Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhoea)
Dysmenorrhoea means painful menstruation. It is a common menstrual irregularity affecting approximately fifty percent of women. The condition is categorised into primary and secondary sub types. Primary dysmenorrhoea is the absence of an underlying organic pathology and may be due to elevated levels of the inflammatory hormone prostaglandins. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is associated with conditions such as endometriosis, PCO/S, ovarian cysts and may occur years after menarche, premenstrually and during menstruation Symptoms of pain, cramping, headaches, nausea and vomiting can occur with dysmenorrhoea.
What causes Dysmenorrhoea?
Research has shown that women with dysmenorrhoea have elevated levels of hormones called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins in the menstrual fluid stimulate painful contractions of the uterine smooth muscle and evacuate the uterus of the menstrual fluid. When prostaglandins are elevated it is possible that dysmenorrhoea may occur. The hormone progesterone controls prostaglandin production. Prior to menstruation progesterone levels drop and prostaglandin levels increase which can cause cramping and pain.
Can natural medicine help reduce painful periods?
Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic (MNMC) Naturopaths utilise various herbs and nutrients to reduce the pain associated with dysmenorrhoea. Diet and lifestyle techniques will be addressed to reduce the pain and natural anti-inflammatory herbs that reduce spasms and uterine contractions may be prescribed.
Your Naturopath may recommend a hormone test to assess where the imbalance lies to create long-term corrective care. In a recent review Vitamin B1 and magnesium were found to be effective to reduce the pain of dysmenorrhoea. Additionally, a small clinical trial found omega-3-fatty acids to be more effective than placebo for pain relief in dysmenorrhoea.
Call to action
If painful periods are left untreated, you run the risk of developing further health problems. At MNMC, our experienced naturopaths can help you treat the condition and any other underlying health problems. . Naturopathy at MNMC can offer you a personalised treatment programme to get you back to health.
Book in to the Melbourne Anti-Ageing clinic today and let our Naturopaths bring your body back in to balance.
Our clinic is located at 225 Park St, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205.
You can make an appointment online, email us or phone us on (03) 96862566.
