The majority (70-93%) of adolescents have discomfort associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is the most common reason for missed school and activities. Up to 20-40% report missed school due to dysmenorrhea, and 40% report a negative effect on school performance and concentration. Adolescents with severe dysmenorrhea have impaired quality of life and are at increased risk for depression and anxiety. Adolescent women should be offered treatment and further investigation for ongoing pain.

A menstruating adolescent complaining of dysmenorrhea should not be disregarded especially if the clinical presentation is suggestive of secondary causes.

Endometriosis can be present in young females and commonly presents as CPP. Recognition of its prevalence and risk factors increases suspicion so as not to delay diagnosis.

Adolescent females with endometriosis should not be deprived of having good quality of life and should not suffer the complications of infertility.