmenorrhea does not improve within 6 months of treatment with NSAID and OCPs, a laparoscopy is indicated to look for endometriosis. The goal of pharmacological treatment for endometriosis is to block its abnormal positive feedback loop. The abnormal loop consists of high local levels of estrogen in the lesions, which induce transcription of COX-2 and synthesis of prostaglandin E(2.) This results in further expression and activity of aromatase and a further increase in estrogen.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Risk Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 18803452
DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.15.2661 -
Current Therapy in Endocrinology and... 1997
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Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Sep 1983
Review
Topics: Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Prostaglandins
PubMed: 6413111
DOI: No ID Found -
The American Journal of Nursing Aug 2020Editor's note: The mission of Cochrane Nursing is to provide an international evidence base for nurses involved in delivering, leading, or researching nursing care....
Editor's note: The mission of Cochrane Nursing is to provide an international evidence base for nurses involved in delivering, leading, or researching nursing care. Cochrane Corner provides summaries of recent systematic reviews from the Cochrane Library. For more information, see https://nursing.cochrane.org.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dysmenorrhea; Exercise; Female; Humans; Young Adult
PubMed: 32732472
DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000694544.96463.80 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Aug 2023An accessory cavitated uterine mass (or malformation) (ACUM) is an isolated cystic uterine lesion located at the lateral aspect of the myometrium just below the... (Review)
Review
An accessory cavitated uterine mass (or malformation) (ACUM) is an isolated cystic uterine lesion located at the lateral aspect of the myometrium just below the insertion of the round ligament. Often the source of severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain, this condition is classified as a Müllerian abnormality. Understanding ACUMs, recognizing their clinical appearance, diagnosing an ACUM with ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, and advising patients about conservative, medicinal, and surgical treatment options is important to all clinicians. Although ACUM primarily presents with severe dysmenorrhea but can have other clinical symptoms, we have provided a few sample cases to help clinicians prepare for ACUM encounters. We also reviewed the other published literature available on ACUM regarding clinical presentation, etiology, and management. Last but not least, based on our research and the work of others, we offer a set of characteristics that will be useful in diagnosing and treating ACUM. ACUM diagnosis is crucial in clinically suspicious circumstances, and early treatment significantly enhances patients' quality of life.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Quality of Life; Uterus; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 36656754
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14681 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Jan 2024Endometriosis is a chronic condition, with debilitating symptoms affecting all ages. Dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain often begin in adolescence, affecting school, daily... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, with debilitating symptoms affecting all ages. Dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain often begin in adolescence, affecting school, daily activities, and relationships. Despite the profound burden of endometriosis, many adolescents experience suboptimal management and significant delay in diagnosis. The symptomatology and laparoscopic findings of endometriosis in adolescents are often different than in adults, and the medical and surgical treatments for adolescents may differ from those for adults as well. This Narrative Review summarizes the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of endometriosis in adolescents. Given the unique challenges and complexities associated with diagnosing endometriosis in this age group, it is crucial to maintain a heightened level of suspicion and to remain vigilant for signs and symptoms. By maintaining this lower threshold for consideration, we can ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, enabling early intervention and improved management in our adolescent patients.
Topics: Adult; Female; Adolescent; Humans; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Pelvic Pain; Chronic Disease; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37944153
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005448 -
Minerva Pediatrica Dec 2002Dysmenorrhea is the most frequent gynaecological problem in adolescent girls (the prevalence is 80-90%). Genetic influence, style of life (diet and physical activity)... (Review)
Review
Dysmenorrhea is the most frequent gynaecological problem in adolescent girls (the prevalence is 80-90%). Genetic influence, style of life (diet and physical activity) social, economical and cultural factors can affect symptoms. Prostaglandins and leucotrienes produced by endometrium, abnormal uterine smooth muscle contractility and modifications of the local blood flow are responsible for abdominal pain. Frequently daily activities are negatively affected (missing time at school) dysmenorrhoea can be primary or secondary to anatomical anomalies of internal genitalia or presence of synechie (post surgery or inflammatory pelvic diseases). Therapy may consist of traditional medicine (relaxing techniques such as yoga, agopuncture, mild analgesic drugs or more effective FANS). In case of therapeutical failure, contraceptive and/or GnRH agonists can represent the last choice. Endometriosis is less frequent, etiopatogenesis is not completely understood, but the anatomical lesions consist of an oestrogen-dependent neo-angiogenesis. Oestrogen inhibitors, oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists may be useful in treating this pathology. In case of drug failure surgery is suggested. For the effective diagnosis laparoscopy and biopsy are absolutely necessary. Premenstrual syndrome is cyclical, extremely complex, unusual in adolescent girls, sometimes associated to pre-existent psychic disorders. It can be treated with symptomatic drugs or, more recently, using drugs that alter the levels of serotonin, but their use in the adolescent patient is not yet recommended.
