The effect of naproxen-sodium on the prostaglandin concentrations of the menstrual blood and uterine “jet-washings” in dysmenorrehic women

A group of dysmenorrheic women was treated during two consecutive menstrual bleedings, once with placebo and once with naproxen-sodium (naproxen-Na), a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Concentrations of prostaglandins F and E (PGF, PGE) were assayed in the menstrual blood collected into cervical cups, and in uterine “jet-wash” specimens.In the $\text{menstrual blood}$ the high PGF concentrations of patients receiving placebo were significantly reduced following treatment with naproxen-Na (from ± S.E. 227±78.9 ng/ml to 42±19.5 ng/ml; p=0.03). A significant decrease of PGE concentrations was also observed during naproxen-Na treatment (from 10.8±2.1 ng/ml to 3.4±1.7 ng/ml; p=0.03).In the $\text{uterine “jet washings”}$ naproxen-Na significantly reduced PGE concentrations (p=0.03) while the decrease of PGF concentrations was close to statistical signficance (p=0.06). These results strenthened the premise of causal relationships between naproxen-Na treatment, decreased uterine prostaglandins, reduction of intrauterine pressure, and relief from dysmenorrehic pain.