thromboxane-a2 and Dysmenorrhea

Although it has been demonstrated that primary dysmenorrhea is associated with elevated levels of PGF2 alpha in the menstrual fluid, little is actually known of the menstrual-PG profiles of either dysmenorrheic or normal women. In this study, menstrual fluid from normal and dysmenorrheic women was collected from tampons and extracted for PG-like substances. The PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and TXA2 content was analyzed by RIA. This study demonstrates that dysmenorrheics have significantly higher levels/concentrations of menstrual-PGF2 alpha and PGE2 than do normal women, and that there is no difference in the menstrual-PGF2 alpha : PGE2 ratio between the two groups. Also, there is no significant difference in the amount/concentration of menstrual-thromboxane between dysmenorrheic and normal women. Of the parameters considered, the levels/-concentrations of menstrual-PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and TXA2, dysmenorrheic pain correlates best with the rate of menstrual-PGF2 alpha release.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Prostaglandins E; Prostaglandins F; Radioimmunoassay; Thromboxane A2; Thromboxane B2; Thromboxanes; Time Factors