Dysmenorrhea in teenagers.

Dysmenorrhea affects quality of life, but is often inadequately treated in teenagers. The mainstay of treatment is NSAID, which must be started pre-emptively and in adequate dose. If NSAID provides insufficient pain relief, or when contraception is required, combined oral contraceptives can be prescribed concomitantly. Hormonal IUD can also be used in teenagers. If dysmenorrhea persists despite appropriate treatment, the patient must be referred to a gynecologist. Endometriosis, the most common cause of severe dysmenorrhea, can manifest already during adolescence.