[Dysmenorrhea: a problem for the pediatrician?]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive health in adolescents
• Gynecological disorders
• Public health epidemiology

Context:

• Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent condition among adolescent girls, often leading to school absenteeism and reduced participation in social and physical activities.
• Onset typically occurs 2-3 years post-menarche with ovulatory cycles.
• Adolescent girls in Switzerland represent a key demographic for studying dysmenorrhea prevalence and impact.

Purpose:

• To determine the prevalence of severe dysmenorrhea in Swiss adolescent girls.
• To assess the consequences of dysmenorrhea on daily life, including school attendance and sports.
• To review current treatment approaches and provide clinical practice recommendations.

Summary:

• A cross-sectional survey (SMASH 02) of 3340 adolescent females (aged 16-20) in Switzerland revealed that 12.4% experience severe dysmenorrhea and 74.2% experience moderate dysmenorrhea.
• Severe dysmenorrhea significantly disrupts daily activities, with 47.8% reporting staying home from school and 66.5% reducing sports participation.
• Less than half of affected girls consulted a physician, and even fewer received appropriate treatment.

Impact:

• Highlights the significant burden of dysmenorrhea on adolescent well-being and daily functioning.
• Underscores the critical role of pediatricians in screening, educating, and treating young patients with menstrual pain.
• Recommends NSAIDs as first-line treatment, with combined oestroprogestative contraception for non-responders, emphasizing the need for follow-up to rule out organic pathology.