A 17-year-old female presents with significant dysmenorrhea. Which medication provides relief by directly targeting prostaglandin synthesis?

• A. Narcotic analgesics.
• B. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
• C. Oral contraceptive pills.
• D. Anabolic hormones.

Answer: (B)

Prostaglandins produced in the endometrium during menstruation drive uterine contractions and pain. The medication that directly targets prostaglandin synthesis does so by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, the step that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. By blocking this pathway, NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin levels, lessen uterine tone and cramping, and provide relief from dysmenorrhea. Narcotic analgesics treat pain but don’t affect prostaglandin production. Oral contraceptives can help with cramps by suppressing menstruation over time, but their action isn’t a direct inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Anabolic hormones aren’t used for this purpose.