Topics: Adolescent; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Premenstrual Syndrome
PubMed: 12388941
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2016Dysmenorrhoea refers to painful menstrual cramps and is a common gynaecological complaint. Conventional treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Dysmenorrhoea refers to painful menstrual cramps and is a common gynaecological complaint. Conventional treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), which both reduce myometrial activity (contractions of the uterus). A suggested alternative approach is dietary supplements. We used the term 'dietary supplement' to include herbs or other botanical, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. We excluded traditional Chinese medicines.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements for treating dysmenorrhoea.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched sources including the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO (all from inception to 23 March 2015), trial registries, and the reference lists of relevant articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of dietary supplements for moderate or severe primary or secondary dysmenorrhoea. We excluded studies of women with an intrauterine device. Eligible comparators were other dietary supplements, placebo, no treatment, or conventional analgesia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently performed study selection, performed data extraction and assessed the risk of bias in the included trials. The primary outcomes were pain intensity and adverse effects. We used a fixed-effect model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data, and mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We presented data that were unsuitable for analysis either descriptively or in additional tables. We assessed the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 27 RCTs (3101 women). Most included studies were conducted amongst cohorts of students with primary dysmenorrhoea in their late teens or early twenties. Twenty-two studies were conducted in Iran and the rest were performed in other middle-income countries. Only one study addressed secondary dysmenorrhoea. Interventions included 12 different herbal medicines (German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla, M recutita, Chamomilla recutita), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. verum), Damask rose (Rosa damascena), dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), guava (Psidium guajava), rhubarb (Rheum emodi), uzara (Xysmalobium undulatum), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and zataria (Zataria multiflora)) and five non-herbal supplements (fish oil, melatonin, vitamins B1 and E, and zinc sulphate) in a variety of formulations and doses. Comparators included other supplements, placebo, no treatment, and NSAIDs.We judged all the evidence to be of low or very low quality. The main limitations were imprecision due to very small sample sizes, failure to report study methods, and inconsistency. For most comparisons there was only one included study, and very few studies reported adverse effects. Effectiveness of supplements for primary dysmenorrhoea We have presented pain scores (all on a visual analogue scale (VAS) 0 to 10 point scale) or rates of pain relief, or both, at the first post-treatment follow-up. Supplements versus placebo or no treatmentThere was no evidence of effectiveness for vitamin E (MD 0.00 points, 95% CI -0.34 to 0.34; two RCTs, 135 women).There was no consistent evidence of effectiveness for dill (MD -1.15 points, 95% CI -2.22 to -0.08, one RCT, 46 women), guava (MD 0.59, 95% CI -0.13 to 1.31; one RCT, 151 women); one RCT, 73 women), or fennel (MD -0.34 points, 95% CI -0.74 to 0.06; one RCT, 43 women).There was very limited evidence of effectiveness for fenugreek (MD -1.71 points, 95% CI -2.35 to -1.07; one RCT, 101 women), fish oil (MD 1.11 points, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.77; one RCT, 120 women), fish oil plus vitamin B1 (MD -1.21 points, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.63; one RCT, 120 women), ginger (MD -1.55 points, 95% CI -2.43 to -0.68; three RCTs, 266 women; OR 5.44, 95% CI 1.80 to 16.46; one RCT, 69 women), valerian (MD -0.76 points, 95% CI -1.44 to -0.08; one RCT, 100 women), vitamin B1 alone (MD -2.70 points, 95% CI -3.32 to -2.08; one RCT, 120 women), zataria (OR 6.66, 95% CI 2.66 to 16.72; one RCT, 99 women), and zinc sulphate (MD -0.95 points, 95% CI -1.54 to -0.36; one RCT, 99 women).Data on chamomile and cinnamon versus placebo were unsuitable for analysis. Supplements versus NSAIDSThere was no evidence of any difference between NSAIDs and dill (MD 0.13 points, 95% CI -1.01 to 1.27; one RCT, 47 women), fennel (MD -0.70 points, 95% CI -1.81 to 0.41; one RCT, 59 women), guava (MD 1.19, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.96; one RCT, 155 women), rhubarb (MD -0.20 points, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.04; one RCT, 45 women), or