DYSMENORRHEA: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND CONTEMPORARY PHARMACOLOGICAL AND NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT APPROACHES

Natalia Fidut; Jakub Skrzypek; Karol Szyprowski; Kamila Zioło; Weronika Zarzycka; Maciej Kisielewski; Julia Wawerska; Weronika Wrzosek; Bartosz Okliński; Mateusz Zugaj

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5279

Authors

Natalia Fidut Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2550-3933
Jakub Skrzypek Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1155-5818
Karol Szyprowski 1st Military Clinical Hospital with the Outpatient Clinic, Lublin, Poland al. Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0336-6425
Kamila Zioło 1st Military Clinical Hospital with the Outpatient Clinic, Lublin, Poland al. Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3875-4000
Weronika Zarzycka 1st Military Clinical Hospital with the Outpatient Clinic, Lublin, Poland al. Racławickie 23, 20-049 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1927-4076
Maciej Kisielewski Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1797-9155
Julia Wawerska Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0145-6204
Weronika Wrzosek University Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lublin ul. Stanisława Staszica 16, 20-081 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6680-5760
Bartosz Okliński Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9018-6784
Mateusz Zugaj Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin Al. Kraśnicka 100, 20-718 Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2848-6952

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5279

Keywords:

Primary Dysmenorrhea; Menstrual Pain; NSAIDs; Hormonal Therapy; Non-Pharmacological Treatment; Physical Activity; TENS

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze current scientific evidence regarding the pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea and to evaluate the effectiveness of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies used to reduce menstrual pain and improve the quality of life of affected women.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The search included keywords such as “primary dysmenorrhea”, “menstrual pain”, “NSAIDs”, “hormonal therapy”, “non-pharmacological treatment”, “TENS”, “thermotherapy”, and “physical activity”. Particular attention was given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and clinical recommendations from international medical organizations. Publications analyzing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches were included, with emphasis on studies assessing treatment effectiveness, safety, and their impact on quality of life.

Findings: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition significantly affecting the physical, psychological, and social functioning of women. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the first-line pharmacological treatment due to their ability to reduce prostaglandin production and alleviate menstrual pain. Hormonal therapy is an effective alternative, particularly in women not planning pregnancy. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions such as thermotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), physical activity, physiotherapy, and complementary therapies may contribute to pain reduction and improved well-being. However, the quality of evidence supporting some non-pharmacological methods remains limited.

Conclusions: Effective management of primary dysmenorrhea requires an individualized and comprehensive therapeutic approach that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Increasing awareness of available treatment options and promoting multidisciplinary care may significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

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