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Review, 1980

How can doctors treat menstrual pain?

Birth control pills and ibuprofen-like drugs (NSAIDs) can treat almost all menstrual pain, using imaging tests to identify the cause. This is a review of clinical practice from 1980.

Early or limited evidence Women with menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)

What they did

Reviewed clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating pelvic pain during menstruation.

What they found

Menstrual pain can come from physical causes, hormonal problems, or psychological factors. Imaging tests and laparoscopy have improved diagnosis. Birth control pills and prostaglandin inhibitors (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) have improved treatment and now enable doctors to effectively treat almost all cases of menstrually related pelvic pain.

What it means for you

Most menstrual pain can now be treated effectively with standard medications. If these don't work, specialist care or psychiatric consultation may help. The main limitation is this review is from 1980 and modern approaches may have changed.

About the study

Original title
A practical approach to the patient with dysmenorrhea
Authors
Heinrichs WL, Adamson GD
Journal
The Journal of reproductive medicine
Year
1980
Study design
Review
What was tested
Birth control pills and NSAIDs (prostaglandin inhibitors)

Topics