Some background + info, including alternative therapies --
Derived from the Greek words dys, meaning “difficult,” meno, meaning monthly, and rrhea, meaning “flow,” dysmenorrhea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramping.
Almost all menstruating women experience some cramping during their periods, referred to as either primary dysmenorrhea, which refers to "normal" menstrual pain, or secondary dysmenorrhea, which arises as a result of an underlying disease or disorder. The condition is among the leading complaint in women who present to their physicians for gynecologic pain. More than half of all menstruating women have pain associated with menses, and studies have shown that dysmenorrhea is one of the most common reasons women miss work and/or school. Nearly 10% of women with the condition are incapacitated for up to three days each month[1].
"Normal" menstrual cramps occur in almost all women due to the release of hormones known as prostaglandins. These are hormones produced by the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), which cause the uterus to contract, sometimes quite painfully, in order to expel the menstrual debris. Some women produce higher levels of prostaglandins than others, so they may hurt more. Increased prostaglandin production can also cause the distressing gastrointestinal symptoms some women may experience. Primary dysmenorrhea most commonly occurs within a few years of menarche (a woman’s first period), while secondary dysmenorrhea can occur years after the onset of menarche.
Pain with primary dysmenorrhea usually begins on or about the first day of a woman’s period and can last up to 72 hours. In a woman with secondary dysmenorrhea, she may have painful symptoms occurring a week or more prior to her period and lasting even after her flow has stopped. In the case of a woman who has secondary dysmenorrhea, there are other reasons for her pain, including diseases or conditions like Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, cervical stenosis, structural abnormalities in the vagina or uterus itself, fibroids, or similar concern.
Dysmenorrhea can be diagnosed based on symptoms, patient history, physical findings, and when appropriate, diagnostic tests such as vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy (an examination of the inside of the uterus) and/or hysterosalpingogram (an evaluation of the uterus and fallopian tubes). In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea, laparoscopic surgery can be very beneficial at affording a diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Symptoms often include painful pelvic or abdominal cramping, headache, suprapubic cramping (an area of the pelvis overlying the bladder), backache, pain radiating down into the thigh area, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and even syncope (a temporary of consciousness). Upon physical exam, those with primary dysmenorrhea exhibit normal vital signs and a tender uterus, but no cervical or ovarian abnormalities. Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea may exhibit varied vital signs depending on the underlying cause and may be found to have tenderness, nodules, and/or enlargement of the uterosacral ligaments, the rectovaginal septum or other adnexa (the region of the pelvis that encompasses the ovary, fallopian tube and surrounding broad ligament).
Treatment options are based on the underlying cause of the pain (primary v. secondary dysmenorrhea) and range from medical to alternative therapies. Commonly, Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen may be recommended to help with cramping, and more recently, COX-2 inhibitors have also been approved for treatment of dysmenorrhea. Prescription painkillers may also be recommended where appropriate. Combination (ethynylestradiol and progestin) oral contraceptives can also help reduce prostaglandin production, thereby alleviating the cramps. Heating pads can also offer temporary resolve of the pain. Avoidance of smoking (which has been shown increase cramps) and reduced intake or total avoidance of salt, sugar, high fat and dairy products, alcohol and caffeine can also afford relief, as can increasing the intake of fiber, calcium and complex carbohydrates. Recent studies also indicate that Vitamin B6 complex, calcium and magnesium supplements, and Omega III fatty acids (fish oil supplements) also may help relieve cramping. Pelvic massage, exercise (which releases endorphins, the body’s own natural painkillers), Yoga (the cat stretch and the pelvic tilt), visualization techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbs like Dong Quai, Ginseng, Stragalus root, Ligusticum root and White Peony root are also said to be helpful alternative techniques for managing the pain.
If Endometriosis or another disorder is the underlying or secondary cause for dysmenorrhea, you will benefit most from having the disease diagnosed and effectively removed. It is important to determine if the cramps are "normal," or if they could be due to another cause. Pain that is crippling or incapacitating is never normal and should be investigated as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be rendered.
Reference:
[1] Jamieson DJ, Steege JF. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, pelvic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome in primary care practices. Obstet Gynecol. 1996;87(1):55-58.
2006-07-20 07:20:35
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answer #1
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answered by Endo 6
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Go 2 any Indian Grocery store, ask 4, FENUGREEK or METHI SEEDS. Soak a spoon or little more in a water from, just da day b4 ur periods starts. (u must b knowing the xact / approx.time of ur period) u kn drink da water(clear yellow) or if u kn chew the well soaked fenugreek / methiseeds-I tell U it will b bitter. gives u da pain relief eventually. This is da only herbal remedy. May b if u r in india u may get some oder meds. with this combination in Ayurvedic drug store. wow wat a relief !!!!!!!!!
2006-07-20 03:25:04
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answer #2
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answered by Dr 4 evry 1 2
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2016-04-27 14:02:11
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answer #3
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answered by ? 3
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oh poor you! well i don't know over there but probably if you go to the market you can find some kind of tea that can help or try the following.
Put some oregano leaves into really hot water, the oregano will start getting the water in a sort of yellowish tea colour, that's fine! Now sieve it and drink the water! Believe me... it helps!
Good luck!
2006-07-20 02:53:12
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answer #4
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answered by ? 4
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Start taking Evening Primrose on a regular basis. You can get his at any health food or vitamine shop. Cut back on eating salt and sugar and fried foods.. especially 7-10 days before your next cycle and start drinking more cammomile tea.
2006-07-20 02:56:41
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answer #5
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answered by 247 4
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Uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, but can cause immense discomfort and lead to complications like anemia from heavy blood loss. In rare cases, they may cause complications that affect pregnancy.
In cases where there are no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, proper diagnosis and treatment may be required if your symptoms are severe or causing complications. Along with conventional treatment, you can try some natural home remedies. Read here https://tr.im/lePN0
2016-05-17 07:18:57
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answer #6
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answered by ? 2
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evening primrose oil helps and also try aquaban which is a herbal remedy for getting rid of water retention which will also help.
2006-07-20 02:50:47
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answer #7
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answered by plev66 2
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i really hate taking pills so what i do when i have period pain is sit over some warm water , what it does is eases the pain but doesn't stop it .hope it helps you.
2006-07-20 02:52:43
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answer #8
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answered by Tash x 2
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i was told by a herbal specialist to put anica gel on your tummy and it dulls the pain down, all so a hot water bottle.
2006-07-20 02:50:09
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answer #9
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answered by NATALIA A 1
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advil works, don't take tylonal. a certain ingredient in advil makes the pain go away that isn't in tylonel. also bananas help with period pain. but i don't like bananas so i haven't tried it but i heard it works
2006-07-20 02:54:01
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answer #10
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answered by complete_shopper 2
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