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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...
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...
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.
Secretory Phase01:19

Secretory Phase

The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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

Dysmenorrhea.

Cathleen Morrow1, Elizabeth H Naumburg

  • 1Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. cathleen.morrow@dartmouth.edu

Primary Care
|February 24, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Primary dysmenorrhea diagnosis is often possible through a detailed patient history, avoiding pelvic exams in many young women. Effective, safe, and affordable treatments exist to manage this common condition and minimize its impact on daily life.

Area of Science:

  • Women's Health
  • Gynecology
  • Primary Care Medicine

Background:

  • Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological issue causing significant discomfort.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline a diagnostic approach for primary dysmenorrhea.
  • To emphasize the role of primary care in managing this condition.
  • To highlight the availability of effective and safe treatment options.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis primarily relies on a thorough patient history.
  • Pelvic examination may be deferred in cases with classic symptoms and no red flags.
  • Careful history-taking identifies patients with severe symptoms or potential underlying pathology.

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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

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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

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

Main Results:

  • A detailed medical history is sufficient for diagnosing primary dysmenorrhea in many cases.
  • Early identification of severe symptoms or concerning signs is a key component of evaluation.
  • Numerous safe and cost-effective treatments are available for symptom relief.

Conclusions:

  • Primary dysmenorrhea can often be diagnosed non-invasively through attentive history-taking.
  • Primary care providers play a vital role in guiding women toward optimal management strategies.
  • Effective treatments ensure that most women can find relief and reduce the negative impact of dysmenorrhea.