Pediatria pre prax 2/2026
Treatment of dysmenorrhea in adolescents – current options
Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecologic complaints among adolescent females, with a prevalence of approximately 60–90 %, and about 20–30 % of adolescents experiencing a severe form that requires treatment. Dysmenorrhea is typically associated with a biphasic (ovulatory) cycle and usually appears around 1,5–2 years after menarche. Clinically, dysmenorrhea in adolescents is classified as either primary or secondary. In addition to lower abdominal pain, it is often accompanied by vegetative symptoms. The most common first-line pharmacologic treatment is nonsteroidal antiinflamatory medications. For adolescents who do not adequately respond to nonsteroidal antiinflamatory after three menstrual cycles, treatment with contraceptive preparations should be initiated. Beyond these treatment modalities, nonpharmacologic methods can also be employed. The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge on the treatment of dysmenorrhea in adolescents, with an emphasis on new pharmacologic options, nonpharmacologic interventions and multidisciplinary management.
Keywords: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, nonsteroidal antiinflamatory medications, hormonal contraception, nonpharmacologic treatment
