Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom, especially in very young women who begin their period. However, this is not a “trivial” symptom. Your first period can be relieved by taking ibuprofen (over the counter) or prescription NSAIDs. If this is not enough, an oral contraceptive (estrogen-progestogen or progestin alone), if necessary in continuous intake (which puts the cycle at rest and suspends the onset of menstruation), is recommended. When dysmenorrhea is intense (endometriosis, in particular), the use of a progesterone intrauterine device (Mirena®) should be suggested, even in a very young woman who has never had a pregnancy. This is because endometriosis is a threat to subsequent fertility and should therefore be treated as effectively as possible.

Marc Zaffran, M.D. (Martin Winckler)