Dysmenorrhoea pain
Dysmenorrhoea refers to painful menstrual periods. It is normal for every woman to feel a certain discomfort and mild pain during her menstrual period. The estimates for women suffering from dysmenorrhoea range from 50% to 90% of women. Depending on its causes, it can be primary or secondary. The primary type refers to dysmenorrhea with no known cause. It is hereditary and usually begins with the onset of menstruation in adolescence. The cramps may lessen after pregnancy or become less severe with age. The secondary type, however, can be caused by several medical conditions such as Sexually transmitted diseases, fibroids, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, stress and anxiety etc.
The menstrual pain tends to reduce with increasing age and also with increasing number of children, i.e. the older you get and the more children you have, the less the menstrual pain becomes.
The following are some treatment options for dysmenorrhoea:
Drug therapies
It includes the following types of drugs which are known to be effective against menstrual pain:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, piroxicam, diclofenac, etc.
- Pain relievers such as pentazocine, tramadol, codeine, etc.
- Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) analgesics
- Simple analgesics, such as aspirin and paracetamol
- Oral contraceptives
Non drug therapies
Heat therapy – Lie down on a flat surface with your legs elevated and apply some heat to the lower abdomen. Wheat bags, microwave heat pads, and hot bottles can be used for this therapy. The warmth works by relaxing the muscles which helps to ease the pain from menstrual cramps.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) –It is effective for pain relief in primary dysmenorrhoea. It seems to work by altering the body’s ability to receive or perceive pain signals.
Aromatherapy – There are essential oils such as lavender, clary sage, and rose oils which are known to be excellent for relieving the pain associated with menstrual cramps,
Relaxation techniques – Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga helps in relieving menstrual cramps.
Physical exercise – Doing regular exercises such as pelvic rocking exercises reduces menstrual cramps.
Acupuncture -Acupuncture is very effective at relieving period pains. Needles are usually inserted both in the lower abdomen, legs and feet.
Diet – Increase the intake of dietary fibres such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc and reduce intake of salt, sugar, alcohol and caffeine
Nutritional supplements – thiamine (vitamin B1), magnesium, vitamin E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, etc, have been shown to relieve or reduce menstrual pain, especially in primary dysmenorrheal.
Homeopathy – It is worldwide popular as safe natural and effective pain management remedy. There are a number of medicines for both acute and chronic pain and are used depending on the type of painful condition. It is very suitable for long term management.
