Menstrual-PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and TXA2 in normal and dysmenorrheic women and their temporal relationship to 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.