valerian (MD points 0.62 , 95% CI 0.03 to 1.21; one RCT, 99 women),There was no consistent evidence of a difference between Damask rose and NSAIDs (MD -0.15 points, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.25; one RCT, 92 women).There was very limited evidence that chamomile was more effective than NSAIDs (MD -1.42 points, 95% CI -1.69 to -1.15; one RCT, 160 women). Supplements versus other supplementsThere was no evidence of a difference in effectiveness between ginger and zinc sulphate (MD 0.02 points, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.62; one RCT, 101 women). Vitamin B1 may be more effective than fish oil (MD -1.59 points, 95% CI -2.25 to -0.93; one RCT, 120 women). Effectiveness of supplements for secondary dysmenorrhoea There was no strong evidence of benefit for melatonin compared to placebo for dysmenorrhoea secondary to endometriosis (data were unsuitable for analysis). Safety of supplements Only four of the 27 included studies reported adverse effects in both treatment groups. There was no evidence of a difference between the groups but data were too scanty to reach any conclusions about safety.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of any dietary supplement for dysmenorrhoea, and evidence of safety is lacking. However for several supplements there was some low quality evidence of effectiveness and more research is justified.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Dietary Supplements; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Magnesium; Phytotherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thiamine; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin E
PubMed: 27000311
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002124.pub2 -
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey Sep 2008Dysmenorrhea affects up to 80% of reproductive age women, in many cases causing sufficient pain to dramatically affect social and occupational roles. The prevalence...
Dysmenorrhea affects up to 80% of reproductive age women, in many cases causing sufficient pain to dramatically affect social and occupational roles. The prevalence varies across ethnic groups, which in part may reflect varying cultural attitudes toward women and menstruation. Key identified risk factors for dysmenorrhea include age of menarche, body mass, dietary habits, associated uterine bleeding disorders, comorbid pelvic pathology, and psychosocial problems. While much of the focus on the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea has focused on aberrant inflammatory mediators in the uterine environment, recent studies using experimental quantitative sensory testing suggest central processing of pain is enhanced in many of these women as well, similar to both irritable bowel syndrome and painful bladder syndrome, which are closely related visceral pain disorders. The mainstays of treatment include nonsteroidal antiinflammatories and combined oral contraceptives; although only the former has extensive level I evidence to support its efficacy. Surgical treatments (presacral neurectomy or uterosacral nerve ablation) appear to be beneficial in a subset of women, but are associated with small, but serious, risks of visceral or vascular injury. Complementary and alternative treatments such as vitamin B1 and magnesium supplementation have not been studied as extensively but show some promise as well. In particular, treatments targeting central aberrations in pain processing, as used in chronic pain management, may prove beneficial as a more multidimensional approach to this common malady is accepted in our field.
Topics: Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 18713479
DOI: 10.1097/OGX.0b013e31817f15ff -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Oct 2015Membranous dysmenorrhea is a rare entity. It involves the sloughing of the endometrium in 1 cylindrical or membranous piece, retaining the shape of the uterine cavity.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Membranous dysmenorrhea is a rare entity. It involves the sloughing of the endometrium in 1 cylindrical or membranous piece, retaining the shape of the uterine cavity. Herein, we report the first case of spontaneous membranous dysmenorrhea in an adolescent girl.
CASE
A 17-year-old girl was admitted to the emergency clinic with severe painful menstrual bleeding and passage of tissue via the vagina. Bloody endometrial tissue resembling the endometrial cavity expulsed from the vagina was seen on inspection. The pathologic diagnosis of the mass was membranous dysmenorrhea.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
To our knowledge, this is the first case of the spontaneous occurrence of membranous dysmenorrhea. The relationship between membranous dysmenorrhea and endogenous or exogenous progesterone should be investigated further. A review of the literature on membranous dysmenorrhea is presented.
Topics: Adolescent; Dysmenorrhea; Endometrium; Female; Humans; Menstruation
PubMed: 26049935
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.11.001