Dysmenorrhea is the pain associated with menstruation. Approximately 50% of menstruating
women live with this disorder, and about 10% of those are incapacitated for several days
each period. It usually begins just before or right at the start of menarche. The pain of
dysmenorrhea, or cramps, can be from pelvic inflammation, excessive
fluid in the pelvis, or severe spasmodic dysmenorrhea accompanied by the passage of a cast
or partial cast of the uterine cavity. Most women complain of the pain being located in the
lower abdomen, but many also feel it deeply in the lower back and thighs. Occasionally,
cramps are accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.
Helpful Links:
Dysmenorrhea
hile
dysmenorrhea is common among most menstruating women, there are
steps that can be taken to relieve the discomfort and pain. Using a calendar, keep track
of your periods by marking the first day of each period. The week before your period begins,
it is a good idea to eat moderately and try to limit your intake of salt. This helps reduce
water retention, bloating, and headaches. Keeping active, especially during the first few
days, is helpful, as is resting with your feet up, taking warm baths, and using a heating
pad on your abdomen. Additionally, many herbs have a history of traditional use.
Cramp Bark is a
traditional herb for menstrual cramps.
Chamomile is
traditionally used, as is
Dong Quai.
Chaste Tree Berry
is also frequently used by herbalists. Other traditionally used herbs are
Juniper,
Red
Raspberry, Maca Root,
and Nettles.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.