DYSMENORRHEA: FEATURES OF ETIOPATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is a cyclic pathology, characterized with the appearance of pain on the menstruation eve or in its first days. This condition affects the quality of life of women on a daily basis, causes absences at study and work, and restricts participation in sports competitions or social events. In addition, many women experience constant emotional stress associated with dysmenorrhea. However, if the treatment is chosen correctly, general prognosis is good. Complications depend primarily on the intensity of pain, which affects a woman's quality of life and daily activities. If the primary dysmenorrhea is not associated with any pathology or disease and does not have any serious complications, then the secondary one, depending on the etiology, the complications may indicate infertility, pelvic prolapse, severe bleeding and anemia. Nonsteroidal anti−inflammatory drugs have been shown to be the first line of treatment for dysmenorrhea. In severe cases, higher doses of these drugs or combination / adjuvant therapy are prescribed. If their use does not provide sufficient improvement of the patient's condition, hormonal drugs are prescribed in a cyclic mode, i.e. progestogens or combined oral contraceptives. All oral hormonal contraceptives are considered effective in reducing the pain of dysmenorrhea in girls, but in adult women, especially in secondary amenorrhea, data on the effectiveness of hormonal contraception are poor and contradictory. A balanced, healthy diet improves the dysmenorrhea course, so it is important that women are aware of its need. Vitamins and dietary herbal supplements have also been quite effective in dysmenorrhea treatment. Further investigations of modern methods of hormonal contraception, the possibility of their long−term and safe use in dysmenorrhea in women of different ages is promising. Key words: dysmenorrhea, nonsteroidal anti−inflammatory drugs, oral hormonal contraceptives.