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Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea is cramping pelvic pain around menstruation that may be primary or caused by an underlying pelvic disorder.

Duphaston

Dydrogesterone

10mg

Dydrogesterone 10mg tablets, used in the management of endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, infertility and secondary amenorrhoea. An orally active progestogen.

From$2.13/ tabletView

Ponstel

Mefenamic Acid

250 · 500mg

Ponstel is mefenamic acid 250mg and 500mg tablets for dysmenorrhoea and acute pain, a fenamate NSAID that blocks the cyclo-oxygenase enzymes.

From$0.36/ tabletView

Key points

  • Primary pain usually begins soon after periods start and follows a consistent cycle pattern without other pelvic disease.
  • Pain that begins later, worsens progressively, occurs between periods or accompanies painful sex or infertility needs further assessment.
  • NSAIDs work best when timed around the start of symptoms but are unsuitable with some stomach, kidney, bleeding and cardiovascular risks.

The listings below do not identify primary or secondary pain; pregnancy possibility, symptoms and medical history guide treatment.

Looking for a secondary cause

History covers bleeding, pain timing, bowel or bladder symptoms, sex and fertility. Examination and ultrasound may identify fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian disease or other abnormalities, while normal imaging does not exclude endometriosis.

Symptom control

Heat and activity can help some people. NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-driven cramping; hormonal contraception can reduce ovulation or menstrual flow and may suit those also wanting contraception. Persistent symptoms despite correct use should trigger diagnosis review rather than indefinite escalation.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care for sudden severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, fever with pelvic pain, very heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, or pain and bleeding when pregnancy is possible.

Further reading