DYSMENORRHEA
This painful cramping is not the same as PMS but woman can suffer from both. There are two types of dysmenorrhea; Primary dysmenorrhea are cramps that are not due to a disease of the pelvis. Secondary dysmenorrhea are caused by endometriosis or other pelvic diseases. The cause of primary dysmenorrhea can be related to factors that are behavioural and psychological, lack of blood flow (congestion) and therefore lack of oxygen to the uterus. Causes of secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammation, celiac disease, thyroid conditions, congenital
malformations, narrowing of cervical opening, fibroids and uterine polyps. Treatments are similar for both types. Studies have shown that menstrual cramps can be psychological and related to a woman’s role and expectations of herself or from her community. Women with cramps also tend to have high levels of the hormone prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in their menstrual blood. The cramping pain is a result of the hormone released into the bloodstream as the endometrial lining deteriorates causing uterus spasms. High stress hormones (cortisol, norepinephrine and subsequently insulin) in a combination with dairy and refined carbohydrates result in overproduction of PGF2 alpha in the uterus lining, resulting in cramps. Duration of pain is usually 48-72 hours starting a few hours before and just after menstruation (blood flow). Some women tend to have congestion, cramping and obvious inflammation in the pelvic area. The pain tends to be spasmodic and is situated in the lower part of the abdomen above the public hairline. Some women with severe cramps experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, lower backache, dizziness, fainting and/or headaches. As explained in Healing with whole foods (3rd edition pg.399) by Paul Pitchford there can be Cold/deficiency dysmenorrhea or heat/excess-type dysmenorrhea. Coldness can cause the blood to become stagnant, resulting in pain. symptoms of such are: purplish black menses, scanty menses, cramps eased by a hot compress, abundant clear urine, attraction to warm foods and drinks. deficiency symptoms include weak pulse, pale tongue without coating, weakness. In heat dysmenorrhea symptoms include: early, heavy, bright red or dark menses, dark scanty urine, thirst, constipation, red tongue with yellow coating, desire for cold and aversion to heat. Excess symptoms include: scanty menses with dark clots, pain, expanded breasts, forceful tight pulse, thick blueish and coated tongue.
TREATMENTS:
Diet: low-glycemic index diet helps to stabilize hormones. Foods rich in nutrients balance insulin and glucagon levels and decrease inflammation. Eliminate refined carbohydrates, decrease grain products (no more than 2-3 servings per day). Consume more fresh veggies, fruits and lean proteins (chicken, eggs, fish and legumes). limit and eliminate red-meat and egg yolks high in Arachidonic Acid which may cause increased inflammation.
The active ingredient Indole-3-carbinol in Cruciferous veggies (kale, broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage etc) have shown to modulate estrogen levels, eat cooked/ steamed or fermented.
A high fiber diet has shown to decrease circulating estrogens, recommended at 25 grams per/day from beans, brown rice, veggies, fruits and whole grains.
Reduce and/or stop dairy intake, most cattle today is treated with BGH (bovine growth hormone) or rBST (recombinant bovine somatotropin) to stimulate the cow to produce more milk. This also presents difficulties and infections of utters which require antibiotics. These hormones and medications may stimulate the hormonal systems of humans; antibiotics are known to change the way the hormones are metabolized in the bowels and can change hormonal levels. Other research indicated that milk sugars (lactose) may be toxic to the ovaries and has been linked to ovarian cancer (Dr. Daniel Cramer, M.D., Sc. D., at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston). Organically produced dairy doesn’t seem to have the adverse effects.
Eliminate trans-fats (hydrogenated) which increase inflammation.
Nutritional approaches may take up to 2-3 months to achieve desired results.
-With COLD/ DEFICIENCY symptoms one should avoid cold raw foods and drink, cooling fruits (citrus). One should eat warming foods such as rice and oats and use warming spices; black peppercorn, dill, & caraway. It is important to keep the whole body warm and dry Herbs that are helpful are for cold deficiency are: -Angelica Root & Don Quai (Angelica archangelic & Angelica sinensis) 1-10 grams/day
In HEAT/ EXCESS type dysmenorrhea one should decrease intake of red meats, dairy, eggs & sweets. She can consume more cooling foods and drinks such as spinach, lettuce, celery, kale, carrots, spirulina and millet. Herb that are helpful include: Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum)
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) Wormwood (Artemnisia apiacea)
Honey is especially useful when dysmenorrhea is accompanied by constipation because it acts as a lubricant on the intestines. A treatment prior to period onset is equal parts : Ginger, Blessed thistle, and Cramp Bark Chamomile can also be used when menstrual flow is slow and painful
Nutritional supplements also include:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 100mg Vitamin B3 (Niacin)- 100mg/day throughout month, then 100mg every 2-3 hours of menstrual cramps Vitamin C (300-3000mg/day) and Rutin (60-1000mg/day) Vitamin E (150-800IU/day) Calcium (1000mg/day) Omega 3 fatty acids (1800 mg EPA & 720 mg DHA/day) Evening Primrose oil (500-1000 mg up to 3X/day) Melatonin (2.5mg/day taken 3-4 days prior to onset of menses)
Botanicals include: Rose- (tea) or abdominal massage with Rose, lavender, or clary sage essential oil.
