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Related Concept Videos

Menses Phase01:18

Menses Phase

The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle01:22

Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle

The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
The Menstrual Cycle01:19

The Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...

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Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

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Comment on journal review of 'Use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception and incidence of bone fracture'.

The journal of family planning and reproductive health care·2013
Same author

The authors reply.

The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine·2013
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Use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception and incidence of bone fracture.

Obstetrics and gynecology·2013
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Dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young adults: an update on pharmacological treatments and management strategies.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy·2012
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Low vitamin D status among obese adolescents: prevalence and response to treatment.

The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine·2011
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Biopsychosocial variables associated with substantial bone mineral density loss during the use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate in adolescents: adolescents who lost 5% or more from baseline vs. those who lost less than 5%.

Contraception·2010

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis
05:36

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Published on: October 4, 2024

Dysmenorrhea in adolescents.

Zeev Harel1

  • 1Division of Adolescent Medicine, Hasbro Children's Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. Zharel@Lifespan.org

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 25, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Adolescent dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, is common. Primary dysmenorrhea can be treated with NSAIDs or hormonal therapy if symptoms persist, but severe cases require evaluation for underlying pelvic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecology
  • Adolescent Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dysmenorrhea is the most frequent gynecologic issue in adolescent females.
  • It is typically primary, linked to normal ovulation without pelvic pathology.
  • Severe symptoms in 10% of cases may indicate endometriosis or uterine anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the pathophysiology of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
  • To review current pharmacologic and hormonal treatment strategies.
  • To emphasize the role of healthcare providers in patient education and management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on adolescent dysmenorrhea.
  • Analysis of prostaglandin and leukotriene involvement.
  • Evaluation of treatment protocols including NSAIDs and hormonal therapy.

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Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis
06:22

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

Published on: September 1, 2019

Analysis of Raw and Processed Cyperi Rhizoma Samples Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Rats with Primary Dysmenorrhea
07:36

Analysis of Raw and Processed Cyperi Rhizoma Samples Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Rats with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Published on: December 23, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis
05:36

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion on the Navel in a Rat Model of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis

Published on: October 4, 2024

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis
06:22

Ex Vivo Method for Assessing the Mouse Reproductive Tract Spontaneous Motility and a MATLAB-based Uterus Motion Tracking Algorithm for Data Analysis

Published on: September 1, 2019

Analysis of Raw and Processed Cyperi Rhizoma Samples Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Rats with Primary Dysmenorrhea
07:36

Analysis of Raw and Processed Cyperi Rhizoma Samples Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Rats with Primary Dysmenorrhea

Published on: December 23, 2022

Main Results:

  • Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are key mediators of dysmenorrhea symptoms.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first-line treatment.
  • Hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives) is recommended for NSAID-resistant cases.

Conclusions:

  • Adolescent dysmenorrhea management involves a stepwise approach.
  • NSAIDs with a loading dose are recommended initially.
  • Persistent or severe symptoms warrant investigation for secondary causes and patient counseling.