[Uterine prostaglandins and dysmenorrhea]

In 44 patients a total of 83 determinations in the menstrual blood was performed under standardized conditions. -- The primary PGE 1 and PGF 2 alpha were determined by RIA. Significant differences were found in the PGF 2 alpha concentration in menstrual blood between a group of healthy women and one of patients with dysmenorrhoea. -- In dysmenorrhoea the ration of the PGs investigated is shifted in favour of PGF 2 alpha. Indomethacin can decrease the PGF 2 alpha levels in dysmenorrhoea up to 15 per cent. -- All treated patients reported that their conditions had improved. -- Five out of seven women were completely without any complaints.