Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/30/2025

Management of Menstrual Pain in Adolescents

Alternative Treatment Options

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends ibuprofen as the first-line NSAID for adolescents aged 12-17 years for pain management, at doses appropriate for body weight 2
  • Multiple NSAIDs are approved for adolescents aged 12-17 years for pain management, with ibuprofen being a recommended option 1, 2

Dosing Considerations

  • Ibuprofen dosing should be based on age, weight, and comorbidities, with a maximum daily dose of 2400 mg 4

When to Escalate Care

  • Referral to specialist care is indicated if acute medication provides insufficient pain relief, according to the American Academy of Neurology 2
  • Consider referral to a pediatric specialist when pain significantly impacts daily functioning or quality of life, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 5

REFERENCES

4

Management of Growing Pains in Pediatric Patients [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025