Primary dysmenorrhea is usually due to ovulatory cycles .
Secondary dysmenorrhea is usually associated with organic disease and is unusual in adolescents
Diagnosis :
• History
• Physical examination if indicated causes:
- Primary dysmenorrhea is usually due to ovulatory cycles
- Secondary dysmenorrhea may be due to :
• Endometriosis
• Tumor Ovarian mass
• Ovarian cyst
• Congenital anomaly of uterus
Treatment/management:
• Reassurance
• Advice to continue normal activities
• Aspirin 300-600 mg every 4 hours or Ibubrofen 200-400 mg or Paracetamol every 8 hours
(maximum 2.4 g/day) X 3days during menses or
• Meftal /antispasmodic Mefenamic acid 500 mg 8 hourly x 3days .
• If not relieved oral contraceptive pill (OCP) 3 cycles
Referral:
• If the symptoms do not improve, refer patient to the hospital.
Source : STANDARD TREATMENT PROTOCOL FOR HEALTH POSTS AND SUB HEALTH POSTS 2070
