Which medications in the drug class Oral Contraceptives are used in the treatment of Dysmenorrhea?

Updated: Sep 23, 2019
  • Author: Karim Anton Calis, PharmD, MPH, FASHP, FCCP; Chief Editor: Michel E Rivlin, MD  more...
  • Print
Answer

Oral Contraceptives

In some patients, OCs can prevent dysmenorrhea altogether, though these agents are not approved by the FDA for this indication. OCs may be an appropriate treatment choice in patients who do not wish to conceive. Use of OCs in a manner that reduces the number of menstrual cycles may be beneficial for some patients. Combination OCs, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device, and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate provide effective pain relief and are associated with a reduced menstrual flow.

Medroxyprogesterone (Provera, Depo Provera)

Medroxyprogesterone inhibits secretion of gonadotropins, thereby inhibiting ovulation and decreasing the thickness of the endometrium.

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (Mirena)

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device inhibits secretion of gonadotropins, thereby inhibiting ovulation and decreasing the thickness of the endometrium.

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, MonoNessa, Previfem, TriNessa)

This drug combination reduces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary by decreasing the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel (Lo/Ovral 28, Ogestrel, Low-Ogestrel)

This drug combination reduces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary by decreasing the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Levora, Lybrel, Altavera)

This drug combination reduces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary by decreasing the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Ethinyl estradiol and Norethindrone (Cyclofem, Nortrel 1/35, Ortho-Novum)

This drug combination reduces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary by decreasing the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Ethinyl estradiol and Ethynodiol diacetate (Kelnor, Zovia)

This drug combination reduces secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary by decreasing the amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

Drosperinone/ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin, Yaz)

Reduces secretion of LH and FSH from pituitary by decreasing amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.


Did this answer your question?
Additional feedback? (Optional)
Thank you for your feedback!