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Dysmenorrhea is a medical
term for the pains and cramps experienced in severe form by a woman, during the
menstrual cycle. This pain is experienced every month for few days when we get
the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cramps are dull or throbbing pains in the lower
abdomen. We experience menstrual cramps just before and during the menstrual
periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, it can
be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every
month. The dysmenorrhea is classified as primary dysmenorrhea or secondary
dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea involves no physical abnormality and usually
begins six months to a year after we begin menstruating. Secondary dysmenorrhea
involves an underlying physical cause, such as endometriosis or uterine
fibroids. If we have primary dysmenorrhea, there are some measures we can take
to ease the discomfort. We can also be rest assured that cramps tend to decrease
in intensity as we get older and often disappear after pregnancy. For secondary
dysmenorrhea, managing the cramps involves treating the underlying cause. Most
women experience menstrual cramps at some time in their lives. Whether it's
primary or secondary, dysmenorrhea can be severe enough to disrupt our
day-to-day routine. If we have primary dysmenorrhea, it most likely develops
within a year after we start menstruating. We may continue to have cramps
through our 20s or until we have a baby. Then, for unknown reasons, they're
likely to become less intense. With secondary dysmenorrhea, cramps may start or
return later in life, but can begin anytime after we begin menstruating. The
signs and symptoms of dysmenorrhea may include dull or throbbing pain in lower
abdomen and pain that radiates to lower back and thighs. Other signs and
symptoms that can occur along with menstrual cramps are nausea, vomiting, loose
stools, sweating and dizziness. During menstrual periods, the uterus contracts
to help expel its lining. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in
pain and inflammation, trigger the uterine muscle contractions. No one knows for
sure, but many experts believe that prostaglandins are the direct cause of
primary dysmenorrhea. Increased leukotriene level, a substance involved in
inflammation also may be a contributing factor.
The factors that
are responsible for secondary dysmenorrhea are as follows:
Certain factors like age
younger than 20, early onset of puberty (age 11 or younger) , heavy bleeding
during periods, depression or anxiety, attempts to lose weight (in women age 14
to 20) , never having delivered a baby and smoking are known to be responsible
for someone to suffer from dysmenorrhea. We can try a number of self-care
strategies to reduce the discomfort of primary dysmenorrhea. Once the pain
begins, soaking in a hot bath or using a heating pad on the abdomen may ease our
pain. We can also make some lifestyle changes to improve the overall health and
possibly decrease the severity of cramps. Exercising regularly will help in
increasing release of endorphins, which are body's natural painkillers. In
addition we should get adequate rest. Our body may be less vulnerable to pain
when we're well rested. Some women may find relief through massage, yoga or
meditation, all stress-relieving activities that may help to lessen pain and
aren't likely to harm us.
Role of Homeopathy in
Dysmenorrhea:
Homeopathic medicines are harmless, mild and free from
side effects. Homeopathic medicine for menstrual pain can give pain control
without any side effects. Constitutional homeopathic treatment helps to overcome
the recurrent problems of dysmenorrhea. Homeopathic medicines also give relief
in associated discomfort at general levels like fatigue, weakness, sleep
disturbance and emotional disturbance.
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