title: Plasma prostaglandin F 2-alpha levels in dysmenorrehic women.
abstract: Plasma prostaglandin F 2-alpha (PGF 2-alpha) concentrations were compared in nine ovulatory dysmenorrheic women, one dysmenorrheic oral contraceptive user, and two nondysmenorrheic control subjects, in an effort to demonstrate a relationship between plasma PGF 2-alpha levels and dysmenorrhea. In addition, the effects of aspirin, a known inhibitorof prostaglandins synthesis, on dysmenorrhea and on PGF 2-alpha levels were investigated. No statistical difference was demonstrated between the plasma PGF 2-alpha levels of dysmenorrheic and nondysmenorrheic subjects throughout the menstrual cycle. Attainment of an adequate salicylate level was accompanied by a significant decrease in PGF 2-alpha levels. All dysmenorrheic subjects reported improvement in symptoms while taking aspirin. The greatest subjective relief was reported by women who began taking aspirin (10 grains every 4 hours) 3 or more days prior to the onset of bleeding.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008598:Menstruation; D011372:Progestins / Q000097:blood; D011460:Prostaglandins F / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D011372:Progestins; D011460:Prostaglandins F; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D001241:Aspirin