A 13 year-old female has lower abdominal pain that occurs with menses. What is the most likely diagnosis?

The most likely diagnosis for a 13-year-old female experiencing lower abdominal pain that occurs with menses is primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain that is typically associated with menstruation, and it is common in adolescents. This condition is often due to increased production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause the uterus to contract and lead to cramping.

In this age group, primary dysmenorrhea is particularly prevalent as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes associated with the onset of menstruation. Symptoms generally start shortly before or at the beginning of menstrual bleeding and can last for several days. The pain is usually described as cramp-like and can vary in intensity.

Considering the other possible diagnoses, ovarian cysts can cause abdominal pain but are not exclusively linked to menses, and the pain can occur at any time during the cycle. Endometriosis is a condition more commonly diagnosed in older adolescents and adults, although it can occur in teenagers; however, it usually presents with more chronic pain and potential infertility issues. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and does not specifically refer