Assessment of Glx and GABA levels in primary dysmenorrhea patients in menstruation and periovulatory phases

The pathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) and the central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms leading to poorer mode and pain sensitization remain totally unclear, which was explored in our study using MEGA-PRESS. PDM patients showed significantly higher Glx level and mildly higher GABA+ level (not significantly) in ACC in menstruation phase. In menstruation phase, the SDS/PCS scores of the PDM patients had a positive correlation with ACC GABA+ levels. The imbalances in ACC GABA+/Glx levels in PDM patients in menstruation phase may be the mechanism mediating depressive symptoms and pain catastrophe.