Dysmenorrhoea

N94.4-6

• Description
• General measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Pain associated with menstrual cycles. In primary dysmenorrhoea there is no known cause. Secondary dysmenorrhoea usually has an organic cause.

GENERAL MEASURES

• Advise and reassure women with primary dysmenorrhoea about the nature of the condition.
• Encourage patient to carry on with normal everyday activities.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Ibuprofen, oral, 400 mg 8 hourly with or after a meal as needed for 2–3 days.

ADD

• Combined oral contraceptive pill, if symptoms still problematic, and if pregnancy is not planned.

Treat for pelvic infection when present.

REFERRAL

• Poor response to treatment.
• If an organic cause is suspected, e.g. fibroids.