PROSTAGLANDINS IN MENSTRUAL FLUID IN MENORRHAGIA AND DYSMENORRHEA

Menstrual fluid was collected in vaginal cups inserted for 2 h during the first 2 days of menstruation and menstrual serum concentrations of prostaglandins [PG] PGF2.alpha. and PGE2 were measured by radioimmunoassay. In 16 women from whom menstrual fluid was collected on both days. PGF2.alpha. and PGE2 concentrations were significantly higher on day 1 than on day 2. The highest concentrations of PGF2.alpha. and PGE2 were found in dysmenorrheic women on day 1. In non-dysmenorrheic women, the amount of PGF2.alpha. and PGE2 collected in 2 h correlated directly with total menstrual blood loss. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of PG collected in 2 h in pain-free menorrhagic women and dysmenorrheic women with normal loss. There was also no significant 9-ketoreductase or 9-hydroxydehydrogenase activity present in menstrual fluid which could suggest PGE2 to PGF2.alpha. interconversion.