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reproductive system
Dysmenorrhea
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Dysmenorrhea includes Menstrual Cramps and Painful Periods
Menstrual cramps are pains in the back, abdomen, pelvis, or upper thighs that occur just before or after the menstrual period. The severity of the pain can range from mild discomfort to an excruciating intensity.
Menstrual cramps are often associated with a hormonal imbalance, a high fat diet, lack of calcium or magnesium, stress, or a history of being sexually abused. The pain is produced by a change in hormone levels that occurs during menstruation and causes contractions in the uterus.
There may also be a more serious underlying cause. If the pain is severe, if the severity or duration of the pain becomes worse than it has been previously, or bowel movements are painful, consult a physician.
Many women have found that their cramps stop or diminish when they switch from using tampons to using pads. Having an IUD removed may also eliminate a source of menstrual pain and tension.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Vitamin B-complex 50 milligrams twice a day.
2. Folic acid 2 milligrams per day.
3. Calcium 1,200 milligrams per day. The best sources are calcium citrate, calcium from oyster shells, or calcium amino acid chelate.
4. Magnesium 400 to 800 milligrams per day.
5. Bromelain (an enzyme from pineapples) 500 milligrams, 3 times per day between meals on days when symptoms are present.
REGARDING THE PROPER DIET FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS:
Throughout the month:
1. Reduce the use of fats such as butter, margarine, cheeses, and meat.
2. Decrease or eliminate consumption of caffeine, found mostly in coffee, black tea, sodas, chocolate, and some over-the-counter medications. Read the product labels.
3. As much as possible, avoid sugar foods such as candy, cake, and cookies and refined carbohydrates such as white flour products.
4. Drink at least 8 cups of liquid a day in the form of water, diluted fruit and vegetable juices, soups, and herb teas.
5. Overeating or being overweight can often worsen menstrual cramps. Eating light meals on the 3 days previous to the menstrual period and throughout it may, in these cases, greatly relieve cramping.
HERBS USED FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS:
The following 3 herbs are used in combination, starting about 2 days before the cramps usually appear: Cramp Bark, Wild Yam, and Black Cohosh.
Simmer 1/2 ounce of each in 3 pints of boiling water for 15 minutes. You can grate and add a small piece of Ginger Root, and you can also add honey and lemon for taste. Cool and drink 1 cup at least 3 to 6 times a day.
If these herbs are used as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, take 1/2 teaspoon of each 3 to 6 times a day.
PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. To ease cramps and pain, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen or back.
2. Rub castor oil on your abdomen and cover with plastic and a warm towel on top. Rest in this way for 1 1/2 hours once a day.
3. Regular exercise can be helpful in preventing cramps. Try taking a brisk walk, jogging, swimming, or doing your favorite sport 4 times a week on regular basis.
4. Acupuncture has been very helpful in dealing with menstrual cramps and the problems that underlie this condition. Look for a licensed practitioner in your area.
5. Pay special attention to keeping warm. Use extra blankets, sweaters, and thermal under-wear if necessary.
6. Be sure to get adequate rest.
7. Deeply massage the muscles of your lower back. You can receive a massage about 3 days before your period is due or just before you expect the cramps.
HOMEOPATHY:
Magnesia phos. 30c: Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue every hour until cramps are relieved.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for women with painful periods. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.