Dysmenorrhea is a term that describes painful menstruation, accompanied by cramps caused by uterine contractions. Dysmenorrhea could occur before, during and after the menstrual period. Pain mostly is in the lower abdomen. Pain may radiate to the lower back of thighs. Quality of pain may be sharp, deep, or dull ache. Abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
Usually, pain is more profound during first 2 days of menstruation. Western medicine perspective explains the pain is due to hormonal imbalance especially increased prostaglandin production causing excessive contraction of the uterus. Some possible reasons are due to ovarian cysts or fibroids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen are generally given to patients two days before and continue for up to two days after menses for pain relief. If NSAIDs cannot resolve the pain, usually low dosage of estrogen-progesterone oral contraceptive is to be given. In some cases, pain may come back if patients stop birth control pills.
In Chinese medicine perspective, we view our bodies as part of mother nature. TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine) focus to harmonize Yin and Yang within female bodies because Yin-Yang disharmony can result in diseases. Use of Frequency Specific Microcurrent/Acupuncture and herbal medicine can relieve pain with significantly positive evidence. These holistic approaches are to balance out natural hormones as we believe our bodies can initiate healing naturally. In addition, by integrating lifestyle changes and food therapy. Dysmenorrhea can be resolved without any side effects of pharmaceutical interventions.
