Which statement is true regarding primary dysmenorrhea?

Which statement is true regarding primary dysmenorrhea?

• A. During the luteal phase, F2-alpha is secreted
• B. Anovulatory bleeding after menarche is painful
• C. Primary dysmenorrhea pain begins at the onset of menstruation and lasts 8 to 48 hours
• D. Excessive release of prostaglandin F2-alpha decreases the amplitude of uterine contractions

Answer: (C)

Pain in primary dysmenorrhea is driven by prostaglandins released from the endometrium during menstruation, which stimulate strong uterine contractions and reduce blood flow, producing cramping. This discomfort typically begins with the onset of menstrual bleeding and lasts about 8 to 48 hours, which matches the described pattern. Prostaglandin F2-alpha specifically increases the amplitude and force of uterine contractions, so a statement claiming it decreases contractions is incorrect. Anovulatory bleeding after menarche tends to be less painful because those cycles lack ovulation and the prostaglandin-driven contractions seen in ovulatory cycles. The idea that luteal-phase prostaglandin release drives the pain is not the mechanism for primary dysmenorrhea.

Pain in primary dysmenorrhea is driven by prostaglandins released from the endometrium during menstruation, which stimulate strong uterine contractions and reduce blood flow, producing cramping. This discomfort typically begins with the onset of menstrual bleeding and lasts about 8 to 48 hours, which matches the described pattern. Prostaglandin F2-alpha specifically increases the amplitude and force of uterine contractions, so a statement claiming it decreases contractions is incorrect. Anovulatory bleeding after menarche tends to be less painful because those cycles lack ovulation and the prostaglandin-driven contractions seen in ovulatory cycles. The idea that luteal-phase prostaglandin release drives the pain is not the mechanism for primary dysmenorrhea.