Painful Periods

Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) are defined as pelvic pain during menstruation. An element of very slight discomfort during menstruation is considered normal. Many women experience pain or discomfort which goes beyond the level of slight discomfort. Primary dysmenorrhea is pain for which no cause can be identified from a western medical perspective. Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain for which a cause can be identified. Common causes of secondary dysmenorrhea are endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome and pelvic infection.

Far more women suffer from primary dysmenorrhea than secondary dysmenorrhea. Most women will at some point in time experience a painful period. For some this occurs every month and may be associated with mood changes before the period begins. For some, a hot water bottle and some over the counter pain medication may be enough. Others are not so lucky. The pain may be localised to the lower abdomen or may extend to the back and down the legs. The pain may be crampy in nature or may be a more constant ache. The pain may begin before the period and extend beyond the period. Some women also suffer from nausea, loose stools, constipation, headaches, frequent urination and occasionally vomiting.

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, pain is associated with a lack of free flow within the body. To relieve the pain, you restore the free flow of blood and Qi. Typically the acupuncture points used are below the knees, below the elbows and on the abdomen. The heat from an infra-red lamp can be particularly comforting. Some old Chinese recipes, Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (The Free and Easy Wanderer) or Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Peach Kernal and Carthamus Flower Four Substance Decoction) can be useful. Please consult a Chinese Medicine practitioner to see which one would suit you best.

Stress is recognised as causing some level of dysmenorrhea. It causes tension in the body which impedes the free flow of qi and blood leading to discomfort. Acupuncture combined with the infra-red lamp and a herbal formula can provide effective and lasting relief. Ask your practitioner for more details.

Unexplained uterine bleeding or more severe pain should always be checked by your doctor for an underlying physical cause.