Dysmenorrhoea: An update on primary healthcare management.

BACKGROUND

Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecologic condition affecting people assigned female at birth and has significant effects on immediate and long‑term quality of life. Effective treatments are widely available at low cost but often have poor uptake. There is growing evidence that a significant proportion of people with severe dysmenorrhoea will develop other persistent pain syndromes and dysmenorrhoea might be a key contributor to the development of those conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to provide an update on dysmenorrhoea and its management in a primary care setting, including evaluation and treatment.

DISCUSSION: Treatment decisions should incorporate shared decision making and account for the preferences and goals of the patient, including fertility plans. First-line treatments include non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal therapies. Various non-pharmacologic therapies and lifestyle modifications can complement first-line medical therapies or be used as alternatives when medical therapies are contraindicated or declined.