Which statement best explains why combined oral contraceptives are considered for dysmenorrhea in adolescents?

Which statement best explains why combined oral contraceptives are considered for dysmenorrhea in adolescents?

• A. They regulate menstrual flow
• B. Hormones suppress ovulation, reduce endometrial growth and prostaglandin production
• C. They suppress ovulation, reduce menstrual flow, and increase prostaglandin production
• D. They provide pregnancy protection

Answer: (B)

Combined oral contraceptives relieve dysmenorrhea in adolescents by creating a steady hormone environment that suppresses ovulation and thins the endometrium. When ovulation is suppressed, there’s less hormonal fluctuation and less endometrial growth. A thinner, less reactive endometrium produces fewer prostaglandins during menses, and prostaglandins drive uterine contractions and cramping. So cramps are reduced. These drugs also tend to lessen menstrual flow, which can further ease symptoms. The best explanation is that hormones suppress ovulation, reduce endometrial growth, and decrease prostaglandin production. Simply saying they regulate menstrual flow doesn’t capture the mechanism behind pain relief, and increasing prostaglandin production would worsen cramps. Pregnancy protection is a beneficial side effect, but it isn’t the reason they help dysmenorrhea.

Combined oral contraceptives relieve dysmenorrhea in adolescents by creating a steady hormone environment that suppresses ovulation and thins the endometrium. When ovulation is suppressed, there’s less hormonal fluctuation and less endometrial growth. A thinner, less reactive endometrium produces fewer prostaglandins during menses, and prostaglandins drive uterine contractions and cramping. So cramps are reduced. These drugs also tend to lessen menstrual flow, which can further ease symptoms.

The best explanation is that hormones suppress ovulation, reduce endometrial growth, and decrease prostaglandin production. Simply saying they regulate menstrual flow doesn’t capture the mechanism behind pain relief, and increasing prostaglandin production would worsen cramps. Pregnancy protection is a beneficial side effect, but it isn’t the reason they help dysmenorrhea.