Valerian (Valeriana officials)- 1 tsp of tincture or 1-2 caps every 3-4 hours as needed for pain relief. Crampbark (Viburnum Opulus)- 1/2 tsp tincture or 1 cap every 2-3 hours (AVOID IN PREGNANCY) Ginger (Zingiber officinal) – 1-2 g of dried ginger peed 1-2 x daily Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemes) 1/4-1/2 tsp tincture or 1-2 caps every 2-4 hours as needed for pain Red Raspberry is also useful to reduce bleeding and strengthen the uterus. (tincture as directed on bottle or tea) or brewing 1 tsp. of dried raspberry leaves for every cup of water, drink one or two cups a day (http://www.ehow.com/list_6031169_red-raspberry-leaf-tea-uses.html)
2 500 mg. tablets/day of evening primrose oil to systemically soften all tissues (including cervix and perineum, especially if cervical scarring or previous perineal injury exists) -Amy Darling, midwife (http://www.naturalchildbirth.org/natural/resources/herbal/herbal25.htm)
Other herbs to consider is: False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and Hops (Humulus lupulus). Use as directed on tincture bottle.
For the treatment of menstrual cramps the following program can be started as soon as it is known that the menses will begin (a day before is best):
1) 200-400 mg of Calcium & 100-200 mg of magnesium taken 2-3 x daily 2)Multi-mineral- 2 tablets 2x/day 3) Mag. Phos. tissue salt (5 drops- 4x daily or 4 tabs- 4x daily) 4)3 prts cramp bark
2 prts blessed thistle
2 prts Ginger taken as infusion (❨1tsp/cup @ 2-10 cups/ day) or in caps (2 caps- 2-10X day) 5) apply pressure to point located four finger width above inside of ankle bone (3 yin point) press firmly for 2-5 min.
For irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, abdominal pain from stagnant blood, stagnant liver conditions, abnormal uterine bleeding, late or scanty menses try: “Mixture of four herbs” 3 parts Dan gui root (mandarin: Dang gui; angelica sinensis) 3 parts prepared rehmannia root (mandarin: shu di huang; Rehmannia glutinous)
2 parts peony root (mandarin: bai shoa; Paeonia lactiflora) 1.5 parts ligusticum root (mandarin: chuan xiong; Ligusticum wallichii) It is most useful to use this treatment for at least 3-6 months for maximum benefits.
Other alternative treatments:
It is common for medical doctors to treat menstrual difficulties with pain relievers and/or birth control pills. In my experience this may be very helpful during the course of treatment but may also lead to nutrient deficiency and an even more painful period once treatment (taking pills) has ceased.
Yoga can offer a natural and effective method without toxic side effects. Meditation is also useful in alleviating stress that may also contribute to pain. When practicing Yoga Asana’s during menstruation it is essential not to strain, it is also advised to refrain from practicing inversions (ie. Sirshasana (headstand), Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) etc..) during menses. Vajrasana, shashankasana, marjariasana, savasana (see photos) and abdominal breathing will relieve menstrual cramping.
Vajrasana
Shashankasana
Marjariasana
Yoga Nidra or ‘yogic sleep’, is a practice similar to mediation. While laying in Savasana posture a person is guided through visualization techniques. This practice has been found to reduce tension and anxiety.
Period pain is not imaginary and there are often physical reasons for the pain, yet in many cases emotional attitudes also must be considered. Negative attitudes around sexual feeling, activities, role and perception of ‘feminine’, and guilt contribute to pain during menses. In primitive cultures a girls first menstruation is regarded as a rite of passage into adulthood. Too often in Western culture, menses is regarded as ‘gross’ and surrounded with secrecy. The maturation of the female figure and features associated with becoming a woman are regarded as abnormal and not ‘beautiful’ (ie. pubic hair, hip broadening etc…) This tension may contribute to pain a woman may experience during menses, women become victims of negative attitudes about their bodies and victims of biological events. In many traditions women are not expected to carry out regular activities while menstruating. Work, cooking, and even religious events are put on hold while a woman is bleeding. They traditionally would take rest for approximately 3 days and would be secluded as an opportunity to take a break from daily life. Unfortunately this practice has been misinterpreted and forgotten in most cultures. Therefore, even an hour of rest and proper relaxation is important at this time of heightened sensitivity.
Avoiding tampons (which tend to inhibit flow) and not wearing tight clothes are also useful when experiencing cramps.
Acupressure by a licensed acupuncturist and TCM practitioner is good for cramping, areas of interest are:
Large intestine 4 (he gu) Spleen 6 (san yin jiao) Spleen 8 (di ji) Kidney 5 (shui quan)
A detoxification program is also essential, brisk walking to work up a sweat is recommended by Christiane Northrup, M.D, as sweating is natural detoxification. Sauna’s are also useful as is a dry brush and fibber supplement (soluble and insoluble fibber)- 2tbsp of psyllium seed husks in liquid each morning, oat bran and slippery elm are also wonderful.
As you will note, most of the treatments for woman’s disorders are similar as are some symptoms. It is crucial to visit a professional for diagnosis and seek immediate treatments. Diet and lifestyle are underlying and vital solutions to woman’s disorders as is a balance of emotional and physical endeavours.
Woman’s intuition is key and can change with cyclic patterns. Intuition is interfered with by drugs, alcohol and other unconscious behaviour. PMS, Painful menses, Endometriosis and PCOS are messages that our bodies are trying to convey to us as females about our internal and external environments. It is important and essential that we pay attention and find proper solutions to these problems, the evolution and health of humanity depends on us. Our daughters deserve our sober and innate wisdom.
Please consult your doctor and/or health care provider to discuss if any of these treatments are suitable for you.
moksha mama 